As the plane descended into Genoa, Italy, I couldn’t help the perma-smile on my face. This was Italy. I was back. Italy has (obviously) always held a special place in my heart, and seeing the hills, the colorful houses, the aquamarine water—it felt like I was seeing Italy again for the first time. (Really though, this was only the second time I’ve flown into Italy—and that last flight was seven years ago!)
After a ridiculously long and horrendous day of delayed flights, running to make my connection (and being the last one to board), lost luggage, and a bus ticket machine not taking my credit card, I was on the brink of losing it. But I calmed down, resigned myself to the fact that I was about to spend a ridiculous amount of money on a cab to my hotel, but that I was in Italy where the language, food, scenery, clothes, and men were gorgeous. Thankfully, a little old couple shared a cab with me, and my ride ended up only being €8!
I finally arrived at the Genoa City Best Western, which is rated one of the top hotels in the city, and was pleasantly surprised to see that my friend Cindy and I had the penthouse suite. She had already checked in and when I walked into the room to say hello to her, I couldn’t concentrate on much as the expansive views from the windows just kind of stopped me dead in my tracks. I immediately dropped my things, threw the door open, and ran onto the deck to check out the city from above.
After a few moments of “ohmigod, I’m in ITALY!”, I thought I better settle in as much as I could without luggage before heading out to explore some of the city. Because Genoa was just a stopover point for me before heading to a few other areas, I knew I didn’t have much time there. So, Cindy and I just wandered around aimlessly for a couple of hours, checking out the architecture, walking along the water, photographing the fountains, churches, window shutters, and crumbling building facades.
I don’t think Genoa gets much coverage from travelers, which is a shame as it’s really a beautiful city. It’s a relatively small city, easily walkable and accessible from the airport and train station, and home to Marco Polo’s home. It’s a great place to visit if you’re in the Liguria region to see Portofino or Cinque Terre.
Another fun fact: it’s also the birthplace of pesto! (So don’t forget to try it when you’re there!)
My stay in Genoa was courtesy of Genoa City Best Western. As always, all opinions are my own.
I have heard that Genoa is a really great place. I bet the pesto was fantastic!
The pesto was fantastic, but a bit different than I was used to in the US. Typically we don’t add green beans, so that was new (and awesome!) for me! :)
Oh Genoa! Such a beautiful place…
Grace Cinotti recently posted..Visit Your Url
I agree, Grace! :)