Currents November 2017 | Page 11

Currents > continued from page 10 Spezia, for about $3.00 USD. Vernazza's buildings, a mélange of soft ochres, yellows, and pinks, whisper la dolce vita (the sweet life). The unhurried pace belies a tragic flash flood, in October 2011, which buried Vernazza under thirteen feet of mud. An interna- tional effort, aided by renowned architect Richard Rogers (London's Millennium Dome), restored the town's exterior character. Within residents' home and hotels, everything is new, as interiors were destroyed. Tradition is visible in Vernazza, both in food and wine, and in the observance of Feast Days. Portable crosses, held in the harbor front church, Santa Marherita [see photo], are prominent in religious processions. St. Margaret, Vernazza's patron saint, is feted on July 20. Unlike glitzy Italian Riviera towns, such as Portofino, Vernazza boasts neither large nor luxe hotels. Instead, family-owned hotels and apartments abound. Reserve early. If lodging is scarce, consider staying in Genoa, a little over an hour by train ($15 USD), or in Pisa, an hour by train ($9 USD). Much of the Cinque Terra closes down in winter; summers are broiling. But don't put off a glimpse of Vernazza, a dreamscape. Start packing. The world is waiting to meet you. [The text and photograph represent the actual travel experience of the writer.] November 2017 11 Dr. Daniel S. Brandwein, D.P.M. Diplomate American Board of Podiatric Surgery Fellow American College of Foot & Ankle Surgery We accept Cigna, u nited & Aetna Podiatrist The Treatment of: • Warts • Fungus Nails • Callouses • Corns • Orthotics • Bunions • Foot & Ankle Pain FRee eXAM & COnsuLtAtiOn A $150 Value X-rays not included Exp. 11-30-2017 New Patients Only Medicare Provider • Most insurances 159 S. Pompano Parkway, Pompano Beach, FL 33069 Palm-Aire Market Place 954-984-7500 MAID FOR TODAY 954-968-0063 HOME CLEANING! NEW CUSTOMER SPECIAL 25%