Gallivanting in Europe 2014: Santa Margherita

Christopher Columbus statue at Santa Margherita

Staying at Fawlty Towers, Santa Margherita

The Hotel

Remember Basil at the front desk dispensing keys from the pigeonholes behind him?

You ain't seen nothing yet. Our key would have weighed about 1kg and had to be handed in as we went in and out of the hotel. It would be pretty hard to carry it around with you. Note the size too in relation to the key.

The room was basic, not roomy. We were in the old building room 624 but no, not floor 6 but floor 2. The lift could take no more than 4 people or two if the largest man on the tour was there. When you were on floor 2 and wanted the lift to go down you called for the lift by pressing 2 ( and then you prayed). Walking was a better option. I got the giggles when I was packing my suitcase because there I was with my case and head in something like a body cupboard ( no where else to put the case), every time I lifted my head I emerged into empty coat hangers and it was all so ridiculous.

In the bathroom, there was a funny little thing that looked like a porthole and so I had to open it and see. It was basically a hole in the wall to let in air - if you knew and opened it.

We didn't think we missed out too much when we were both sick one night and gave the hotel dinner a miss.

We did like their neat little workman's car.

San Remo

Just a short stop over for coffee on the way to San Margherita.

Portofino

We ( tour group of 39 + tour director) went by this little boat over from San Margherita to Portofino.

We could have climbed up many hills and steps and more steps and steps to see another delightful church and a castle built by an Englishman Lord or someone Gray but we didn't. Neither of us were feeling well. We managed to stroll around a couple of streets and found a church (fancy that!) on level ground then sat on one seat by the water and then moved to another seat. My poor old knees could hardly work so we were quite content to just sit.

Cinque Terre

It seemed as though rain was on its way but after a bus trip, we were delighted to find the boats were operating. Then followed a beautiful day of boat trip, stop, boat tip, stop and then return to Santa Margherita by train, return to Fawlty Towers, stroll to town square, pasta and wine and walk back to Fawlty Towers and a good sleep - knowing we were checking out the next day.

What more could one ask for in life when you have lovely family/siblings/friends? ( Oh sorry. I still want/ will win Lotto! - and will share!)

Firemen hard at work - on coffee break?

Entrance to walled city safeguarded by holes at top of arch through which boiling water or oil could be poured on enemy as they tried to storm the gates.