Leapfrog

I had an amazing day in Genoa. This is a very nice town, although I must admit the tiny roads freak me out a little bit, the buildings loom overhead in an almost menacing way. I woke up and leisurely ate breakfast at my hostel, nothing fancy, but enough to start the day. Then, with nothing more than a vaguely google mapped out plan I headed out, ready to explore Genoa. (Or Genova. I’m not totally sure which I should use…)

I wasn’t really sure where I was going so I went where I knew, Via Garibaldi, the main historic street in Genoa and a street I took to get to my hostel. As I was strolling along the cobblestone street I realized I was passing one of the museums I wanted to visit, the Palazzo Rosso. I hadn’t realized that the Palazzo Rossa, Palazzo Bianco, and Palazzo something Italian with a T were all linked and accessible by the same ticket, so I decided to start my day there. I walked up to the ticket lady and floundered my way through a half english half terrible Italian conversation, getting to the point that because I was 17, my admission was free. Yay! One odd thing I’ve noticed is that none of the museums I’ve visited have asked for my ID, save The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and The Musee Beaux Arts in Lyon. It’s not like I look particularly young for my age, but even if I try to hand it to the ticket person, they just smile and wave me away.

The palaces were beautiful, all three of them have been converted into museums, mainly focusing on, of course, old Italian masters. Walking through almost deserted galleries spending time with masterpieces, writing, and sketching was the perfect way to spend the morning. It helps that these palaces have courtyards and gardens that let the warm Italian sun stream in.

After a quick phone consultation I made my best guess as to the way to the aquarium, the real star of the show in Genoa. It is by far the most expensive thing I’ve done on my travels, the tickets for adults (anyone over the age of 12) are 25 euros, but it was well worth it. As I excitedly texted my mom, they have MANATEES. Sea cows are a favorite of mine, and being able to see them up close and in action was amazing. Walking in and the first display being of seahorses didn’t hurt either. The whole time I was there I felt nostalgic for the Baltimore aquarium visits of my childhood, the dark rooms, blue tanks, and fishy smell are instant triggers. I loved being in that aquarium, and being in that space again made feel feel peaceful and comfortable.

After a lengthy stay at the underwater zoo I muddled my way through ordering some very late lunch and headed back to my hostel. I made it safe and sound without consulting any sort of directions/ map. My sense of direction may no longer be my biggest weakness! I can learn!

I spent my evening editing videos and planning for Rome, with a quick break to walk through some of Genoa’s old streets and grab some pizza for dinner. For me, this was an ideal day.

p.s. More photos in the gallery!