To my mind Genoa is a city of contrasts. The cruise terminal itself is a magnificent old building with very compact quays so with having MSC Poesia docked next to us, it is almost as if two huge cruise ships have berthed in somebody's front driveway. Having said that, our position gives us fabulous views across the harbour with the older buildings on one side, the more modern, high rises on the other, in between a bustling, modern waterfront and the hillsides surrounding the port covered in apartment blocks old and new, castles, churches and palaces.
As we set off after breakfast, the queue for the hop on-hop off bus was already a hundred yards long, so we gave up on that idea and headed towards the main part of town. Initially, we walked along some of the back streets which were more reminiscent of North Africa than an Italian maritime city and although interesting, gave a small sense of unease. Fortunately, we soon found our way to the more fashionable side of town with small piazzas, a multitude of all kinds of shops, narrow streets less than a few feet wide and parts of the old city walls and gates. Certainly, there was a sense of history when considering the importance Genoa had as a commercial and trading centre in the Middle Ages and thereafter. Statues and other reminders of it's most famous son, Christopher Columbus, abound.
By this time, a morning refreshment was called for in one of the many small restaurants and bars which lay just within the walls of the main front of the city. Once the caffeine from the strong Italian coffee had kicked in, we set off again and soon spotted the wally trolley just across the Square. There was no queue and no wait, so with tickets purchased we climbed aboard and set off on an hours journey around the streets, passing many of the old historical monuments, cathederals and buildings. It really was interesting and informative.
Once back at our starting point, we crossed over to the waterfront area. This is a fairly recent development and boasts several attractions including an old (and undoubtedly replica) galleon, a maritime museum, aquarium, modern apartments and a plethora of small shops and restaurants.
We could not leave Italy without experiencing a gelato, so sat outside in the warm lunchtime sunshine feasting on vanilla, strawberry, lemon, coffee and pistachio ice creams. Lush!
Of course we had to get down to the afternoon trivia competition. We didn't come first this time, but the winning team received a bottle of champers. For our victory yesterday, all we got was a cheap, tacky lanyard. Unfair is not the word.
Upon pain of death, I am obliged to report that I challenged my DW to a game of shuffleboard.....and I lost. A rematch is due tomorrow, methinks.
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