JEWEL OF THE RIVERIA

 
One of my first views of Portofino as we arrived!

We arrived well, and I'm happy to report that my little pep pills got me through the 13-hour flight! Truth be told I was flying before we even took off!!!  That and a few gin and tonics. The trip did not disappoint. Warbucks even spent three days with us to my surprise for my birthday! So it was great to see him. Portofino Italy is one of those picture-perfect postcard places you recognize. One can't mistake the iconic U-shaped port, flanked by massive hills and mountains, with tidy row of similar, multicolored homes and building snaking up and into the hills, and villas nestled in the hills as well. Boats and yachts could be seen bobbing in the small harbor...there really is not a bad view or sight wherever you looked. Portofino was on my buck list for some time, and we also hit up Capi, Lake Como and Cinque Terre. So, what was so great about Portofino? For me it was just for pure relaxation, eating, drinking, and walking, more drinking, and beautiful views We had no set schedule, and did no planning, just went with the wind. I didn't want the hub bub of a big city. And the weather was perfect, still in the high 70's. After the flight, then an hour car ride, and finally a ferry took us down the coast to Portofino. A great way to arrive for the first time. I think my jaw dropped. It was also the perfect time to go as the tourist season was over, and by the end of November, I understand becomes a ghost town and just about everything closes. But it can be quite year-round too, say compared to a city environment. It was a much need trip.

Portofino isn't very big and although it's not easy to get "lost", you will definitely enjoy climbing up, down, and in between all the color houses and walking town streets to see all the eateries, flower and produce stands, and handi craft stands. Our hotel, The Splendido Hotel, not as rumors got around of the Hotel Portofino from the Itv show, lol...was very swank, yet charming, and the hotel and room had great views to the harbor, and the staff was top notch. They even unpacked our bags! They even insisted! Since we were spending more time at the hotel, we didn't mind paying more for our room. The concierge told us Elizabeth Taylor actually stayed there twice, along with a few other golden Hollywood royals.

Our hotel was the long building almost at the top of the hill. Spectacular views.

I also enjoyed my first Campari and soda!!!!!

The elaborately painted buildings and homes are a unique distinction that sets the Ligurian region apart from all the other regions in Italy. The tall terrace houses were built high to conserve space and decoratively painted to appeal to the eye. But this isn't to say we didn't sight see. We did take a few days to tour some churches, a lighthouse and an abbey, and other areas of the Riveria. I think the pictures for this post speak for themselves. I'm already to head back. The one thing that caught me off guard as the lack of fall foliage. But as MM#!1 Fan told me, notice all their trees were not of maple, oak and the like here, but all other kinds of tree and plants. The only color we really saw as in Lake Como of tree turning.

Who's ready? I'm going back next week!