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I Love Touring Italy - Springtime In Liguria

By Levi Reiss

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Published: 18Mar2010
Word count: 474
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Little Liguria in northeast Italy is the Italian Riviera. It faces the Ligurian Sea and its climate starts to warm in the early spring. To avoid crowds plan on a spring visit. You won't regret it. The Yacht Club of the upscale resort of San Remo, population under 60 thousand, lying about 90 miles (145 kilometers) southwest of Genoa hosts the International Italian Dragon's Cup in late March. While the entry fee is a mere 250 Euros (less than 400 dollars per boat), you do have to provide proof of insurance against claims for a minimum of one million Euros. In spite of the fact that this race is held in Italy, English is the official language of this Regatta. So maybe I will reconsider and you'll see me there.

The towns of Rapallo population about 34 thousand and Santa Margherita Ligure population about 10 thousand, and the village of Portofino population about 500, are close to each other and some 20 miles (30 kilometers) east of Liguria's capital, Genoa. In April they get together to present Cartoons on the Bay, the International Television and Multimedia Animation Festival. The 2010 edition, number 14, takes place from April 15 to April 18. Actually most of the activities are in Rapallo and the closing dinner is in Portofino. The program is divided into activities for cartoon professionals and for the general public. The Seventeenth Century Villa Durago in Santa Margherita Ligure offers seminars to the professionals. But even if you're an amateur you should visit this beautiful Villa and the surrounding city. If you can't make this festival or if you can and are able to stay for a while don't miss San Giorgio Bonfire on the 23rd of April in the Portofino Piazzetta. By the way, you are advised to stay in the other two cities rather than in even pricier Portofino, even during the off-season.

In early May Liguria's capital, the port city of Genoa, population about 600 thousand holds what they call Slow Fish, a celebration of the seas. There is a traditional fish auction, demonstrations on how to cook fish and seafood, and lots to eat. Save room for traditional Genoa desserts. This program is associated with the Slow Food Movement that concentrates on food quality and protecting the environment.

The coastal city of Camogli, population about 6 thousand is located 12 miles (20 kilometers) east of Genoa. Their Sagra del pesce (Fish festival), held each year on the 2nd Sunday in May, celebrates the feast of St Fortunato the patron saint of fishermen. A unique feature is the monster frying pans (we're talking about 12 feet or 4 meters in diameter) that cook fresh fish in the open on the last day of the festival. Everyone, and we're talking thirty thousand participants, gets fried fish and it's free. Make sure to try the "Camogliesi" pastry balls filled with rum-flavored custard.

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, but prefers drinking fine French wine with the right foods. He teaches computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel website www.travelitalytravel.com and his global wine website www.theworldwidewine.com with a weekly column reviewing $10 wines and new sections writing about and tasting organic and kosher wines.

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