"Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life."

Finally in Italy!
In an ancient hotel on the seafront in Sanremo
The Miramare has changed little since the days when Eva Peron was a guest. Brimming with Belle Epoque splendour it seems to have improved with age like a fine wine.

This was the view from the bedroom window.

And the salons...

The garden led down to the beach.......................

 My pictures don't do it justice at all but the website is here if you would like to know more.
It was just a short walk along into the town along a promenade paved with marble.

Sanremo has always been much loved by wealthy Eastern European and Russian tourists who would spend the entire Winter there. Judging by the cars this is still the case. They left their mark on the architecture

The whole town is a visual feast. It ranges from the most chic shopping streets............

Where I found my favourite perfume shop, L'Erbolario.

 Their packaging is exquisite and they fill their gift boxes with large scoops of locally produced pot pourri.

Years ago it was a tiny one off shop using locally grown blooms to create the most delicious perfumes. I have now discovered that it has branches Worldwide! A much deserved success story. Their website is here

 The streets become narrower as they climb to the medieval centre, home of the fabulous food market. A vibrant feast of fresh produce.

The old town is also a feast for the eyes.

They are full of contrasts.
like this elegant handpainted monogram behind the washing line.........

The streets are bustling with fascinating characters.

My favourite being the Polizia, they are soooooo flamboyant. I managed to take this one while pretending to be absorbed in a mural on a nearby wall.What is he doing with that hat?

There are others bedecked with red and gold braid and some of them get to wear knee high soft leather boots!

I took lots of photos to share with you but they don't convey the whole experience. You will have to try and imagine the sounds of scooters painted in ice cream colours, weaving their way through the traffic or the singers serenading restaurant diners. Then there are the smells of delicious food and the heady seductive scents of the citrus and caper trees that line the streets.

But if this isn't enough there are other towns to visit on the Ligurian coast.

Close to the French border is Ventimiglia with its famous Friday market. The stalls are set out on the sea front.

The stalls sell a huge range of leather goods and fashions and of course more food.

The nearby town of Bordighera is calmer with a quiet elegance. Apparently they allowed one modern low rise appartment block to be built in the 1960's and then decided not to allow any more, allowing the belle epoque and baroque style villas to set the style. One of them, the Villa Regina Margherita, has just been opened to the public and is a real treat.

Photography isn't allowed inside so I can't show you the sumptuous interior but the website is here
The tearoom on the roof terrace has sublime views.

The favourite way of cooling down on a hot afternoon is to head off to a Gelateria where there is always an astounding array of home made ice creams.

This one had dozens of flavours to choose from but the appearance of darkest richest chocolate truflle I have ever seen made choosing easier!
It would be an understatement to say that leaving was going to be hard.....................