September 21
We're taking a vacation from our vacation. We finished breakfast at 10:30 am. So far we've not seen any unsavory characters, and at no time have we been concerned about our safety. I abandoned my neck wallet after day one in Venice. My important documents, such as plane ticket, go in the hotel safe -- the rest I carry in my fanny pack.
At 11:00 am we caught the bus to Portofino again ($1 each way). The short ride is interesting. I recommend visitors take the boat into Portofino ($3) for a beautiful view of the harbor and bus back for a different perspective. We stopped for more foccacia bread at a wonderful bakery near the Portofino Information Office. Then we climbed up to the Castello (Castle) Brown. And I do mean up. We climbed what seemed like 200 stairs, but the view was worth it. I thought this might have been where my favorite movie, "Enchanted April," was filmed, but the people here tell me it's not. (Once home I watched the movie and, voila, there's Castello Brown! It's even mentioned in the credits.)
This afternoon is relaxation time, at least for a few hours. In the evening we dine once again at Da Baicin for what turns out to be the best pasta yet -- ravioli with nut sauce that is more like tortellini. Exquisite! A meal not to be missed.
It's time to pack and get ready for an early departure in the morning.
The windows, shutters, and balcony below are real -- all else is painted. It's called trompe l'oeil, a style of painting where objects are given an illusion of reality. We saw this art form throughout this area of Italy. Isn't it beautiful?
Castello Brown
