Portofino - the most beautiful place in the world (well, i think)

I was lucky enough to score a tour in Portofino, which is a place I knew very little about before arriving. Actually, the extent of my knowledge prior to the visit was that there was a clothes shop called Portofino in Brisbane that sold brightly coloured Italian style clothes near the old 411 bus stop on Adelaide St.

For the third day in a row, the sky was crystal clear as we boarded our little tender boat to go ashore in the tiny port. Even the ride in was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. We glided across the glassy Mediterranean waters towards what can only be described as a postcard scene. A wall of Mediterranean vegetation rose in front of us, umbrella pines and palm trees spotting the picture, and nestled in between two headlands was a pastel village that looked like something from the 1600s. There were stately villas perched the high lands, some complete with bell towers and look outs, all bathed in the early morning light. Jasmine and I (both on the same tour), could not believe our eyes.

Once ashore, we boarded a small ferry for our trip to the next town along, Santa Margarita. Normally, a tour bus would have sufficed, but the roads connecting the towns along the coast are so narrow and winding, a large bus can simply not negotiate them. We motored past more and more breathtaking scenes along our route to Santa margarita. This town was also stunning, although much larger with a population of 30,000, all living in the most gorgeously decorated pastel buildings. The influence of the Genoese was extremely strong in this area, and you can tell that it has been wealthy throughout the ages.   WE visited a magnificent church and soaked up the atmosphere. We were to have free time in this little place on the way back, where I ate gelato in the square, bought fresh foccacia and Genoese style Pesto and sat on the grass on the promenade.

We also visited a third town, this time by bus. This place (I forget the name) had a castle in the harbour and a cafe where we were treated to free foccacias and real Italian coffee... ah they know how to do coffee.

It was an absolutely stunning day. After the tour returned, I wandered the streets of Portofino trying to imagine what it would be like to live in such a picturesque place. I can’t believe I am in the Mediterranean for the rest of my contract. I can’t believe how lucky I am.