Portofino-Heaven on Earth

We were excited to see Portofino because of a hotel that we stayed in Universal Studios Florida years ago with the kids. The hotel was named...Portofino Hotel and it felt like we were staying in a small italian village. We were told that Steven Spielberg designed the hotel after his favorite place in Italy-Portofino and the kids seemed like they wanted to stay at the hotel rather than go to the park!



Portofino, Italy was a picturesque hour walk from our hotel along the fabulous seacoast lined by villas. If you ask T, he'll say it was 2 hours, the big goof! As you enter into the small cove of the town of Portofino, you immediately see a fishing village that has been transformed into a hideaway for the rich and famous although we didn't see any famous people there, just lots of huge yachts, bigger boobies and Versace and Gucci everywhere. The was a diamond studded bra in the window of a local jewelry store that was very tempting to buy but actually made us think of some dear friends…Den, Cindy and Palloooootts, no heaving that bra in the firepit! We were so dazzled by the scenic views all around us-it left us no time for smoozing with the rich and famous and big boobed.



As we hiked around an old castle in the hills of Portofino, we met Jaime, a new bride with her South African husband (so cute) and their 30 family and friends apparently celebrating their wedding in Italy (what did I do wrong?!) Jaime introduced us to her mother after hearing we were from North Andover as her mom grew up and still lives in  Lawrence. We had much fun chatting with them and of course, they were so incredulous about us celebrating our 25^th wedding anniversary because of our youthful appearance and ways! Who knew?? Among her friends was a chap from London who encouraged us to travel to the Piemont Montains (where Torino is) and where he vacationed for the last 10 years in a home he owned. He was so convincing that we plan on visiting on Tuesday. We’ll share that experience later.



As the day grew long, we longed for a taste of good, ole vino and sat comfortably among the rich and famous while slurping and nibbling on cheese and proscuitto. A couple from LA sitting behind us asked for the time which lead to a late afternoon discussion on our travels. Apparently, they had just been engaged while traveling the wonderful parts of Italy for 2 weeks. (again - what did I do wrong?) The young man was a 2001 graduate of USC Film school! WHOA!! Of course, I spilled on my sons, AJ in particular since they share the Trojan bond and we talked for awhile on working in the industry, etc. He gave us many thoughts on jobs and persistence. He is obviously doing very well as an independent cinematographer. I got his name to pass along to AJ and Bubs while he said that he’ll never forget the name Serrano Bros Productions as he loves serrano peppers and because of my unabashed promotion my future film makers.



As the night fell upon us, we realized that we couldn’t walk back for risking our lives on the narrow, winding roads while cars whiz along without a care. Since the water shuttle was canceled due to rough seas, the local “autobus” was a great alternative and we watched amusingly as the bus driver tried to maneuver his way around the precarious hairpin turns without scrapping the small Renaults or mutilating the scooter drivers going by on the other side.



Portofino is a place that we would recommend very highly for all to visit. It’s wonderfully colorful homes and quaint, charming cove is a romantic, respite that will never be forgotten.