Genoa - Seaside

It was a Friday night, we were looking at the weather reports, sick and tired of cold, fog and rain. Genoa was only two hours away and the report saying 18 degrees and sun.

When we first came out of the fog we were in the outskirts of Genoa already. The landscape suddenly changes from flat to hilly and the road goes through tunnel after tunnel. Then as the last tunnel opening is past the wonderful view of the hills and the Mediterranean ocean reveal itself. We decided to park in the center and walk around to explore.

The first stop (not counting all the shops) was the square with all the fountains in front of the art museum. We enjoyed a milkshake and looked at the city life pass by. Next on the list was the famous via Garibaldi on the UNESCO world heritage list. It was a magnificent street with huge old rock buildings. Showing that this city once was very wealthy.

Later in the day we went to the seaside to join the crowds enjoying the sun by the harbor. Looking at all the yachts there are still some rich people left here. Sadly our Norwegian eating habits didn't go well with the Italians. It was impossible to find a restaurant open before 19.00. We couldn't last that long and lowered us self to a meal at McDonald's. After that we found it best to just go home. The day was great, but we learned an important lesson about finding a place to eat before we get too hungry.

Fountains and the city's Christmas tree.



My lovely wife in front of the Art museum.This old street is on the unesco world heritage list.



Palm trees.



Genoa harbour.One of the many yachts.

Sailing in San Benedetto del Tronto

One of my new friends in Italy invited a group of people to her home town to spend the weekend. I was the only one who went and I am glad I did.

After a long train ride we arrived in the evening, just in time for Italian dinner. Gloria's mum happens to be one of the Italians mothers that know how to cook. On the table was all kinds of meat, vegetables, cheese and drinks. I had no problem what so ever to get full. Even though the conversation language used was mainly Italian I felt very welcomed.

After dinner I went out with Gloria and her brothers. We walked through the streets and met people they know around every corner. The city life is lively even at night. We had a bike ride on the long beaches and I could imagine this to be a popular place in the summer. Now it was just too cold to enjoy the beach for summer activities.

Gloria's dad is an eager sailor. He even runs a sailing school. The Sunday we came he arranged a regatta. He let us go in one of the bigger sailboats for the race. I was very worried about my sea sickness, but I didn't tell anyone about it. Once aboard I felt good and enjoyed the drafting air out in the sea. The waves didn't bother me as much as they do on bigger ships. We got a great start in the regatta and our boat was in the lead the whole time. I cannot say I contributed by anything but keeping out of the way. I am pretty sure I got a tan sitting in the sun the entire day. Back in the house was homemade Italian pizza.

I do hope to come back to San Benedetto again. I am thinking this is a nice place to take my wife for a summer holiday. I won't tell her just yet, but this area is also where most of the Italian shoes are made. Besides it's so good to know you have friends in this place.

One of the sailors. Notice how far behind the other boats are.

We had plenty of time to enjoy the sunshine and the smell of the sea.


San Benedetto del Tronto housing.

Old Fiat 500. Old Lady.