Another day, another evening sunset walk in Chiavari. 

After our romantic stroll, we hit the caruggio in Chiavari, the main street or high street depending on which side of the Atlantic you grew up on, and it was full of people window shopping because the stores are gearing up for the much anticipated post Christmas sales. I know all you Gringos and Brits have already emptied the stores and contributed your bit to save the world economy over the last few days, but here in the very controlled overly protected retail market of Italy, sales are only permitted by decree and the merchants are only allowed to mark down goods - all at the same time - when the state goverment says they can, and in these parts that is the 3rd of January. But, you would never know that if you were out browsing today, all shops are in full discount mode and the merchandise is all out ready to go. Those in the know - good steady clients - are taking first pick before the "real" sale begins.  

After a much needed day of catching up on bills and year end organizing of the office, we are gearing up to ring in 2009 tomorrow night. We will be spending it with Anna's friend Denise and her family who live in the Val Graveglia, one of the valleys behind Lavagna famous for mining. After all these years living here this our first invite for the traditional Italian New Year's Eve dinner, lentcchie & cotecchino - lentils and pork sausage - eating this dish is suppose to bring you good luck. Lets see if that is true. Shall we keep track?

Auguri!

Krista