Jackie Steves Blogs Europe - I Miss Traveling with My Family, but Only a Little...Night out Dancing in Monterosso

Home > News & Events > Jackie Steves Blogs Europe

I Miss Traveling with My Family, but Only a Little...Night out Dancing in Monterosso

I miss traveling with my family, which is kind of funny because I haven't exactly enjoyed traveling with them in the past. I love my family to death, but teenage brother and sister, a mom trying her best to keep them peaceful and happy, and a busy dad working to research his guidebooks do not do well when stuck in a single hotel room or taxi. It's nearly impossible to satisfy everyone's interests and wants. Everyone is hungry, hot, or tired at different times. It's not pretty.

That's why, for the past few years, I have looked forward to experiencing Europe independently with a girlfriend. I love the independence we have to sleep in more, go to just the museums we want to, choose our own itinerary, and go out at night. I like the feeling of responsibility that comes with doing the travel work, but there are times when I wish my dad could do the talking to the hotel receptionist, when my mom could take care of my stomachache, or when my brother could crack a joke and make me laugh.

The Blue Marlin Bar, where I check my email frequently in Vernazza, is run by three cute, friendly, 20-something-year-olds. Yesterday two of them told me there was going to be a party in Monterosso, and my friends and I should go with them on their boat. So we stopped by later that night, and while we waited until they closed the bar at midnight, they made us exotic cocktails. We drove with them in their little speedboat to the adjacent town. The view from the water of the glowing hillside Cinque Terre villages and the stars was magnificent.

The party was outside in a square, with a makeshift bar and a DJ. We had a great time dancing to European pop and techno. The party ended at what must have been around 2:00 in the morning.

About This Entry

You are reading "I Miss Traveling with My Family, but Only a Little...Night out Dancing in Monterosso", an entry posted on 17 July 2008 by Jackie Steves.

6 replies to this entry. Add your comment below.

Previous Entry, Four Girls and Three Lazy Days on the Beach in Vernazza, posted Jul 16 2008

Next Entry, Padua Is Only Good for Cheap Pizza and Downtime, posted Jul 18 2008

Comments [ top ]

A little parental whew! Glad you returned safely from the party!

Posted by: Audrey in Keizer, OR - Jul 17, 2008 2:43 PM

Jackie, I continue to enjoy your blog and am glad you are having fun and learning more about the world, yourself and your family. In the immortal words of Red Green, "Keep your stick on the ice!" (Ok, that was corny, but it just seemed right.)

Posted by: Kimbra - Jul 17, 2008 6:10 PM

Jackie, Glad you are having fun. As a mother it is nice to know you are thinking of your family.

Posted by: Jesse - Jul 18, 2008 10:45 AM

Jackie I have enjoyed your blog as much as I did your brothers and your dads! But are you trying to give your dad a heartattack! I know Europe seems safer than the US, but still be really careful! And have fun!

Posted by: Judy - Jul 19, 2008 3:15 PM

Hi, Jackie, Nice to read your blog. I have traveled Europe all my life as my parents originated from Italy. Yes, Europe is a safe place, generally speaking, but your trip in a speedboat after having exotic cocktails with the fellas from Vernazza's internet cafe really worried me. Don't forget that many teens are reading this blog. This gives the impression that alcohol was involved, and it would not be in the best interest of our youth to write that traveling in a speedboat over water after supposedly having consumed alcohol is in anyone's best interest. The waters around the Cinque Terre can be quite rough, especially late at night after a party. Travel safely

Posted by: Darlene - Jul 22, 2008 8:56 AM

The Blue Marlin Bar is a blast and I remember how cute the bartenders were and everyone was very nice and friendly. I have stayed in Vernazza 3 times at one of your Dad's recommended location, Elisabetta's Villa high on the hill. It sounds like you and Jules are having a wonderful time and as a seasoned traveller I'm sure your parents are not worried and trust your judgement. As the parent of an 18 year old who I put on a plane to Thailand this morning, I can only say how jealous I am that I wasn't as brave and adventurous as my son and you are. Have a great trip and be sure to enjoy your evenings in Venice when all the tourist leave it is so beautiful and lots of fun.

Posted by: JOAN HAGER - Jul 22, 2008 10:29 AM