we're half-way through our excursion around nothern italy
next stay is milan with a few stops planned along the way
but first we go cross-city in la spazia to the europcar office
this journey revealing the size and layout of this coastal city
we also spot the italian naval flotilla that has it's base here
wifi units are swapped and then we set controls for portofino
this involves the usual tangle of roads, ramps and roundabouts
eventually finding ourselves on the autostrade and bound north
we travel quickly through multiple tunnels and admire the views
hills, bush and occasional coastal glimpses dominate the outlook
upon hitting the coast the first town we come to is santa margherita
looking very inviting too and a similarity to the cool amalfi coast
tempted to stop but we push on until we are stopped by the police
gulp - but fear not - we are informed portofino parking is full
choice - go away or park back a way and walk or take a bus
google tells us it's a 45 minute walk - not in this heat thanks
before long we are crammed into a bus of like-minded tourists
and more bodily contact than wanted on the twisting coastal road
spilling out at portofino is a relief as we then head down to the sea
judging by the name brand shops seen this town is moneyed up
silver service restaurants looking for customers but we pass by
the boats moored in the bay tell the same story - mega-richness
one huge cruiser in particular that sniffs at every other vessel
we follow a walkway around one side of the bay just looking
a wine shop is spotted with some food on offer and take a seat
as we do an unexpected and huge bolt of lightning cracks the sky
it looks like the tall mask of a moored yacht has been the catalyst
frightening really - and then the rain starts as we place our order
it buckets down for a few minutes as we huddle under the umbrella
all good fun really as we eat, drink and watch before heading back
more window shopping as we admire this quite beautiful town
it is clearly well loved and looked after and requires more time
but not today - we are back on a less crowded bus and return
into the car and we head to genoa - 1 hour on the autostrade
often heard of but not much known about this large port city
it's a cursory visit only as we park the car and walk to the centre
on the way we spot a large undercover food market - visit? yep!
it's quiet and some shops closed but there are many that are trading
we buy an assortment of fresh fruits and resist seafood and cheese
prices - so cheap - further confirmation that italy is foodie heaven
we enjoy an iced coffee cocktail and a selection of italian cakes
a brief wander in the city and again a case of more time needed
but push on we must - milan here we come - actually cislago
a small town just north of milan where we have a house booked
the rendezvous is made, keys exchanged and then a sortie made
we are in a very quiet town - good - with only a few food options
we enter a supermarket just before 8pm and are evicted shortly after
but enough food for a home-made meal and local sparkling red wine
a long day of travel completed and some excitement about a day in milan...
