Portofino gelato
Being the lazy sot that I was, I'm post-dating this journal entry just so that I've got some continuity in my journal, and that my babbling about Portofino, Italy sort've falls in the correct chronological spot in my journal, too. Of course, that might mean a lot of people might miss the entry, but who wants to hear about scenic views and crystal clear blue water, anyway?
We started our Portofino day early and we're really glad that we did. We took an early tender out with only a handful of fellow passengers; being on a Sunday in a predominately Catholic area, the town was still pretty sleepy. Most shops were closed and there were very few people out in the streets. This meant that I had the wonderful luxury of getting a lot of photos of Portofino with-out it being filled with tourists! First thing we did was take a little wander around the harbour (quite small, so was part of the reason we had to tender in). Once we were done with the harbour we followed a narrow set of stairs that lead up into the surrounding hills. From the ship we could see a light-house on the horn of Portofino that helps shape the harbour, and it was suggested that we try making that our first objective.
The climb was really nice, and a shocking reminder of perhaps how out of shape I was. Once we'd gotten to the top of the steps (probably about 4 or 5 storeys in height) we followed a narrow paved path that lead around the side of the mountain. Everything was covered in vines and flowers, with gated arches leading to private residences. At the peak of the path was a small castle that would most likely offer a commanding view of the bay. Unfortunately, the whole Sunday thing kicked in again, so we could only admire the castle from the outside before we continued on. Along the path we encountered dozens of little lizards that were dark coloured on the bottom and almost a fluorescent green on their backs. Luckily, a couple of them decided to be hams for the camera, so I may actually have the ability to look up what these little critters are.
Finally making our way to the lighthouse, we had a great view of the sea. The water was spectacular, having the most amazing blue colour... which was especially visible in the foam where the waves hit upon the rocks.
After admiring this view for a while, Mandy and I retraced our steps on the path and then took a fork in the road (instead of going back down the stairs) which took us down to the centre of town. Now shops were starting to open, and the little grocers shops had their full display of fresh fruit and vegetables setup. I do sort've regret not buying a couple nectarines to snack on, but at the same time there is also that vague worry about eating food that is locally grown... and it could be something as simple as it being washed in water that your body takes an objection to... but the colours made everything look so fresh and appealing! So we did the next best thing.
We felt that our hike up the mountain and back down afforded us the luxury of buying some gelati. At two different places. One after the other. But they were on opposite sides of town, so that makes it okay. By some weird set of logic. By about noon we felt we had exhausted most of the possibilities of town (it is quite small, though there are regular buses to other close by towns), and decided to pack things in for the day. After all, a morning of lounging is best followed by an afternoon of different-lounging!
Portofino certainly did have a great deal of charm, though. And of course, for a prairie boy it takes a bit of getting used to an area where it is easier to get into your boat, tie up to the metal wring outside the store and do your shopping, but I'm certain it is something I wouldn't mind dealing with again!
We started our Portofino day early and we're really glad that we did. We took an early tender out with only a handful of fellow passengers; being on a Sunday in a predominately Catholic area, the town was still pretty sleepy. Most shops were closed and there were very few people out in the streets. This meant that I had the wonderful luxury of getting a lot of photos of Portofino with-out it being filled with tourists! First thing we did was take a little wander around the harbour (quite small, so was part of the reason we had to tender in). Once we were done with the harbour we followed a narrow set of stairs that lead up into the surrounding hills. From the ship we could see a light-house on the horn of Portofino that helps shape the harbour, and it was suggested that we try making that our first objective.
The climb was really nice, and a shocking reminder of perhaps how out of shape I was. Once we'd gotten to the top of the steps (probably about 4 or 5 storeys in height) we followed a narrow paved path that lead around the side of the mountain. Everything was covered in vines and flowers, with gated arches leading to private residences. At the peak of the path was a small castle that would most likely offer a commanding view of the bay. Unfortunately, the whole Sunday thing kicked in again, so we could only admire the castle from the outside before we continued on. Along the path we encountered dozens of little lizards that were dark coloured on the bottom and almost a fluorescent green on their backs. Luckily, a couple of them decided to be hams for the camera, so I may actually have the ability to look up what these little critters are.
Finally making our way to the lighthouse, we had a great view of the sea. The water was spectacular, having the most amazing blue colour... which was especially visible in the foam where the waves hit upon the rocks.
After admiring this view for a while, Mandy and I retraced our steps on the path and then took a fork in the road (instead of going back down the stairs) which took us down to the centre of town. Now shops were starting to open, and the little grocers shops had their full display of fresh fruit and vegetables setup. I do sort've regret not buying a couple nectarines to snack on, but at the same time there is also that vague worry about eating food that is locally grown... and it could be something as simple as it being washed in water that your body takes an objection to... but the colours made everything look so fresh and appealing! So we did the next best thing.
We felt that our hike up the mountain and back down afforded us the luxury of buying some gelati. At two different places. One after the other. But they were on opposite sides of town, so that makes it okay. By some weird set of logic. By about noon we felt we had exhausted most of the possibilities of town (it is quite small, though there are regular buses to other close by towns), and decided to pack things in for the day. After all, a morning of lounging is best followed by an afternoon of different-lounging!
Portofino certainly did have a great deal of charm, though. And of course, for a prairie boy it takes a bit of getting used to an area where it is easier to get into your boat, tie up to the metal wring outside the store and do your shopping, but I'm certain it is something I wouldn't mind dealing with again!