Tag: ski

Some moments are so special that they leave a mark not just in your memory, but deep in your heart. This past week, we celebrated one of those moments — the 100th birthday of my grandfather, Pietro, or as everyone affectionately calls him, Peu. Reaching a century of life is already something extraordinary, but celebrating it surrounded by love, laughter, and legacy made it truly unforgettable.

A Garden Full of Life and Stories 🌳❤️

We chose to host the celebration in the garden — a place that has seen generations of our family grow, and where many memories have been shared. But this wasn’t just a typical family gathering. Dozens of people came to celebrate Grandpa Piero, not only relatives, but also longtime friends, neighbors, and even the Mayor of Albissola Marina, who joined us for the occasion.

Seeing so many familiar faces gathered together, all united to honor my grandfather’s life, was deeply moving. Everyone came with a story to tell, a photo to show, or simply to give him a hug and a smile. It was a true celebration of community — one that reflected the impact this incredible man has had on the lives around him.

A Life Marked by Courage and Kindness 🇮🇹🌟

For those who don’t know, Piero (Peu) is a former partisan — a man who fought during difficult times for values he believed in, and who has lived a life of courage, simplicity, and honesty. His story is part of Italy’s story, and now, at 100 years old, he continues to inspire us with his humility and strength.

During the celebration, the Mayor of Albissola paid tribute to him with a short speech, and even local media joined in to commemorate the event. One of the articles that came out about the celebration perfectly captured the spirit of the day. You can read it here.

A Personal Project: Capturing His Story on Camera 🎥📖

To make sure these memories — and above all, his voice and his thoughts — are never lost, I’ve started working on a video project: an interview with my grandfather, where he shares parts of his life and the lessons he’s learned across ten incredible decades.

We’ve already started filming. Sometimes it’s just a short story, a smile, a memory from when he was a child… other times, he opens up about the war, about family, about love. I can already tell that this will be one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever worked on. Not just for me — but for our whole family, and for those who want to understand more about the past from someone who lived it in full.

The Power of Legacy 🕊️

The celebration made me think a lot about legacy — about what it means to leave something behind. Grandpa Piero hasn’t just lived 100 years; he’s filled those years with purpose, kindness, and integrity. His legacy is not made of medals or trophies, but of people — those who came to celebrate him, and those who carry a piece of his story in their hearts.

In today’s fast world, we sometimes forget the value of listening to those who came before us. This birthday was a reminder to slow down, to ask questions, to listen. There’s so much to learn from someone who has truly lived through a century of history, challenges, and change.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude 🌅

As the sun went down on the garden that day, with music playing and voices laughing, I felt incredibly lucky. Lucky to have such a grandfather, lucky to share this moment with my family, and lucky to be able to capture it — not just in photos and videos, but in feelings.

Thank you Grandpa Peu, for everything you’ve given us.
Happy 100th birthday — and here’s to the memories we’ve made, and those still to come. 🥂

Every time I step onto a sailboat, I feel a special kind of freedom. The sound of the wind filling the sails, the salty breeze on my skin, and the endless blue horizon ahead — it’s pure magic. This week, I spent a full day at sea, sailing with my good friend Andrea on his boat, and it reminded me once again why I love life on the water.

Andrea’s sailboat has become my go-to escape when I want to disconnect from the routine and reconnect with nature. It’s not a luxury yacht or a high-performance racing machine — and that’s exactly why I love it. It’s real, it’s authentic, and it gives you that raw connection with the sea that you don’t get with a motorboat. No engines, no noise — just the wind and the waves.

Smooth Sailing at 6 Knots 🌬️🌊

We set sail early in the morning from the port of Savona. The wind wasn’t particularly strong, but it was steady enough to give us a nice cruising speed of about 6 knots. Just enough to feel alive, to feel the boat slicing through the water with a gentle rhythm. If you’ve ever been sailing, you know the feeling: it’s meditative and exhilarating all at once.

We didn’t have a set route — just a general plan to head toward Varigotti, one of the most beautiful coastal spots in Liguria. We wanted to take our time, enjoy the journey, and let the wind decide how fast or slow we’d get there.

Fishing, the Slow Way 🎣🌞

Of course, no day at sea with Andrea would be complete without a bit of fishing. We set up the trolling lines and cruised slowly, hoping to catch something fresh for lunch. And luck was on our side! A few decent-sized albacora (little tunas) took the bait, and before long we had a nice catch cooling in the icebox.

There’s something deeply satisfying about catching your own food and cooking it right there. But this time, we saved the fish for later and opted for a Ligurian classic for lunch…

Pasta al Pesto, the Sailor’s Fuel 🍝🌿

Lunchtime on a boat has a special flavor — especially when you’re hungry from the wind and sun. Andrea prepared one of my all-time favorite dishes: pasta al pesto. For those who don’t know, pesto is a traditional Ligurian sauce made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmigiano, and olive oil — simple ingredients, but full of character.

We cooked it onboard, using the tiny kitchen (or “galley,” as sailors say), and let me tell you: nothing tastes better than pasta eaten with the view of the open sea and the scent of basil mixing with salty air. We paired it with some cold water and a few smiles — perfection.

A Swim in Paradise 🏖️💦

After lunch, we dropped anchor near Varigotti — a picturesque coastal village known for its turquoise waters and golden cliffs. The sun was shining, the water was warm, and it didn’t take long before we jumped in for a refreshing swim. No stress, no phones, just floating in the sea with the sun on our faces.

It’s in moments like these that I feel most alive — not chasing speed, not chasing goals, just being in the moment.

Back to Port, Full Sail 🏁⛵

As the afternoon passed, we raised the sails once more and headed back toward Savona. No engines, just the wind doing its job. The boat glided smoothly, cutting through small waves, while we shared stories and talked about future adventures.

There’s a special kind of silence that comes with sailing — not the absence of sound, but the presence of peace. It’s the silence that allows you to hear your thoughts clearly, to feel your heartbeat in sync with the motion of the sea.

Already Counting the Days…

By the time we docked back in Savona, the sun was dipping low, painting the sky with shades of orange and pink. I stepped off the boat tired, sun-kissed, and completely recharged. Days like this remind me how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful place, and how much joy simple things can bring: a friend’s boat, a homemade lunch, a dive into the sea.

I already can’t wait for the next sailing trip. Until then, I’ll hold onto the memories and keep chasing that feeling of freedom.

This past week was special — I celebrated my 32nd birthday! And like every year, I did it the only way I know how: with the people I love, in a place that feels like home. The party was held at a stunning beachside venue in Bergeggi, a little slice of paradise on the Ligurian coast. The best part? The place is managed by one of my dearest friends, and it made the night even more meaningful.

We have a tradition, she and I. Being born just a few days apart, we’ve celebrated our birthdays together for as long as I can remember. Even as kids, our families — who have been friends long before we were born — would always find a way to make our shared week feel magical. And to this day, that tradition continues. Whether it’s our birthdays or Christmas, we celebrate together like we always have. There’s a comfort in that kind of consistency — in knowing some things never change, even as life moves fast.

The party was everything I could’ve hoped for: great food, joyful toasts, sea breeze in the air, and the kind of laughter that echoes well into the night. For a moment, I forgot about training schedules, healing feet, or heat waves. I was simply present, grateful to be surrounded by people who matter.

🥵 Summer Heat Is Here

But once the birthday magic faded and Monday hit — reality came back hard. Summer didn’t just “arrive” this week — it exploded onto the scene. We went from spring breezes to full-blown, sweat-dripping, 30+ degree Celsius days without warning. Don’t get me wrong, I love summer. But when you’re trying to stick to your training routine, the heat adds a whole new level of difficulty.

The gym? Like a sauna. My usual bike rides? Brutal. Even early mornings feel like midday now. But I’m not complaining — okay, maybe just a little — because I know this heat is also part of what makes summer in Liguria so unique. Long days, golden evenings, the scent of salt in the air… it’s all part of the rhythm of this season.

🚴‍♂️ Back in the Saddle

There is some good news though: my foot is finally starting to heal. It’s still not perfect — I wouldn’t dare walk barefoot on the sand just yet — but I’m able to cycle again and even sneak in a few light runs. Compared to a few weeks ago, this feels like a small victory. I had underestimated how long the recovery would take, but slowly and surely, I’m getting back to full form.

Each day I push a little more. Whether it’s five more minutes on the bike or one more set at the gym, I’m building back strength — not just physically, but mentally too. Injuries are tough, especially when you’re someone who’s always on the move, but they also teach patience. And trust me, I’m still learning.

❤️ Grateful and Moving Forward

So here I am — 32 years old, feeling a little older (and hopefully wiser), a little stronger, and still full of plans for the months ahead. Summer is just starting, and I know there are plenty of adventures waiting: on the water, in the mountains, and probably somewhere far from home again.

Thank you to everyone who sent me birthday wishes, who celebrated with me, and who follows my journey week after week. I’ll keep sharing the ups, the downs, and the sweat in between. If you want to stay updated in real time, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @riccardovaraldo and on Strava.

See you next week — and stay hydrated out there! 😅🚴‍♂️🎂