After an absence of almost 20 years, Kathy & I were overjoyed to be back in Italy to see our dear friends for another

Chiavari Festa!

We had not seen Giorgio & Mara or Enrico & Marinella since 2004 when they showed our entire family the vacation of our lifetime.  

That was when our family and friend Bob Moran's family visited them in their beautiful town of Chiavari just down the coast from Portofino in the beautiful region of Liguria, Italy.

Kathy & I had booked a TransAtlantic cruise that left from Genova, so we arrived a couple days earlier to get back together with these dear friends in Chiavari.  It was like we hadn't seen each other in weeks - not 20 years.

• click here for pictures On the streets of Chiavari
• click here to download The Streets of Chiavari Pictures
• Click here for Pictures of The Festa On Kathy's Birthday
• Click here to Download The Festa Pictures
• click here for video of kathy opening her gifts
• Click here for video Of Kathy's Birthday Cake
• A look Back.  Click Here For November 2023 Festa
• A Look Back.  Click Here For Giant July 2004 Festa
• A look Back.  Click Here For  Yet Another July 2004 Festa Celebrating Enrico's 50th Birthday
• A Look back. Click here For November 2004 Festa 

On our first night there, just the 6 of us had dinner at a local Pizzeria right on the Mediterranean.  This was the same place that Giorgio, Enrico and their wives had taken our Ben & Jordan when they visited a few years back on their Honeymoon.  The pizza was spectacular.  

The next day Kathy and I met up with Giorgio & Enrico and visited an archeology museum on a tour hosted by Giorgio's lovely daughter Fabiola.  Extremely Interesting.  

We then had a quick Capuccino in a little Bistro and then visited a business owned by Fabiola's husband Mauro - right in Chiavari. Was very impressive.

But that evening was the Highlight.

Giorgio & Enrico had helped in pulling together a list of many of the friends from our last Festa in 2004 and together - all 30 of us - we partied right at the Hotel MonteRosa on their terrace.  That evening happened to be Kathy's birthday and they had arranged for a cake for her.  

Many of our friends and my former work colleagues from Marconi were there along with other friends. Giorgio and Enrico families were there, some of whom we hadn't met before but by the end of the night we were firm friends.  All the fellas wanted to take a picture with Kathy which is seen mid right.  Not to be outdone, the Ladies wanted a picture with Kathy and that is all the way on the bottom of the page. 

Sadly the next day we were off to Genova to board the MSC Seashore for our 20 day Cruise back to the States.   Sure would have been nice to spend some more time with our friends - but we are already planning a 2024 visit!  

You Know...   Friends are the family you choose and Kathy & I Love our Family in Chiavari.

Thank you to Giorgio & Enrico For Organizaing The Festa! 

Thank God For Blessing us with these friends.

We love you all dearly!

 

            

Visit www.rickyjohn.com for more about our family!