The Ulitmate Explorer

The Juliaos were out of town for the weekend so I decided it was time to spread my wings, a little more, and go out on my own for a weekend adventure. Destination: the Italian Riviera!
I wanted to explore the coastal towns and see the Mediterranean.
I took a train to Genoa (Genova in Italian)...just under 2 hours. This was my first "long distance" train experience. I was in a box with 5 others, 3 people across from each other, knee to knee. I got a window seat and watched the little towns, the countryside, rivers, horses, and sheep go by.

Genoa is the 2nd largest port in Europe, the most important commercial port in Italy. It has a natural harbor and mountains to protect it.





Christopher Columbus is from Genoa. There are monuments all over the city of him. I toured the tiny cottage where he grew up (supposedly). Only parts of the literature were translated into English:( His father was apparently a weaver, so they showed all the different fashions of the day. If I were wearing something like that over the weekend I would have died from heat exhaustion!

He's kinda a big deal!

This is the east gateway into the city, right by Columbus's house.

Sant Andrea: These cloisters are all that's left of a convent, from the 12th C

Genoa has a faded elegance about it. Palaces that were once homes to the wealthy are now museums along Via Garibaldi. I sat in the courtyard of one of them and sketched. It was no masterpiece but if felt good to exercise that skill I haven't used in quite some time. I hope to do alot more sketching on site!

This seaside village is very romantic, even though it has a rustic edge. As I passed one of the palaces, there was a wedding party waiting to throw confetti at the bride and groom. The cars lined up had bows on top and a bouquet of flowers in the bride and groom's car (above). Italians are so very affectionate. There is alot of smooching on the streets. Couples always hold hands. I saw the sweetest elderly couple, neatly dressed, every so slowly making their way through the busy streets hand in hand. Another couple, where the man took such great care of his pregnant wife dressed in a formal black gown and heels as they ventured through the stone streets. It made me wonder where they were going.

I love how expressive Italians are. One does not wander what kind of mood an Italian is in, it's obvious!



I captured a shot of typical "motorninis" parked on the street and tiny smart cars across the street in the same colors. There are still many Smart Cars but the trend is to get sedans now....I see alot of Audis especially. The buses are Mercedes!























I walked around for about 8 hours and my calves and lower back were feeling it! The buildings are perched on a mountainside. Maybe, I worked off some of the cheese and Gelato I ate last week!

This was an area I hiked to for a good view of the city. There were shade trees, benches, and kids playing catch and kicking soccer balls around.




















I sat at the fountain here to eat my panini and grapfruit. This particular cafe owner didn't like that I don't speak Italian well....I only know a few words and phrases so far but will keep doing the Rosetta stone series and may take classes. Too bad southern charm doesn't work here:).













So strange, a lot of the buildings have painted windows next to operable ones. Or painted architectural columns or bands. That's one way to value engineer a project, I guess. In one of the painted open windows, there was even a painted cat. It looked pretty real, ick! No, Kendyl (if you're reading this), I havn't gotten over my dislike for cats yet;)










This is part of the outdoor mall. Everything is so expensive here and the exchange rate is 1E= 1.40 USD It'll be window shopping for me!

I know it's hard to believe, but this woman is wearing neon green Crocs with her moomoo. Too bad that fashion has made it here from the states!




Many buildings had dramatic stone sculptures. Alot of the sculptures referenced sea creatures or shells.





San Lorenzo, the city Duomo, has a black and white striped Gothic facade, built in the early 13th century!



















The ancient buildings are contrasted by some quite contemporary, sleek, posh little shops and cafes. This restaurant had a dog dining as well. Dogs are allowed everywhere in Italy. Earlier I saw dogs inside McDonalds and walking out of a bank!














I was able to get a room in a hostel that had it's own bathroom with a twin bed. Showering was tricky business though. The shower curtain encompassed about a 16" square and the bidet and toilet were inches away. Interesting.

I got all showered up and ready for dinner...a date with me. No friends to call. I took a book to this cute little restaurant close to my hostel with a wood burning oven. Very casual, local feeling, with peppers and olive oil hanging. The owner seemed to know everyone who came in...except me. I ordered the house red vino, which is brought out in a carafe (wine can be bought on tap) and chilled. He just gave me the pizza menu although the other tables got the "specials" pastas and meats told to them. I really wanted pasta but kinda just went with the flow. I couldn't help but wish I was sitting at a table with my friends as I looked around and everyone was enjoying company.

I slept well that night thanks to all the walking and the vino!