9-10-2001

 This is Camogli. We were nearing the end of our trip, only a few days more and back to Boston. We had discussed going to Porto Fino and last night mentioned it to Domenico. Our result was to catch a train to Santa Maria Liguria and then the ferry up the coast. After a quick continental breakfast I asked Vittorio if he would call us a cab.
So our plans changed. The driver, Luca spoke English very well...years in the states. His thought was, for the same money he would take us there in a more leisurely manner, stopping along the way at some of his favorites and just generally giving us a guided tour. Camogli is an old fishing village that still beautiful but a bit more gentrified. Amazing photo op. Next was an old church high above the water with a path along side that followed the coast in both directions. many stops and much laughter later we arrived in S.Maria, boarded the ferry and headed north. We had a wonderful trip north, stopping in 3 or 4 towns, including Porto Fino. Lunch on a hilly, rocky beach and then to the stazione for the return ride to Genoa.

Another wonderful meal with Domenico keeping the Asti Spumanti right where I thought it should be.

AM came and we had no plan so it was just a slow meander down via Roma and back. Spend the afternoon in the lobby writing postcards home...did you get them? Next door for stamps...

the world just changed! 3:30 in Genoa is 9:30 in NYC. 9:30, 9/11 in NYC! In our room we watched as cameras rolled on showing horror after horror. Stunned, sad, shaken and totally unnerved.

As we went to our seats that night the dining room was quiet. Every guest and every member of the staff going through the motions. If there had ever been a distinction between us it was gone, obliterated by mad men thousands of miles away. Domenico and the kitchen did themselves proud that night, serving up food and solace as needed. We were far from home, but still among wonderful, warm and caring people.

Our 9/11 experience showed that despite horrific acts by terribly misguided men that basically your fellow man is a good person. His first reaction is to help, not abandon.

Thank you all. Domenico, Vittorio, Luca and the other great people of Genoa for your just being you.