Snow in Liguria

The little town of Mattarana in the hills behind La Spezia was coming to terms with the snow yesterday morning.

This is an area where snowfall is very rare and the narrow, hairpinned route SP1 had been cleared - up to a point. We set off in glorious sunshine with a shiny, black ice free road surface.

With great views and a lovely drive until the road down to the Autostrade. We slithered down the 3 miles, thank God for traction control.

A day in Rapallo with Suellen's old family friend, and then the 2 hour drive to France and the lovely town of Menton. We settle in to the 3 star Hotel Mediterraneané.

It's funny that the more expensive the hotel, the more everything else costs. Parking 12 euros a day. Wi-fi 15 euros a day. Compared with the Locanta where wifi and parking were free even though the room security did not look too strong.

Click the photo for full size and look at the key - a rare no lever lock.

Today is Vengtimiglia market and shopping in Menton - And the sun is shining.

In the words of an old friend " I can feel a lunch coming on"