First Day in Santa Margherita

View of Santa Margerhita from the Stanbrook Villa

Sept 14
Here we are in Santa Margherita, waiting for Julia and Clive to pick us up for dinner on their way back from the airport. The trudge to the train was really not all that bad. We lightened our suitcases by adding to our backpacks. Some of the biggest weight offenders are all the books we brought with us. I had tried to rip out only the pertinent, but it still is a load. We changed trains in Sestri Levanti and arrived in SM just about noon. We hauled our suitcases through town to our new digs which are delightful. It is an old house that was converted to be a B & B. The room is light and airy and perfect for us. A quick unpacking and we were on our way to grab something to eat and see a little of the town. Delicious mussels and seafood spagetti with a side of absolutely scrumptious eggplant. We headed off towards Portofino for an after lunch bout of exercise. We have been blessed with lovely weather but I guess it has only been recently nice. As a result, the beaches are quite full with late season sun worshippers. I wish I had brought my scuba documentation so I could have taken my open water test here on the Italian Riviera, oh well, next time!

We did not get all the way to Portofino today as we ran out of sidewalk/boardwalk and the way people drive on the road between the two towns, one would think they were practicing for the Grand Prix! There are some amazing villas overlooking the water and the wedding we are going to is in one of them so that will be fun. We hope to do some of the hikes in the Parc di Portofino tomorrow and the next day to help work off all the delicious treats we are experiencing. As a matter of fact, off to the Stanbrook’s rental villa for dinner...

Had such a nice with some of the Stanbrook clan in their wonderful villa the rented for the week to house much of the family who are here for the wedding festivities.The villa overlooks the town of Santa Margherita and is set on a beautiful property. Our favorite part of the house was the outdoor kitchen and sitting area as it would be so much fun to have such a spot in one’s house. Dinner started with a delicious bowl of melon laced with a touch of porto. I was surprised to like it as porto usually has too strong an alcohol taste for my liking. The second course was a delicious mixed seafood risotto filled with all sorts of clams, mussels, and other fish. This course was followed by a fish plate. Each person had a tin foil wrapped fish that had been stuffed with herbs as well as a plate of salad. Dessert was cheese and/or a warm fig dish that was scrumptious. It was great fun seeing everyone and having time to talk as I am sure the bridal dinner and wedding will not offer such an opportunity.