Genoa

Yesterday, Natalie, Christine O, Tina, Megan and I decided to take a day trip to see something new. We traveled an hour by train to Genoa, Italy. It is one of Europe's largest cities on the Mediterranean and is Italy's largest seaport. It is said to have the most beautiful sunset in all of Italy. Even though it was in the 60's and cloudy for the second half of the day, it was still breathtaking and it felt so good to see palm trees and be somewhere coastal. The rain held off and allowed us to have a great day exploring the city.

When we got off the train, we made our way down to the area around the docks to see the water.

 After we made our way down to the water, we spent some time walking through the small streets to find the landmarks that are famous to Genoa.

(St. Lawerence Cathedral) 

We then stumbled upon the overlook at Spianota Castelletto, which is a beautiful scenic panoramic view of the city. While we were waiting in line to buy tickets, there were two people in front of us speaking English so one of the girls asked where they were from. The guy said "Well, I am from Kentucky..." I immediately screamed and asked him what part he was from. Turns out he goes to Transylvania University and is studying in France and just happened to be visiting Italy that day. We told him that we were studying in Milan and just visiting Genoa for the day. He said that they were planning on going to Milan but decided to visit there instead. It is such a small world. What are the odds? I think I scared him a little when I screamed at him for saying he was from Kentucky... oh well. 

One of my favorite parts of the day had to be when we came across a Volkswagen bug that was painted like an Italian city. As we were being our normal, tourist-y selves, taking thousands of pictures with the car, the owner came to it and let us sit inside to take better photos. Anyone that knows me, knows that I loved my bug more than anything and I still miss it to this day. If I could have this car in the States, I would 100% be driving it.

We shopped a little, got our necessary postcards and then had dinner at Osteria il Cadraio. Tina and Natalie got fish, which was fantastic, and the rest of us got pasta which was also fantastic. We definitely picked the right place to have our only meal in Genoa. After dinner, we took a cab to the famous Boccadasse Coast. It was absolutely beautiful. We thought the overlook was amazing, but this view was unforgettable. I think we took about 800 pictures each. I could have stayed there for days and not gotten tired of that view. 

Aunt Ruthie and Uncle Big John, this right picture is for you. Of course I thought of you all whenever I saw this Golden. Mom, this left picture of the lighthouse is for you. You were all there with me in spirit.

 We finished the day with some of the best gelato that we've ever had and for the first time ever, we traveled somewhere and had ALMOST 0 problems. We had the best time together and it was one of the most enjoyable days I've had since we've been here. I can't wait to go back when its warmer. I LOVE YOU, GENO(VI)A<3