La Pasquetta -Easter Monday--is a tradition turned national Italian holiday the day following Easter Sunday, La Pasqua. We saw it in full force, with the weather warmer than the day before. So many families out enjoying the outdoors at the seaside parks and pathways, strolling both on bikes and foot. We read that it's a day of leftovers from Sunday’s feast, giving the cooks in the family some rest.
We left Savona early, our Airbnb host still in her room, after schleoping our bikes down the 5 flights of stairs. Mostly quiet out there but for groups and doubles and singles of kitted-out cyclists out to enjoy the bright morning. We didn't get a lot if shots of the city--or it's amazing harbor--bent in getting down (and if course up...being coastal) the road.
Any off path or pedestrian tunnel was a welcome reprieve on this trafficky day.
A then we had to get through Genova. Thankfully Paul's mapping and our gps made it possible to avoid the freeway and go via somewhat less hectic roads; clearly a good option, as we followed and were passed by many other cyclists (non tourers, mind you). He was even able to find us a public toilet on some crazy backstreet...though it was just a urinal behind a half screen with a clear view of the street corner. How one accommodates when in need!
Our one shot of Genova---after some 15 miles of industrial riding and before diving into a tunnel to take us to more Genova and more city hills and extended Italian city suburbs hills, through a slow chain of holidayers either making their way home or out to get in as many hours of enjoyment before jumping in line to get down (or up) the road.
Gutter flowers
Looking back toward Genova in the far far distance-- Probably Recco closer. Our route was mostly up and over, and up and over--not along the coastline today.
We turned inland to go through a more quiet countryside for a bit. Rather a relief and more reminiscent of our first week of cycling, after 2 days of bigger cities. This is looking down into Rapallo, where we'll camp for the night.
Before we reached the campground, we found an alimentari opened and the tiny, sweet, smiling, happy to help us even without language old woman got us supplied for the night and morning. I wished taken a photo--such moments.
The campground was a clean, equipped, and, yes, industrial place to pitch for the night. But we had the very good fortune to be serenaded with a 30 minute church bell medley (okay, with a little bit of holiday camper karaoke as backup, but who can begrudge them..?) as we sipped our evening wine.
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