Un Viaggio a San Fruttuoso

early morning view out the window

coffee on the terrace

 The morning started off as normal.  We got down a bit late for breakfast (meager pickings) but agreed with those at the table that it might be good day for a trip to San Fruttuoso.  It was a beautiful day and the forecast was good.......and Friday would be a much better choice than a day over the weekend, so we decided to make the trip.  Robin and Margie would go in our car and Ann and Bob would go by train because they wanted to do the crazy hike over the mountain from Camogli to San Rocco and down into San Fruttuoso.

We got a bit more organized and headed out.  We drove our car and were able to find a good parking space in Camogli.  We found the ferry ticket office and realized we had about 45 minutes to spare.  Robin wanted to grab a decongestant at a pharmacy so we headed off to see what we could find.  It all worked out fine and we boarded the boat at 10:45, just ahead of about 100 school kids on a trip of some sort........fun to see them so energized and excited.

We are now warning everyone that this blog will have a huge number of pictures........and some writing, but the big deal here will be

the images!

Camogli as we headed for the ferry

our boat to San Fruttuoso

The boat trip was not too long, requiring about 15 minutes to get to the first stop at Punta Chiappa, and another 10 minutes to San Fruttuoso.  The day was perfect for the trip.......but we suspect that our perspective was shared by a lot of other people!  We got there at about 11:45, which was (as we learned later) a bit in advance of the major crowds.  We strolled around a bit and headed for the restaurant overlooking the small bay and beach.  Andi had heard this was 'the place' to eat......but that reservations were essential.  We checked in (it opened at 12:00) and were able to snag a great table as long as we finished by 1:30, when there was a reservation. 

The meal was absolutely perfect.......fresh fish almost 'twitching' on the plate.  The location was amazing and we had a great table overlooking the beach (a relative term for a rocky shoreline).  The monastery was fascinating and the whole ambiance of the cove was quite special.  This secluded area, only accessible by water, is unlike anything we have seen.  It was initially built in the 9th century, and has been altered and renovated......and destroyed, many times over the centuries.  The museum was very helpful in getting a feel for the history. 

But back to the lunch......wonderful fish and great wine, and a nice sense of relaxation, which is part of our regime these days.  It was amazing to watch the large number or arrivals, most of whom were here for the beach and swimming. The space available to spread out was fairly small, but everyone jammed in and seemed to be having a great time. 

It was a wonderful trip and we drifted back in to Camogli around 4:00.  We lucked out as our car parking meter had only 2 hours of time, yet we were gone for 5 hours......no ticket!  We headed back to the Villa, committed to the indulgence of a late afternoon nap. 

In the evening, we headed down at 7:00 for aperitivi and met a new visiting fellow, Joan Hooker, an artist.  She had been here previously in the fall of 2017.  We all had a nice dinner and migrated to the salon and the terrace afterwards.......wonderful bat display and a colorful sunset.

Back to the room now, listening to some wonderful 'late night saxophone jazz.'