Love In Portofino

Portofino

Much like Andrea Bocelli, I too found my love in Portofino. I took a scenic trip from Milano to Genova to Portofino.  I enjoyed the 360-degree views of everything from sprawling countryside, Roman architecture (casual), and the dark blue Mediterranean water. After stopping at what can only be called a five star Exxon gas station complete with a giant crystal chandelier, we soon arrived in Genova. Note: this is not to be confused with The Princess Diaries fictional country Genovia, for there were no young Anne Hathaway sightings. Genova is a port city sitting right on the coast that dates back to the very beginning of Italian civilization. It was vital in transporting materials and weaponry for both WWI and WWII. Its location has provided the region with a lucrative economy. 

It is always so interesting to visit a city like this that is not very widely known. I didn't realize Christopher Columbus lived in Genova until I walked right up to his house, now a historical monument of sorts. Incredible! There are things one simply can't learn in a history textbook, like the local culture. For lunch I enjoyed freshly made pasta with squid and tomatoes but the real treat was indulging in the area's speciality, focaccia bread. They only eat focaccia baked the same day of consumption and they shudder at the thought of anything different. It was simply delicious with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. Swoon! 

Genova

After leaving Genova with a stomach full of focaccia, I found myself in the tiny village of Santa Margherita Ligure. The beaches here, like most in Italy, were covered with little dark pebbles that look amazing against the crystal clear water of the Mediterranean. The beachgoers couldn't have looked any happier to be enjoying summer in such a place. After strolling though this perfect little beach village, I boarded a yacht that whisked me away to Portofino. I sat on the very front of the boat with the sea breeze blowing my shoulder-length hair all about. The soft scent of sea water epitomized everything summer should smell like. My jaw tried not to drop as we passed a countless number of private luxury yachts peppered throughout the water. These boats continued as we passed the bend that revealed beautiful Portofino. I knew this was the place for me after the driver of our boat pointed out Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana's villa tucked in the hillside right before my eyes. This was followed by someone mentioning that an impressive looking yacht about 15 meters away from me was owned by Chris Hemsworth. He was in the boat, you guys. I kept my composure but the excitement continued as I walked along the cobblestone streets to stumble upon Dolce & Gabbana's pop-up Portofino shop that had opened just hours before I arrived. The collection in this store will never be sold in any other location and will only be available for one month. What are the odds that it opens the day I am in Portofino? You tell me. I felt like I was in an art museum as I browsed the gorgeous store talking with the sales associates who made me feel like family. The fashion in Portofino was everything that I hoped it would be, with Italian designer stores occupying every single street. I sipped on a mint mojito as I admired the boats rocking back and forth in the calm waters in front of me.  From the people to the food to the fashion, this place captured my entire soul. 

Mojito in Portofino 

Dolce & Gabbana Portofino 

Santa Margherita