A quiet escape in Italy

RIOMAGGIORE, Italy - Far from the spinning postcard racks, the camera-wielding tour groups, the blare of the train whistle and the lyrical background noise of everyday Italy - far from everything, but not too far - there is silence. In this Mediterranean seaside village, one of five towns that make up Cinque Terre, the silence fills an alley so narrow you can touch both walls with outstretched hands. There is no one around, no birds or airplanes above, no white noise, no Vespa scooters with their ubiquitous rumble. It is a moment to stand, be still and absorb.