Our journey has taken us to Genoa, Italy. Also known as Genova. A speedy train from Rome, approximately 4.5 hours, and presto we are here.
Our hostess, Michela, gave us a 4:30pm check-in so we had about 4 hours to hang out in Genoa until then.
So......we checked our luggage, (at the Genoa Brignole Training Station) 6 euros per bag, in the 'Left Luggage' storage kiosk, and headed out.
Planning on not wandering too far from the Train Station....because to be honest...we have never been here and didn't want to get lost our first day.
ONWARDS......WE GO....
Heading straight out from the station was a green space which I could see not only a parrot flying about, but also what looked like the Arc de Triomphe?
The Arco Della Vittoria, is this incredible monument quietly sitting in Piazza Della Vittoria.
Built in 1931 it is dedicated to those from Genoa who's lives were lost in World War I.
Peeking through the Arch I wondered what was far in the distance.
Stairs....many, many stairs...heading up.
"Debbie....guess what I found."
(The Caravelle Stairway)
But first lunch. Where to go when you have never been? Go with your gut. Literally.
A set menu, in a little out of the way cafe, 8 euros each.
Below is a zucchini and tomatoes salad Genoese style. Yummy.
Gnocchi with the famous Genoa Pesto. Oh my gosh...incredible.
Deb had a tomato and arugula salad and this scrumptious ravioli.
With a large bottle of aqua with gas and two cappuccinos...16 euros!!!
The cafe is called 'Basil' and it was great. Highly recommended.
You know you are in Italy....when you see all the vespas and motorcycles.
On our first trip to Italy we were told that everyone had a vespa and car. Wow!
They love their doggies here too.
What a good boy getting his photo taken.
Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa in 1451. He completed four voyages during his lifetime across the Atlantic. There are many memorials to him in this city. This is one.
A close up view of the gardens shows the 'three caravels of Columbus.' Which means the three wooden boats he sailed in 1492 when he discovered the new world. The flowers are just starting to bloom. When they do, the ships will be quite vivid in colour and display.
Apparently this is where the young locals meet to decide where to go in the evenings.
Going up the Caravelle Stairway.
Pretty birds all around the gardens and in the trees...including parrots that will not get their photo taken. But I will persevere.
View from the top...worth the climb.
Looking over the Piazza Della Vittoria.
We climbed a bit higher...and came upon sweeping views of the cityscape that is Genoa.
From this vantage point we continued walking and found the sea.
It is only March and the greenery is already fabulous.....I can't imagine by summer how exquisite it will be.
My wee favourite European Robin. Can't tell you how much joy it gives me to hear and see him....I love him.
Oh...yes....so this happened in Genoa????
Did anyone else not know there were dinosaurs in this city????
(Museum)
Lots of walking.....finally a sit down with a meringue cookie and cappuccino.
Time to head back to the station...get our luggage...and grab a taxi.
Michela...here we come.
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