My stay in Chiavari is giving me a chance to get to know the town better. I’ve never much liked it before, but somehow this time is different.
These motorbikes are parked all along the street where I’m staying.
Women in short skirts and heels somehow manage to get around on them too.
I have lunch with my relatives Patrizia, Gianpietro, their daughter Veronica and her boyfriend Giovanni. The trattoria is a typical place under the arches in Chiavari.
I order Mandilli de Sea al Pesto, which Veronica tells me means “silk handkerchiefs” in Genovese dialect.
Later that evening I meet up with Stefano and Giuliana where we have dinner at a local trattoria. They seem to know everyone who walks in the place. It’s a real neighborhood hangout.
The next day I take a walk along the water and come across the public beach. It’s very hot and muggy.
The statue of Columbus stands by the waterfront. He’s not called an exploiter here.
Later in the day I meet up with Maurizio and Ornella who take us on a drive way high into the hills of Liguria.
We stop at a chapel honoring the Alpini, the Italian military force that fights in the mountains. Maurizio thinks that this is a site where many partisans were shot during World War II, but there’s no sign describing that event.
We drive up to Monte Fasche, a high point in the mountains.
We see Genoa in the distance. Maurizio is disappointed that it’s a hazy day, but still I am thrilled with the view.
We stop for a gelato in a tiny town in the hills. The gelateria has won many awards for its gelato.
Later we eat dinner at a traditional trattoria up in the hills above Chiavari. Monica and Alessandro join us.
The waiter spreads the ragù over the ravioli, a specialty.
I have a great meal with relatives in this charming, traditional trattoria.
Next trip I will have to allot more time in Chiavari to get to know them better.