Portofino and Sante Margherita Ligure

Another sunny day, we were so lucky, so we drove out to Portofino, a beautiful but very small place, we were really pleased we went. We didn't do much, just had a coffee next to the sea, that was an expensive coffee, but worth the views! Walked round to the other side then climbed up towards the castle, which unfortunately was closed this particular day! Restoration work..Never mind.



We then carried on around to Sante Margherita Ligure. We didn't stay very long, as we were unsure about the parking, and couldn't find a meter, but we were lucky, got away with it.


It was a glorious sunny day, and worth the drive!

Another day out in Italy...

We decided that we would like to see more of the small towns along the coast, and we were not disappointed..today we went to Finale Ligure. The town has a beautiful beach, and the walk along the promenade is stunning, with all the Palm trees and lovely little cafes and restaurants to stop at.


The weather was fantastic for November, and I was amazed at all the people out, it was great. Lots of families, groups of older people, all sitting there chatting away.

From here we drove on to Noli. This little place was buzzing when we got there. Everyone eating out on the front, a small market just finishing, and and Art Exhibition going on. We had a quick walk round the small town, and I mean quick, my husband was hungry. We went to the busiest little cafe, with all the Italians, and had Fritto Misto...what a treat that was...very tasty!!!


Perfect way to end a very enjoyable sunny day!

Crazy Cat!!

I still have lots more to write and lots of editing photos to do of our holiday. It takes a while, especially as I visited quite a few places and took loads of photos!! So bear with me please.

In the meantime here is a couple of pictures of my mother-in-laws cat, who only really likes drinking from the tap yes the tap!! She has always done this..just jumps up on the side, and waits for you to turn the tap on..

Google Map of Our Holiday

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Birthday Meal in Colletta .....

Whilst on holiday it was my husbands birthday, so I decided to treat us to another meal in the restaurant in our village. We had eaten there on the second night of our hols, and what a meal it was!!! Only thing was, if we calculated the price in pounds it turned out to be quite expensive but oh so worth it!!

Now we could not of got a restaurant closer to us!! If you look at the picture above, you will see a little red door in the top left, up the steps, that is our apartment, and you will see the door on the right --- that was our restaurant, how brilliant is that.!!

The first meal we had was a "meat" feast, my husband loves his meat, I don't mind, but thought maybe fish this time. So I spoke to Dianos who was the barman, he spoke english quite well, and in turn he spoke to the chef Giorgio..all understood, very good. They also asked if I would like a special cake/tart, fine I said. Grazie, Arrivederci.

The evening of the 20th arrived, and we made our way down ..Ordered some wine, and chatted for a while. Whilst chatting though Dianos kept appearing with small containers with fish..you name it, small shrimps,huge prawns, crayfish, mullet, squid..A fantastic choice. Giorgio had gone out that afternoon, and bought the freshiest fish I have every seen..he was only feeding us!! We were amazed, even hubby decided to have fish as well. We were not disappointed, never had such a meal.

The plate on the bottom right is Mullet with Artichokes..(Carciofi in Italian)

Here is the tart that Girgio made a few hours before our meal..just for us!

A fantastic birthday meal and one we will never forget!

Please click on photos to enlarge.

Nearly Missed it......

I have just realized, my last post was my 200th post....Wow, I nearly didn't manage the first post, it was Sally in Norfolk, who encouraged me to start, and from there, and with all my great readers, and encouragement when I have nearly given up....


A Big Thank You..:-)

A little walk...

There are a number of walks around here..rangeing from a hour to three hours. We did just a small one, it was fun, especially as my husband came with me!!!



We were taking things easier on this day, just staying around the apartment, chilling out, and taking in the local area!

The sun came out - part two....

After visiting the amazing town of Alassio, we drove to Albenga.

Albenga is one of the Riviera di Ponente's most important cities. It owes if fame not only to its historic centre, but also to the mildness of its climate abd the fertility of the land.

The Cathedral which was rebuilt in the Middle Ages on the site on an early Christian basilica. This cathedral is dedicated to St Micheal.


Apse of the cathederal

The Baptistry is the only example of late Roman architecture left intact in Albenga. Built by the general Contanso in the early 5th century, the baptistry is the foremost Early Christian monument in Liguria.

Santa Maria in Fontibus. This church as medieval origins but was remodelled in 1600.

After a lovely meal of Spaghetti alla Vongole and pizza..we set of to another lovely town called Loano. Unfortunately my camera decided not to work, hopefully I will get back there for shopping and photos!! We walked the beach, and then settled on the rocks with the other people who were basking in the sun, or watching the fishermen!

The Sun came out...

so we went to Alassio, such a beautiful beach, quaint shops and lots and lots of cafes, to people watch..



..whilst walking the little passage ways, we came across a beautiful chapel, where I lit a candle for everyone.

Colletta di Castelbianco .....

is where we have come for our holidays...Colletta is a medieval hill-top village restored as an internet e-village. I have never seen anything like it before..it is amazing.. Lots of little houses/apartments all built in together, with lots and lots of passages, steps and terraces..

Apart from the people who look after the place and a man I met who lives here, we are the only people staying here..and we are being looked after so well. Last night we had a meal in the restaurant , which incidently is down the steps and next door!!! Our meal was delicious, but I have never eaten so much in my life...and it was all meat. For starter I had venison..I thought it came with a salad, not..it was a plate of thinly sliced venison in olive oil..then Primo was spagetti with a Rabbit sauce...but this turned out to be Hare..and secondo was Fillet steak in a berry sauce...yes you quess right...a fillet steak and that was it...but I can say, it was delicious..with wine, and then chocolates and coffee!!!

Our view in the morning....

from terrazza looking left...

from terrazze, looking right..

from our bedroom ...

Taking a break.......

Hope you all have a great week, and weekend...Thank you for all your comments on my post below.

Take Care everyone, see you when I return.

I have been TAGGED...

by Chez Loulou and Leesa from News From France, two amazing bloggers, who never cease to amaze with their photos and interesting snippets from France!!

First, the rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they’ve been tagged and leave a comment on their blog
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Six random things about me:-

1. I love books so much, when I go to Oxford, most of my time is spent in Borders, or Waterstones. They are both big shops, I lose all sense of time..whether I buy anything is besides the point..and going to the childrens section is great! Luckily both shops have their own coffee shop, so I take a break. Waterstones cafe looks right on to the High Street, so if you are lucky enough to get a window seat, you can people watch in the dry.

2. I have 3 grandchildren..Aidan age 5, Thomas 3 1/2 and Lily nearly 2, and another one on the way, in about 3 weeks!..Oh my word, I feel old when I write this...I don't see Aidan much as he lives in Scotland, but when I do, it is fun! I see T and L more..one thing we like doing is singing and dancing to the radio..they love it!

3. My dream would be to spend time in Europe, France or Italy..cannot decide which, love both though! Would like my husband to take a sabbatical and we rent our house (have to do some changes to it first) and just rent a place for 6 months..My husband said "I am not being realistic" :-)...I am a dreamer!!

4. I lived in Singapore for three years, from when I was 7 til 10 years old, my dad was in the Royal Air Force..also lived in Germany, Holland, Scotland, Wales and England. Visited Belguim, France, Italy, Sicily, Crete, Spain, Malta (my dads home country)and Switzerland.

5. Would love to learn a language. And it might happen sooner than I thought. Have just met up with a new friend, Carolina, from Chile, who speaks Spanish, and is learning English. So we are helping each other. Only met a few weeks ago, and when we meet for coffee, it is fun..

6. I am the total opposite to my husband. He is a night person and I am morning. He is tall and big, I am short and small. I am a reader, he is not! (He is trying to get into it)!

That was hard....now I have to tag as well :-)

I am going to tag..

Sally..Sally in Norfolk
Linda..Frenchless in France
Ilva..Lucillian Delights
Pumpkin ...From my Swiss Window
Leslie...My Pedalogue
Cherrye..My Bella Vita

Favourite Biscuits....

I just had to put this picture after I found a post about this tasty bicuit over on Our Juicy Life, who I discovered on Chez Loulou's blog.