We are just wanderers...

8/26 Nice, France ->?? Genoa, Italia!

We woke up with minimal to no plans. Stay near the coast and make our way into Italy, preferably towards Venice. We took the French rail as far as it would go, Ventimiglia Italy. From there we gathered that we could make it to Genoa by rail... So we Spent the interim between trains having food from Nice picnic style. After we were well fed, we walked toward the beach, discovering an open air market. Enjoying the rows and rows of sellers, we eventually made it to the beach just to gaze at the sea. We decided to return to the train station, got a bit turned about, but eventually we ran into an old woman who pointed out the way.

Double checking that we were on the right train, we entered into an empty compartment that had a clear window. Alli was excited that we had space to ourselves for once, and I was excited because I felt like I had boarded the train for hogwarts. Right before the train was leave, a couple entered our compartment and told us we were in the wrong spot. :( We trudged along the different cars as the train began to move. Finally we found our correct seats, but we had left our food behind. Alli went back to get the food, as I settled in with the family who we shared the compartment with. It was so hot during the journey, the air conditioning was broken. As the family left, others filtered into the compartment, including an old man with dry mouth. I had the ummm pleasure of sitting next to him, he commandeered the arm rest with his sweaty arms and smacked his lips continuously. Another girl came, whom I believe the seat belong to, but he ignored her and wouldn't move for her. I blasted my I pod to block out the smacking and wheezing, and may have partially lost my hearing. I was so grateful to finally arrive in Genoa.

In the Genoa train station we attempted to find lockers, but they had none. Through some piecemeal conversations at the information area, we discovered that there is a 'left baggage' are we could store most of our belongings. There we tried to ask if we had to pay cash or if we could use a card. The only answer we received was, "you pay when u take luggage". Desperately needing substance, we left to discover the streets of Genoa. After some wandering, Alli asked a young man where a good place to eat was. He said he could show us... And boy did we get more then we bargained for. For two hours Tomazo (Thomas) gave us the in-depth private tour of Genoa. Where to go, where to avoid because of thieves and colorful women, where to eat for cheep, histories of architecture, what are tourist traps, what boats were fake, etc etc etc... Our heads were on overload as we stopped at a beautiful church's err the antitrust had dropped a bomb during WWII, that had never detonated. I stopped to pray several times in the sanctuary, and feeling a lot more grounded departed. He took us to the city center, were we said out many thank you's and goodbye's, and he departed from us.

We sat down and sighed, even more hungry and exhausted then before. Even so, we felt very fortunate for a free tour for such a knowledgeable young physicist. New plan, cheep food then find a place to sleep. We went down one of the 'good' streets pointed out to us and bought focaccia with pesto and cheese (a great recommendation from Tomazo). We devoured our slices, and looking at each other agreed to get more. My second piece was plain freshly made focaccia, while Alli got the one with olives. Finally full, we reoriented ourselves and decided to head toward then train station. We ended up finding Hotel Europa, and decided this place was as good as any for €70. After purchasing a large water and a bottle of wine, we headed upstairs. We both barely sipped our wine, and passed out. We'll I slept for 12 hours. Alli, on the other hand,woke up, downloaded photos, had some more wine, stretched for two hours, showered, etc. Me... I slept, and slept and slept.. I think I must have needed it.

Ciao!
Kait and Alli