We’ve just hiked from Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino – two beautiful little towns on the Italian Riviera. We hadn’t done our homework, so the hike was more than we had bargained for. We didn’t know that we’d pass through a little hideaway called Paraggi. And we especially didn’t know we’d be hiking through a wild boar-infested forest. But we made it. Now it’s time to take a break in Portofino. Continue reading “Take a Break in Portofino”
The Hike to Portofino
If you’re thinking about making the hike to Portofino from Santa Margherita Ligure, be advised that it’s farther than it looks on a map. It’s do-able, though. In fact, we just did it. Well, almost. We’re sitting on a bench along the trail where we can look down the hillside to see our destination. OK, let’s go. We’re thirsty! Continue reading “The Hike to Portofino”
Hey, Let’s Walk to Portofino!
The coastline between Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino is beautiful. We’re somewhere along there now, although we’re not sure exactly where. After having lunch in Santa Margherita Ligure, I had this great idea – “Hey, let’s walk to Portofino!” I had read that it’s possible. Now I’m not so sure. Continue reading “Hey, Let’s Walk to Portofino!”
Lunchtime in Santa Margherita Ligure
It’s lunchtime in Santa Margherita Ligure. After our bus ride that didn’t happen, we found a nice little “ristorante” that has a view of the marina. While we’re having lunch, we’re going to make a plan for the next few days. We’ll go to Cinque Terre for sure. Portofino, Chiavari, Sestri Levante, and Levanto are some other potential destinations. So much to do on the Italian Rivieria, so little time. But right now, it’s lunchtime. Mangia! Continue reading “Lunchtime in Santa Margherita Ligure”
Santa Margherita Ligure Bus Ride – or Not!
It’s a sunny morning in Santa Margherita Ligure, on the Italian Riviera – perfect weather for a side-trip to Portofino. The little harbor at Portofino is a playground of the rich and famous. It’s just north of here. We’ve been told that taking the local bus is a great way to get there. What could be more fun than a Santa Margherita Ligure bus ride? Continue reading “Santa Margherita Ligure Bus Ride – or Not!”
Waking Up in Santa Margherita Ligure
It always takes a few minutes to get adjusted when waking up in a new town. I crawled out of bed and opened the curtains to take a look outside. I saw palm trees, a sandy beach, and the blue water of the Mediterranean Sea. People on motor-scooters were whizzing around like they were late for work. A few big clouds were hanging around, but mostly there was sunshine. Ahhh… waking up in Santa Margherita Ligure. It’s a beautiful thing! Continue reading “Waking Up in Santa Margherita Ligure”
Benvenuti a Santa Margherita Ligure!
We have reached our destination – Santa Margherita Ligure. (Say it like you’re Italiano. It will sound like music!) Santa Margherita Ligure is on the Italian Riviera, 25 miles south of Genoa. This part of Italy is Liguria, named after the Ligurian people who lived here thousands of years ago. Let’s go see what life is like on the Italian Riviera. Continue reading “Benvenuti a Santa Margherita Ligure!”
Close Encounter of the Bugatti Kind
It’s raining on the fertile plains of northwestern Italy. We don’t care. We just had a great lunch in Parma. Now we’re driving southwest on the A15 toward La Spezia. We’ll leave the A15 to head north toward Rapallo, then to Santa Margherita Ligure. Little did we know that before we’d reach our destination, we would have a close encounter of the Bugatti kind. Continue reading “Close Encounter of the Bugatti Kind”
Bad Karma in Parma
When we left Parma after that fantastic lunch, we thought we had probably had our last Parmesian experience. That turned out not to be the case. Continue reading “Bad Karma in Parma”
Cosa Sono I Gamberi?
Parma is a bustling college town in north-central Italy, about halfway between Milan and Florence. We’ve stopped here for lunch while driving from Bellagio to Santa Margherita Ligure. I thought I knew what I was doing when we ordered, but I should have included a question in my order: Cosa sono i gamberi? (What are gamberi?) Continue reading “Cosa Sono I Gamberi?”
