Portofino and Pisa
Trip Start
Jul 25, 2008
1
42
56
Trip End
Sep 18, 2008
This morning we headed off for Portofino which is only a few kilometers from Rapallo. We were going to go by boat, however it was quite windy and the boat was cancelled, so we drove around some very narrow roads on a rugged coastline into the picturesque village of Portofino. Once a romantic fishing village, Portofino is now one of Italy's most exclusive resorts. The pastel coloured buildings which surround the bay, house luxurious hotels, and chic boutiques whilst the harbour plays host to some seriously expensive luxury yachts. Amongst the expensive little shops there were plenty of souvenir shops and lovely little eateries around the port. From Portofino we got onto the highway and went through tunnels and bridges through the hilly to mountainous areas of Northern Italy. Some mountains had the remains of last year's snow and I'm sure the area would be very pretty through Winter. We pulled in to Pisa to see the famous Piazza dei Miracoli with the unique leaning tower. Even seeing it again, I am amazed that it is still standing at the angle it is. Its construction began something like 1178 and over hundreds of years been added to including trying to correct the lean. Tonight we stayed at Villa I Barronci in the heart of Chianti, on the highest hill of San Casciano Val di Pesa village, just 15 kilometers outside of Florence. This is where David, Kylie and Hunter (Graham's newest grandson) were staying. Dinner was out in the lovely garden surrounded by pine and olive trees. We had to try something different whilst in Tuscany so I had stewed rabbit which was superb and Graham had tripe done in a tomato sauce which was also tasty.
