Keeping with my plans to do some 3-4 day trips as often as I can while the weather is nice. My next stop was Genova, the capital of the Italian region of Liguria and the sixth largest city of Italy. I have been wanting to explore this western coast. As you go south it is referred to as the “Italian Riviera”. The cities in this area are Cinque Terre, Portofina, Camogli, Santa Margherita Ligure and many other beautiful places for future visits.
My favorite thing to do when visiting a new place is just walk with no particular destination in mind. My hotel, Hotel Metropoli, was in a perfect location for exploring the city. On my left was Via Garibaldi in the historical center of Genova known for its ancient palaces.
Fabulous architecture in all directions.
It’s important to always look up. The ceilings sometimes
All over Genova they had these umbrella installations. It added a magical touch to the city. I have not been able to discover any details about when they went up or why.
Even down some of the small Streets you would find the umbrellas.
I found a great caffe to have breakfast and sit outside. Always a welcome experience.
The owner of this place was so sweet. He liked Zoe and when he brought out my espresso he brought a plate of ham for Zoe.
One moment you are looking at a beautiful fountain
Than you turn down a little street and get into the grit of the city. It’s what I liked about the city the most.
Caffè degli Specchi became my go to bar every afternoon about 6:30. The history of this place goes back to 1908.
This is the original ceiling
They also had a nice assortment of snakes for aperto.
i was excited to try this place for dinner., Antca Osteria di Vico Palla. It is a historic restaurant that has its origin since 1500 when sailors and poets passed through the streets of Genova to eat traditional fish dishes.
A reservation is a most. They were very nice,he gave me a table for 4 and I said I’d be happy to share after I saw him turn away a few people He said no it’s your table.
As usual my girl has her own chair. She is way beyond sitting on the floor.
Wanting to always taste as much as I can, I ask if they would do Half portions. He told me he could do it with some dishes but not all, I had him show me what he could and I got this wonderful seafood pasta. Very nice experience.
I decided this would be a good city to do one of those off and on bus tours. It’s a big city so I wanted to get an overview. I stayed on the entire route and made note of where I should go back. The ticket is good for 48 hours and only 15€.
I was able to see things I couldn’t on my own walking.
Genova is where pesto originated. I was told that Ristorante Il Genovese was one of the best places to try it. This place goes back to 1912. They prepare dishes of the Ligurian regional cuisine prepared following ancient popular recipes.
The food was excellent but not the great service I had the night before. He placated me and said he would give me half portions but didn’t. Never came to check on me once. I’m not recommending this place and am sure there are many that have great pesto dishes.
I have no idea what the significance of these Blue birds were but I sure did love them.
My last night I wanted to do something other than Italian and something that’s not plentiful in Firenze. But that’s most ethnic restaurants. Sushi was calling my name and I found a gem of a place. Broadside Sushi has a very contemporary decor and it is upstairs of a Japanese clothing store.
The soy sauce was in a test tube type of bottle with a squeeze dropper.
I wanted to try the sushi, sashimi and the tempura but not large orders of each I had the best waiter ever and he was very receptive to small portions of everything. I finally said “surprise me”. He did a wonderful job and I would go back to Genova just for this place.
I would go back for many reasons I loved this city, with all its hills, funky alleyways.I was heartbroken when the bridge collapsed and was so glad I had been there before because I might have put it off for a while.
Beautiful, and educational. The food made me hungry!
Love your comments on the beautiful places in Italy.
Thank you. It’s a wonderful place I have chosen to live
Hi Sally, I always look forward you your next post – they are utterly charming! Loved this one – Genova is on my list so it was wonderful to get a little taste (from California). Btw, the umbrellas are taking off as art installations in lots of places – for tourism, bit of shade, sometimes charity like the Pietrasanta one in 2017…
Thank you Tanya, I hope to post s couple more this week. I need to catch up.
Lovely post that gives a real flavour of the city x
Thanks for sharing! Always look forward to your blogs very informative, and always hungry afterwards!! The food looks so good. Great pictures !
Thank you for the encouragement
Hi
Loved all the photos and all the info!!
We are headed to Rome to visit friends and sure hope to stop in Florence to meet you for wine.
Not sure when we are headed down from Stuttgart, will let you know.
Your blogs are always interesting and love the photo of Zoe looking out the window💞
Keep me posted. Would love to meetvuoubb
Wonderful photos; I felt like I was there! Thank you for giving us a peek!
Sally, I googled umbrellas in Genoa and it seems that it’s just an art form and that it’s done in other Italian cities as well as in Portugal and Spain. I haven’t seen them anywhere in Italy yet, but they’re very pretty!
Thank you for that. I loved them as well.
Thank you for this wonderful post on your trip to Genova. I’ve never been there, but your post has made me want to visit. I came across your blog due to a link a friend shared on FB, which was your interview on Aging Out of Place. Terrific interview. I’ve now read all of your blog posts, and enjoyed every one. Thank you for sharing your Nuova Vita with us. Zoe looks so cute on the bus tour. I just wanted to kiss that cute head of hers. ❤️
Thank you sooooo much. I am always so surprised when I get these wonderful comments.
I sure wish you would have done this years ago and that would make us younger and we would have loved to join you on all your adventures. You do such neat things and go great places.
Char.
Thank you so much. I’d give anything to do a trip with you. And that you like my posts means do much to me.
Hello! I’m so glad you visited and liked my hometown!! I was born and raised in Genova and moved to Chicago about 5 years ago. Anyway, in case anybody is wondering… the umbrellas have been initially installed on the occasion of Euroflora – I believed it happened in late April – early May. Euroflora is a flower show that showcases flowers, plants from all over the world and this year has returned to Genova after many years. I’m not sure whether the umbrellas will stay on permanently, but they sure look nice and bring some color to the city!
Thank you so much for your he info. I as well hope it’s permanent
Fabulous photos of this amazing city. One city in Italy that I never made it to, but will next time, hopefully with you and Zoe.
What fun that would be.
Miss you.
Sally, this was just lovely. I feel like I’ve had a little trip to Genova. You have an artists soul girl…love the images you chose. Can’t wait for the next trip ❤️ Di x
Thank you so much. I’m always so surprised that people like these posts.
I live.in Sydney Australia and.have a dream to live in Florence albeit maybe part time where I can explore with no time limit and see things I have been to see many times.ovee as a tourist. I have just returned from another trip to Italy but going on holidays isn’t the same. I have read your blog from start to.finish without a break and love your life. You give me inspiration to do the same one day. Thank you for taking me on your adventure living in one of the most beautiful city in the world Angela
Thank you do much. Let me know the next time your in italy.
You can friend in fab if you like
Hi Angela, I could have written the identical comment to yours – we should connect! Did u know there is a life coach (called Sophie) who used to live in Florence, now outside city in Tuscany, who helps people do just that? Are you on a lot of the FB groups, Exoats in Italy, Women who have moved to Italy alone, etc? There are a ton of them, with wonderful info. One of the best for changing your life in general is She Hit Refresh. I’m across the pond from you in California, but also am trying to figure out how to leave this place in my “retirement “ and start living fully again. I adore Italy and Florence in particular and am planning to spend another month there this year (it was six weeks a couple of years ago, too long already).
Hi
Yes I do know Sohpie. Nice lady and good group. There are great expat groups here and it’s an easy place to meet people if you open yourself up. I also was from California. Friend me on fab if you would like to stay in touch.
Thank you Angela. Look me up if you ever some back to Florence