Portofina Italy

Trip Start Sep 12, 2008
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Trip End Sep 29, 2008


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Where I stayed
Oceania Cruise lines
(Rome hotels)

Flag of Italy  ,
Monday, September 15, 2008

  Portofina and Santa Margherita - We did not sleep well last night due to rolling seas! I never did hear the alarm clock this morning - Carol had to wake me!  A fast shower, a small breakfast out on the back terrace where the sky was a beautiful blue as was the water, back to our room and then off to see Portofino, Italy which is an extension of the French Riviera. We were taken in by our ships Tender to this very quaint town and then on a walking tour - a lot of up and downs but the view was fantastic and the tall, dense and colorful homes were picturesque. They can paint them as needed, but never any color other than the original. We visited the Brown Castle where several movies have been filmed, including Enchanted April, The Bold and the Beautiful and Tea with Mussolini. On out to a point where a lighthouse sits with a commanding view in all directions. After this strenuous walk we returned to the harbor to ride a large taxi boat for a 15 minute ride to Santa Margherita. It is a larger and more commercial town where we spent some time walking around the narrow streets. It had started to rain shortly after we disembarked the ship and while in a beautiful church it began to thunder and pour rain. I used the camping rain poncho, bright yellow and made to cover someone 4 ft tall by 4 ft wide-I felt like the flying nun in it!   Carol said I looked like a very large banana! We have had rain every day since leaving Chicago, which we see has been flooded by the tail of Hurricane Ike. Hope Charlie had gotten out of town before it hit. Back to the ship where we had a somewhat sensible lunch, up to the room for a siesta and fell asleep immediately waking at 5:45, just in time to dress for the Captains Welcome Champagne Reception in the Lounge. Very enjoyable with introductions, a 12 piece band, dancing, canapés and drinks. But as we are about the only singles on board no dancing for us.  We left intending to head back down to the buffet and eat a light snack, but as we neared the Grand Dining Room we were pulled in. I had creamed asparagus soup, Carol had the salad, I had ˝ of a Black Angus!! A huge piece of delicious meat while Carol had Roasted Chicken. Then we just could not pass up the dessert - so much for a light snack! We had a couple on one side from Gresham Oregon and a couple from Naples Florida on the other. This couple had been married 53 years and were just delightful - well, both couples were! Finally back to the room where our bed is turned down and chocolate bar laying on the bed waiting for two tired ladies.
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