Parla Inglese?

After so much walking the day before, I was looking forward to laying on the beach and reading at Camolgi. When I arrived at the train I was suppose to take, there was all kinds of ruckus, angry Italians, and some people were getting off the train. I could only understand a word here and there, but couldn't make sense of it all. There was a girl standing near me, looking about my age and not Italian. I asked if she spoke English, "parla inglese"? She said she had no idea what was going either. We were instant friends, Cat, 28, from the UK. She was also going to the beach. We decided to hang out together all day! Fortunately, the train left on time. Off we went, chatting along the way.





We found a cute little cafe right on the water and ordered ham and cheese foccocia sandwiches and peach tea. I found out that Cat was a set designer for several years and now she is working on cruise ships as a lighting designer and operator for the shows. I could have sat there all day...such a nice breeze, gorgeous views, and great company but we wanted to walk around the little lazy town.

So peaceful compared to the day before, the bustling port, Genoa.

The beach was rocky....but the rocks were smooth and almost soothing underfoot.

Under the umbrella was a little man playing an Italian tune on an accordion.

The sundial on the side of building was neat in theory, but the time was off....by hours and minutes! This little coastal town really seemed to be on their own time anyways.














In between the two red buildings (upper right), were a bride and groom getting their pictures taken. Later, as Cat and I were passing through a tunnel with a couple shops, we almost ran into the bride and groom. I told them congratulations and they were beaming.



This purple flower-vine is everywhere and is stunning...I have to find out what it is and if I can plant one....although my brown thumb followed me here. I already killed a basil plant I bought that was green and full just a mere few days ago:(





We wanted to take the ferry around the little peninsula to another coastal town, San Fruttoso, but the water was too rough for the ferry to run. There were some really big waves! So, we hopped on a train to go through the mountain to San Margherita.



Instead of crossing busy streets, there are often tunnels under intersections.



Cat and I rented lounge chairs for a couple hours and watched little boys playing in the water and flying kites.



Then we walked around the little town, and of course, stopped for Gelato..."after 8" was the flavor of the day.

Then we climbed to the top of castle ruins for a nice view.

A little church stood at the top of the hill beyond the ruins. I find it interesting that so many buildings have horizontal bands of color. This concept is decor used in contemporary applications these days.....but is seen in many Gothic buildings.







Cat and I ventured into a "Hotel Continental" resort that was so lush and green. There was a private pool area made from the stone from the cliffs with fresh sea water flushing in. The resort was so very peaceful.
It's strange seeing cactus beside palm trees as was the case all over town.



We rode back to Genoa together, exchanged information, then I caught my train back to Milan...getting in just before 10pm. The day was so much more fun since I had someone to share the experience with! I definitely want to go back to Camolgi to hit the beach sometime!