THE FIRST ENCOUNTER

There is something liberating about being a tourist in a city you are considering as the next base in life. It allows one not to be concerned about everyday issues such as how to open a bank account, why the gas bill is higher than expected or where is the nearest hospital. No. Being a tourist implies that this is a temporary visit and the experience is a welcome break from the place one calls "home" for the time being. It also means that one has a return ticket in the (Italian) handbag and there is a possibility of never going back again.  In other words, you are allowed to be shallow and enjoy it too.

Genoa is pretty easy to explore by walking. We had one "let's check the map moment" when we took a wrong turn.

Genoa's operahouse,Teatro Carlo Felice, was destroyed during the Second World War.
It was rebuilt and finally re-opened in June 1991. This is the place to come and listen to world class performers: there are at least 3-4 classical music recitals monthly and tickets go fast.

 

Genoa is clearly an interesting mixture of history and the present day. It has hills and valleys - big green parks too (82,000 square meters!!) It is the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. There are numerous museums, an Aquarium, historical palaces, churches and basilicas. The Port of Genoa is busy with container ships and cruise lines. Genoa is a modern city, yet it is impossible not to stop and admire buildings which scream "I was built hundred years ago". I would have guessed that Genoa has at least million people, but suprisingly, the population is only approximately 600 000 and the whole of Liguria 1.5 million people.

Several forts - at least some of them from the Napoleonic time - can be seen on the hills of Genoa.

The hills seem to be going on and on and on... beautiful.


 

 

This is what I mean: in the city itself, an ancient looking castle and a building site next door

This is the statue of Vittorio Emmanuele II - the king who unified Italy

This marble floor was in excellent condition even though thousands and thousands of people
must have walked through this portico.

As I watch the skyline of the City of Genoa for the very first time from the Hop Inn-Hop Off bus, I am intrigued. I want to know more. I want to know everything there is to know about this City. Have I been seduced? Of course I have. Big Time.