It started off with her arriving in Genova via train from Reggio Emilia. Upon picking her up from the train station, to which she expressed gratitude at all who helped her with her luggage along the way - I've never had that whilst in Italy, we whisked her off to the Slow Fish festival at the port. My friends and I had already been there that evening, to which I took a hiatus, wine glass around my neck to the train station to get her. Hey, I had to show up in true Italian style right?
Luckily one of my Italy friends had a vehicle so upon learning that my other friend, let's call her CD for the rest of this post so as not to get confused, was keen for going to the festival we took her luggage, plopped it in the car and headed down to the port where we delved into a world of wine and wine tasting. Mmmmm.......
Tickets, glass and neck holder. Check, check, check! Bring on the wine tasting.
No CD yet. We were waiting. (But not empty handed lol)
After getting our fill of vino we headed to a Mexican restaurant where CD and I were excited to see Cheladas on the menu. Unfortunately, they were not what we thought or were used to, although pretty tasty if not totally salty. The little mixed burritos/tacos were absolutely scrumptious and it was nice to find yet another place where we can venture from pizza and pasta.
We topped off our night by meandering through the viccoly where CD got a taste of the downtown, busy, crowded lifestyle of Genova. During this trek home, one of our companions found a little place where we were encouraged to try a "traditional" (?) shot. Oh but this was no ordinary shot. No, no. It was a sugar cube that had been soaking in alcohol for at least a month, with a little bit of liquid. Needless to say I'm very surprised I survived that, I'm extremely glad there are no during drinking/eating pictures, and I'll never do that again.
First night in Genoa was a bang with many flavours of the city already felt.
The next day was a lazy day. We didn't get moving until the afternoon which was nice as our morning was chill and spent visiting and catching up. In the afternoon, we met up with another friend and went for a stroll down by the sea. It was a beautiful day and we stopped for a lovely lunch of trofie and pesto, a traditional Genovese dish.
Beautiful day for dining al fresco, although there
were some interesting clouds at one point.
That evening some friends invited us over for home made Greek pitas, hummus and tzatziki sauce. Yum! CD was then quickly introduced to our gaming night traditions, and our game of choice: Resistance! (A popular favourite, if you don't end up being the Spy EVERY round like yours truly that night). All in all a fun night hosted by great people and giving CD a chance to see one of our favourite weekend evening past times.
Someone had gone to bed at this point ;) lol
The next day we were up early and headed to Milan. CD was flying out of there the next day so we figured we'd head to the city for the day and then hit up the World Expo. Now this was kinda of a new experience for us both as I've been to Milan but usually only to head to the airport, so I have that routine down pat. The one time I went shopping there, I followed the lead of others as they navigated the subway system. At least we fuddled along together this time, using buses, trains and subways, and it worked out just fine. Watch out Expo, here come the Sask girls!
Looking great for the early morning train ride
(Well, not really that early I suppose)
So dropping her luggage at the train station, we found the subway and thanks to a helpful subway employee found out how to reach the Expo. It was a pretty smooth trip and before we knew it we were there.
Entrance to the expo. Security gates scanning bags and people.
Welcome to Expo '15
Waterway at the entrance.
There were various water scenes throughout the place
which were quite beautiful and calming.
The theme this year is food, and sustaining a future through agricultural means.
Main walkway
Each country represented has a building reflecting
their own style.
Purchases from the Sudan exhibit.
Stopped in "Belgium" for a tasty treat
The buildings that represent each country vary in style and are
super interesting to see. I loved seeing how countries represented
their culture through various means (i.e. architecture, food)
One highlight we wanted to hit was the Children's Park at the Expo. My friend had been in Reggio Emilia doing a study for the week prior to her visit and the park was created by the children at Reggio. It was really cool to see the various tasks/activities they created to explore the senses and use the mind in extraordinary ways to build understanding of the world around them.
Senses matching activity with herbs
Rainwater exhibit showing how the water cycle works.
The park across the pond
Body as a tree (your movements create the tree)
Motion and energy in relation to water, sound and light.
It was a HOT day! Relaxing in the shade after some gelato.
Tree of Life
One of many sculptures adding to the ambiance of the place.
After a few hours of navigating the Expo, seeing the various exhibits, trying tasty treats from different countries, and having a delicious pizza lunch we headed back to the train station where we bid each other adieu. Her to the hotel and me back to Genova. Our time together was brief but wonderful. It was great to see CD again, hear about her adventure at Reggio, share with her some of Italy and relish in having someone around who knows what a bunnyhug is.
Thank you to all my friends who were so warm and welcoming and showed her what a great group of people I have in my life here.
And thanks CD for coming. It was a grand adventure and I had a lovely visit! :) 'Til next time....
Randeen, your hospitality was amazing! Your friends were warm, welcoming and fun! You did a great job of combining Italy and Sask. It was wonderful to do some exploring as well as relaxing with you. Enjoy the rest of your European adventure!
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