Italian Riviera (7/13-15/1979)

Wednesday, July 11, 1979

Spent the afternoon at the B’s saying goodbye to the maids, a guard, and a chauffeur.

Maids Bruna and Elena

Friday, July 13, 1979

Left after lunch today for the Riviera because Gianni skipped work. Took the Autostrada to Fossano, then headed to Cuneo and Limone to pass into France. At the border they asked for all kinds of documents, one of which could not be found, but apparently enough papers were shown. Drove through France but this time took the route immediately returning to Italia, and we were waved through the border. Headed towards Ventimiglia, stopping in a town just outside the city. Gianni asked directions to his cousin’s house and we were first directed to an apartment over the post office. We took the stairs ending up in the kitchen, but no one was around. Asked again and this time we were correctly directed to a house on the outskirts of town in front of greenhouses. Gianni’s cousin, Bruna, and her husband cultivate roses. After a short visit we took the Autostrada from Ventimiglia to Bordighera. Right near the Autostrada Gianni’s aunt and uncle lived in one of twin villas. Beautiful homes on a hill crest with a distant view of the sea. We dropped off our luggage and drove down into the city to stop at the uncle’s cobbler shop. He had a storage area used as a cabina, and was a few steps from the beach. So we spent an hour on the beach, which was mostly stones. Didn't expect to get wet, but had a water-splashing fight and then one of the rough waves knocked me down. Later we drove up to the villa for dinner. That evening we drove back into the city to walk its main street. Stopped for ice cream before going home. The sea was really rough with huge waves. In the villa it was hot and stuffy, so we opened up the windows. 

Saturday, July 14, 1979

Later we were attacked by a swarm of mosquitoes. At 2:00 we closed the windows and Gianni commenced a battle against the mosquitoes, killing them off one by one. Slept late and after lunch we went to the beach. The sea was calmer, but there were still waves. The water becomes immediately deep, so I couldn't really enjoy myself, but Gianni borrowed the uncle’s air mattress. I boarded and Gianni took me way out into the open sea. On our way back a huge wave dunked me, but we were already in the shallow area. So I managed to get good and wet… After dinner we came back to the city to look for a fair, but didn't find one. We joined all the people on the “boardwalk” and stopped for ice cream, of course.

Sunday, July 15, 1979

Tamiko at the villa

Got up early to spend some time on the beach, just taking in the sun even though the sea was calm. We then drove to Bruna’s for lunch. We were first taken on a tour of the greenhouses with 12,000 rose plants and ferns galore. After lunch we took the Autostrada from Ventimiglia to Pietra Ligure. Gianni asked directions to the address of Claudio. We found the street, but not the house. We were ready to give up when I spotted Claudio himself with his family, taking a walk and stopping for ice cream. Said goodbye. By the shore in Pietra Ligure is a beautiful “boardwalk.” Soon Gianni and I left for home, taking the Autostrada via Savona.