The Italian Riviera (Sunday 4th August 2013)

Today we left Torino and headed for a few days on the Italian Riviera. Turin is a great city to visit made even better by our hosts Federica and Pier at Al Pipetira. They are a a lovely young couple for whom nothing is too much trouble. The B&B is very comfortable, tastefully furnished and decorated and in a great location on the edge of the city. Walking into the centre of town is no problem and the No 4 and No 15 tram go by the door.

Just to top off the wonderful hospitality of our hosts Pier insisted he drive us into Porta Nuova train station for the trip to Rapallo.

We arrived at the station about 40 minutes before the 11:05 Intercity train departed. Kerry suggested I try the automated ticket machine which was a breeze. The only issue was trying to get two seats together, which after a few attempts I did. Cost was 21 euros each for a reserved seat on the 2.25 hr journey. Other cheaper but longer trips were available for half the cost. We found our seats and waited only 15 minutes before the train rolled out of the station, 

Our little compartment seated six which has two spare seats for most of the journey. It stopped at Genoa and a couple of other stations along the way. Numerous times we entered long, dark tunnels as the train cut its way through the mountains. One of our traveling companions took great delight in explaining to us that his 500ml Coke bottle actually contained his favorite Vino Rosso which he used to wash down the sandwiches he had for lunch.

Right on time we arrived in Rapallo. It was warm outside so we caught a cab to the Hotel Villa Luisa. 12 euros for a 5 minute cab ride was hard to swallow, but what can you do? At least our trip to the station in Turin was unexpectedly free.

The Hotel Villa Luisa is a lovely hotel nor far from the middle of town. It is appointed in classic Franco Cozzo style with marble floors, comfortable Italian lounge chairs, ornate mirrors, chandeliers, art-work and other fittings. I'd have been disappointed if it were anything else. Our room is in the first floor and is similarly furnished. Bewdiful!! 

We walked down towards the beach enjoying a gelati on the way. Rapallo is a compact little community which has a wonderful feel to it. We had our first experience of private beaches. We walked into one like we owned the joint, as you do, and wondered around. No doubt we stood out like the proverbial but thought we'd just keep going until we were kicked out. Sure enough, after 15 minutes a chap came up and pointed out that we “do not have a lounge chair reserved on the beach” or, in plain language “Get out!”. So we did. To get a lounge chair on the beach costs 30 euros for the day!!. I'd like to see the Title document that gives them ownership of the water.

We wandered down the sea-side promenade, stopped for a drink at a bar, sat ans watch some ballet dancers practicing for tonight's performance on a stage by the beach and then strolled back through the markets to a chinese restaurant for tea. Kerry couldn't walk by the markets without buying some jewelery. Me, I was more interested in the electric cars and scooters on display and the mounted photographs of all the music and cinemas stars of the 60's and 70's. Emily you would have loved it and probably bought something. As we ate dinner at the prime outdoor table we sat and watched the scooters continuously buzz up and down the street. My desire to buy a Vespa is coming to the for once again!

We strolled home through the back streets of Rapallo for a relatively early night.