Days 25 and 26

(Rhia’s comments are italicized)

  • Train ride to La Spezia
  • Bus ride to Porto Venere

We left Genova after only 18 hours. It was just a brief stop on our way toward our first long stay somewhere, Porto Venere! Time for us to really slow down.

The view from our balcony!

We met up with Rhia’s childhood friend, Jules, for a one week stay at a seaside resort, in an Air B&B that overlooked the ocean. It was such a beautiful place to stay.

We spent our first full day enjoying the balcony view, and then took a small walk through town to explore

I was delighted to find some steps that I did NOT have to climb! I think these are the first steps we’ve come across in Europe where there was nothing I wanted to see at the top. I shall remember these steps forever 😂

The Mediterranean Ocean was such a deep blue and the cliffs offered picturesque views. Thankfully, we just admired the views. Lord Byron (poet) used to vacation here and, apparently, he used to swim from this point around an island and to another. It was considered quite a feat. I bet he didn’t complain about having to climb up a few (thousand) steps!!

It was such a pretty place to just stare out to sea and think.

But wait, there’s more. Looking up from where Lord Byron used to begin his swim, we could see part of the town walls and a church.

These are views I could certainly wake up to every day! I’m definitely going to buy a lottery ticket when I get back to Tucson…🤞

The inside of the church was interesting; it was a bit like being inside a Liquorice Allsort.

but the view, again was spectacular! It was a very relaxing and wonderful day spent with great people.

And this perfect (father’s) day ended with the taking of perfect photos from our little home-for-the-week!

Dan Anthis Avatar

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6 responses to “Slowing down at Porto Venere”

  1. Constance Dent Avatar
    Constance Dent

    Looks magical! Loved your description of the church’s interior with the two-toned stones – made ME think of Beetlejuice! Also loved your “stairway to nothing much”!

    Again I had to look the town up to see where you are – found a lovely website describing all the attractions etc ( https://brainybackpackers.com/things-to-do-in-porto-venere/) and I see that you’ve availed yourselves of many of them already! Did you go on any boat rides? Are you still there or have you already moved on? You guys look so happy and healthy with all that exercise and sunshine beaming down on you – makes me happy to see you having such a good time! Love, C

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    1. Dan Anthis Avatar
      Dan Anthis

      You are such a wonderful person, Connie! We’re doing a boat ride to the 5 towns on Wednesday. We’re here until Saturday, having a serious relaxation week before taking off again! Loving the sunshine that’s not too hot to sit in 😘

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      1. Betty Nee Avatar
        Betty Nee

        Hiya! You both are having a well- deserved rest! Your photos are stunning, and such a beautiful place. Enjoy

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      2. Dan Anthis Avatar
        Dan Anthis

        Yes, this week is very restful. It’s wonderful to be by the sea in such a beautiful place!! I hope you’re doing well.

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  2. Carolyn walton-freeman Avatar
    Carolyn walton-freeman

    It looks fabulous. Have a great time xc

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    1. Dan Anthis Avatar
      Dan Anthis

      It’s stunningly beautiful and really makes me want to move here (or somewhere similar). Now I only need to find an investor 🤔

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