Being Sunday, we are starting off a bit on the slow side. We had a bit of a tough night sleeping due to way too much cappuccino and caffe espresso very late in the day......still have not fully adjusted our systems!
The day started out beautiful. Rather than the hazy clouds of yesterday, we had much more distinct white cumulus type clouds on the horizon this morning, set against a bright blue sky. At breakfast we all debated possibly going to Portofino for the afternoon, but ultimately decided the 'Sunday/Holiday' combination would probably be a guarantee for crowds and traffic. In the end, some of us headed to the studios, while Erika and Robin decided to try to make it to the top of Mount Ilario.
By lunch, the clouds had moved in quite aggressively from another direction - and we actually had a downpour shower around noon. It turns out that Robin and Erika were caught up on the mountain and got thoroughly soaked. They had hiked above the trails and stairways and finally arrived at the top elevation through some marginal slopeside trails, discovering a WWII German pillbox bunker along the way. The mountains all around this area experienced heavy fighting during the war. By the time they got back, they had missed lunch (but we put plates in the fridge for them). To say they were exhausted and worn out would be kind!
After lunch we headed upstairs to relax and work a bit in the studio. By mid-afternoon, the air had changed and the clouds had moved out.
We drove up further into the hills above Bogliasco to find a town named San Bernardo. We had heard that there was a great little restaurant hidden away there with remarkable views. We wanted to check it out.......and had also heard that there might be a "Fava and Sausage" festival there today. We had seen a poster in Bogliasco that made this event seem interesting. The road was a real twister, but we negotiated our way to the top......a dead end in a small town square......which contained both the restaurant, 'Il Tipico" and the closing moments of the festival.
It appeared that they had eaten all the fava beans, and only a little sausage was left.......and a table with an older townsman pouring wine into plastic cups. Everyone seemed to be moving into a small building on the square where very loud folk music (clearly an accordion or two) and a fair amount of dancing & singing was going on. I took a short video from outside, but was feeling a bit like an obnoxious tourist. To say we were outsiders would be an understatement! In any case, it was a surprising place, quite beautiful with amazing views. We are thinking about going back to the restaurant for a special meal!
With the late afternoon bringing beautiful sun and blue sky, we decided to continue our drive down to Camogli for a little gelato and some 'gift' shopping. Along the way we stopped at Basko (market) for some essentials. The store was quiet due to the holiday, and we had a nice chat with the cashier, whose name was also Andrea, though a male!
Camogli did not disappoint in the late afternoon sun. We have been there four times now and think it is our favorite town in this area. The colors of the buildings and unique layout of the town on the sea is breathtaking.
We got a better look at the large fry pan and cooking structure that will be used for next Sunday's celebration (look closely in the photo above)......what a spectacle this will be. We discussed it at dinner and are not sure we are up for the crowds. What a crazy idea!
Back to Bogliasco late in the day for dinner and a late night discussion......off to bed around 10
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