Saying Good-bye To Genoa, Italy

It is incredible how quickly time flies by.  All ready tomorrow we catch out train heading to Rome with a stay overnight followed by a flight to Canada on April 1st.

We have been in Europe since before New Years Eve, starting with Paris, France, then travelling to Herceg Novi, Montenegro, and final destination, Genoa, Italy.

In that time we did a lot of day trips, visiting Dubrovnik, Croatia, Kotor, Budva, and some other tiny villages in Montenegro.  From Genoa, we visited Rome, Venice, Boccadasse, Nervi, and the Cinque Terres.

We had a few set backs.  I was quite sick in Herceg Novi for a solid few weeks, then Deb got sick as well.  It happens.

I have been training for the Ottawa Tamarack Half Marathon in May and my running paths through these amazing countries has been breathtaking.  How friggin' lucky am I?

The Airbnb's we booked were all in fantastic locations, priced affordably, easily accessible to transit so we could go touring about, and well appointed.

We met a few Canadians and Americans and Aussies along the way. 

 I have to say, we were greeted with lovely people in all these countries.  Some going out of their way to help out a couple of travelling women.  Such great acts of kindness....too many to number.

I say a big THANK YOU.

.....and thank you Genoa for the memories.

Until we see you again.

Venice, A Breathtaking Beauty

"A realist, in Venice, would become a romantic by mere faithfulness to what he saw before him."

Arthur Symons

Our little alley and canal near our beautiful Airbnb.  

A wee lad quietly sitting in an apartment window watching the crowds.

Today we came upon a artisan who creates marbled paper.

It is incredible.  Each and every sheet of designed paper he sells, he has created.

We watched him work his magic and he was happy for us to photograph his work.

These are hanging in the store.

Exceptional work.

I purchased a journal that was covered with this beautiful art work.

Gail also bought sheets of his work.

That was really interesting to watch and learn how this ancient art is done.

These two gals have enjoyed themselves on this Italy trip.

I am certain they went home completely spent....knowing they did it all.

Walking his cat.....so cute.

Time for tea, cafe latte, cappuccino and Trudi's humungous beer!!!  

Happiness is......

The steins were the size of German Octoberfest glasses!!!

Another artisan working just off the Strada Nova.

The first photo was taken Thursday, the last photo was taken on Sunday as he was completing it.

The beauty of Venice.

It is such a visual city.....palpable vibe.....feeds your soul.

On our last day, Trudi & Gail left very early on a vaporetto to the Venice Airport.  Deb and I had a delicious lunch right along the Grand Canal before taking the 5 hour train back to Genoa.

Breathtaking spot.

THE BEST lasagna I have ever had.

Sitting, enjoying, watching the world go by.

That was an amazing few days with friends, in a city we love, blessed with incredible sunny days and warm evenings.

A must on everyones Bucket List.

Venice....see you in 2020....God willing.