The weather in Rapallo has turned decidedly cold and rainy. But before it did we had two and a half weeks of awesome-ness. I love the photogenic castle in downtown Rapallo. There is something majestic and enduring about it (it has, after all, been around longer than the USA has!). Some days it's a steady island in the placid water. Other days it defies the crashing waves, making for spectacular battles between man and sea. There was even a day where a cloud formation over the bay brought the appearance of a UFO coming to the city. |
We made an excursion to Portofino-- a favorite destination for the rich and über-rich. It's a lovely little area and we got to see it on a warm, sunny day. But we can no longer pretend we are catching the tail end of the tourist season. Most of the shops in Portofino were closed, including most restaurants. The prices at those places that ARE open are eye-popping. We spent about an hour there with Sojourner's parents who came to visit for a few days. The kids managed to have a good time, too.
I love the way the sea and the land embrace one another in these Ligurian towns. The combination of fishermen's boats and sailboats in the same space make a composition that casts a harsh shadow on the ever-growing divide between the upper and lower classes in America. I can't help but think that if Portofino were transported to the U.S. there would be fences and warnings of "KEEP OUT" and "PRIVATE PROPERTY" to keep the riffraff away from the best parts. |