Wednesday 1 August 2012

Loving Genoa

Genoa [Italy's 6th largest city] was one of the places we really loved on our Italian 'snapshot'.......it didn't really feel like a big city.......more like a coastal town.......full of fascinating history [I'd forgotten how important a city it had once been]......interesting architecture and ancient monuments......an old and a new part.....a lovely port area.......lots of variety.
The ship could dock in the city.......so no buses or trains needed......a walk along the port.....admiring the boats.....including Neptune's galleon......before jumping on a 'tourist train' for a whistle stop tour of the city.......and a bit of a history lesson.
We walked around the newer part of the city........admiring the architecture......and wandering in and out of shops.......a stop for a cold drink......and then into the warren of backstreets in the old town.
The streets were very narrow, quite dark and cool......with most of the sun blocked out......the shops far more authentic.....lots of locals......few tourists......and it felt slightly intimidating.
When we returned to the ship we found out 3 passengers had been robbed in Genoa........so perhaps our old town meander hadn't been such a good idea!!! 
But we loved Genoa......and had a great day.

13 comments:

Kathyk said...

Glad to hear that you weren't one of the three who were robbed. FABULOUS layouts, Genoa looks lovely - I've never been. Would you return?

Happy Wednesday - welcome to August!

Kathyk

scrappyjacky said...

Would definately return,Kathy.

debs14 said...

There's something about Italy that is just magical isn't there? This post makes me want to explore more. Although maybe I'd be holding onto my handbag VERY tightly! It's always nice to get off the beaten track a little and find the real atmosphere of a place. Great layouts.

Amy said...

Italy is certainly on my list of places to visit in the future - love your layouts Jacky ... especially the photo bottom left in the second last layout!

Elizabeth said...

Looks like a lovely city. Good thing you didn't know about the robberies before you visited the older part of the city. You might have missed all the good things you saw.

Sian said...

It looks gorgeous! I love your way of documenting holidays wioth lots of photos on each page - it gives us such a flavour of each trip

Abi said...

Gosh! Glad to hear you were safe. Looks like a beautiful place though. Love the page you made to go with it.

Melissa said...

Wow, your pages look great & this album is really coming along!

alexa said...

Glorious pages - those ships look wonderful. Glad you were all fine ...

Maria Ontiveros said...

Thanks for making me feel like I'm traveling through Italy with you! Love it.
The pictures of you are all super cute.
Rinda

Karen said...

Not only do I enjoy your beautiful layouts, I enjoy your commentary as well.

Alison said...

Great pages Jacky...you really do have to bee very careful in all these touristy cities !
Alison xx

Anonymous said...

I have never visited Italy and your recent posts make me want to go more than ever.