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We started our day early, leaving the hotel at eight in the morning with sleepy smiles and coffee still warming our hands. The sky was already gray, a sign of the rain that would follow us for most of the day. Our route took us along the 22 kilometers of the Versilian coast, one of the most beautiful stretches in Tuscany.
As the bus rolled out of Viareggio, our tour guide began to tell us about the townโs history. Once a small fishing village, Viareggio grew into a famous seaside resort in the 19th century, attracting artists, writers, and the wealthy elite. The town is also known for its shipyards and the grand Carnival of Viareggio, where giant papier-mรขchรฉ figures parade through the streets every year. Listening to these stories while looking out at the gray waves gave me a sense of how much history still lives along these coasts.
After about an hourโs drive, we left Tuscany behind and entered the Ligurian region, heading toward Rapallo. By then, the rain had turned heavier. The bus windows were covered in drops, and the sea looked restless and cold. When we finally reached Rapallo, we dashed through the puddles and took shelter in the local church while waiting for our ship to Portofino. The church, quiet and warm, offered a brief moment of peace. Our guide mentioned that Rapallo was once an important port under the Republic of Genoa, and later, a retreat for artists and writers who came to find inspiration by the sea.
When our ship finally arrived, we boarded it under a steady downpour. The ride to Portofino took around thirty minutes, the rain splashing on the deck while the wind carried the salty scent of the sea. Despite the weather, there was something magical about approaching Portofino by water. The colorful houses appeared one by one, nestled around the small bay like a painting come to life.
Portofino, once a fishing village, is now known for its elegant boutiques, luxury yachts, and famous visitors. Even under gray skies, its charm was undeniable. We walked along the waterfront, umbrellas in hand, glancing at the high-end stores and cozy cafรฉs that lined the harbor. The rain didnโt stop us from taking photos or pausing to admire the view โ the mix of color, sea, and history made it worth every drop.
After two hours in Portofino, we returned to Rapallo by ship and boarded our bus again, heading for our final stop: Portovenere. The ride was long, and by then, most of us were feeling tired. When we arrived, though, any trace of fatigue faded for a moment. Portovenere looked enchanting even in the rain โ small fishing boats rocking gently in the harbor, pastel-colored houses stacked against the hill, and the ancient walls of the old city standing proudly by the sea.
We walked from the harbor to the old town, following narrow, cobblestone streets that seemed to whisper stories from centuries ago. The name Portovenere, our guide explained, comes from Venus, the goddess of love. Itโs said that this town was once a place dedicated to her, a fitting name for a spot so full of quiet beauty and romantic charm.
By the end of the day, as we finally returned to our bus, exhaustion started to sink in. The rain, the long walks, and the endless hours of travel had left us all worn out. Yet, despite the discomfort, I couldnโt help but feel grateful. It was a day full of discovery โ not just of beautiful places, but of history, resilience, and the simple joy of exploring even when the weather refuses to cooperate.
Reflection
Looking back, that rainy trip taught me something important about travel. Not every journey will offer sunshine, comfort, or perfect timing โ and thatโs okay. Sometimes, the challenges make the memories stronger. The heavy rain may have blurred the landscapes, but it also revealed another side of Italy: quiet towns shining through gray mist, locals moving calmly through puddled streets, and travelers laughing under shared umbrellas.
In the end, I realized that travel isnโt just about seeing new places when the sun is out; itโs about feeling them โ their mood, their stories, their spirit โ in every kind of weather. And on that rainy day along the Ligurian coast, I felt it all.
- Hector Pascua
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