Genoa and prostitutes

It turns out we made the best decision to stay in tiny Arcola. It has proved to be a great base spot for exploring the coast. There are many options for places to explore along the coast and hills. We opted for a drive to Genoa today, about an hour and a half from Arcola.

We had an interesting drive on the Autostrada which ran through the hills, which meant we drove through many tunnels. We found a park and walked in the old town, which is
medieval. Genoa certainly lacks the charm and life of other places we've visited. Many things were closed, the streets dirty and the people not very friendly. But it gave us an insight to how the people of this region live. The old town is a mix of bars and cafes, old churches and monuments, young and old and alleyway living. We saw old ladies chatting on street corners that are most likely their daily meeting point to gossip about the neighbours. Prostitutes lined the narrow alleys in the red light district which we found ourselves in while walking....and quickly left. Down by the harbour children played, couples drank beer in the many bars at 11am, vendors sold fresh seafood and the gypsies begged for money. So while it wasn't a pretty place or a friendly place it was very real. Real people going about their daily business.

We had read review of Trip Advisor about the best things to do. The Aquarium had mixed reviews, but the most recent ones quite good. We felt like doing something a little different today, a rest shall we say from historical buildings and rich culture. It was looking promising upon entry, but our interest faded fairly quickly and we found ourselves willing the exit to come upon us. Parts of it were actually quite sad. The dolphins, seals and penguins are kept in quite small areas with little to keep them stimulated. People were putting their hands in the tanks to touch the fish, even though there were clear signs that said not to. Some of the exhibits were quite good though and our favourite were the jelly fish! I never knew there were so many different types of jelly fish out there. Other favourites: the Iguana and tiny turtles. (see the video for some footage of the Jelly fish - Shannon)

Baby Turtles

It was time for some lunch and we found an 'Eataly' not far from the aquarium. Eataly is a cross between a produce/grocery store and a restaurant. They cook what you order on the spot right in front of you. We haven't actually eaten much pizza since arriving in Italy, so both chose a pizza for lunch. To say it was underwhelming would be being kind.

We then took a stroll through the 'carrugi' - small alley ways that weave between the piazzas. It was here we accidentally stumbled upon the red light district and what appeared to be the local drug ring. More on that in the video below.

We finished our day back at beautiful Villa Ducci with a light dinner consisting of cold cuts, cheese, bread and tomato salad that we had bought at the local supermarket. It was accompanied by my favourite wine...Brunello di Montelcino. We had tried this famous wine when in Italy last time and I have been looking forward to drinking it again. It didn't disappoint. Shannon did find it at Dan Murphy's at home for around 50 dollars a bottle, not really a wine you buy just to have 'because'. But here it is about half that price, at the local supermarket! I wonder how well it would travel??

Todays Video, 

Tomorrow - more of the coast.