4 days in Italy.

Warning: this is image heavy post :)

Day 1: The arrival.
We flew to Milan (it wasn't possible to get direct flights to Genoa for our dates). On our way back from the airport we stopped in Arona to see Lake Maggiore. The day was perfect, sunny and crispy and the views were breathtaking.

Day 2: The wedding.
The ceremony took place in beautiful Zoagli, a small town on Ligurian coast. While waiting for all guests to gather and for bride and groom to arrive, I managed to snap some photos of picturesque surroundings. The weather wasn't great but it didn't rain much which actually was great: the ceremony took place outside Torre Saracena, an old tower overlooking the sea and the hills (very romantic scenery to get married!). We all gathered under umbrellas to witness this special moment of M. and T. tying the knot.

View from Torre Saracena di levante:

The bride looked stunning.

After the ceremony we celebrated that beutiful day in a restaurant Chiavari. And guess who had a lot of fun... Little G. of course. She totally freed her spirit: I'd never seen my girl so happy and cheeky and cheerful and crazy and out of control at once. She is so funny! We are happy we could be there for such a special occasion.

Day 3: Visiting family.
On Sunday, after lunch with C.'s parents we all went to see some of the family in Vernazzola, one of the nicer parts of Genoa, very close to the sea. The weather was really ugly that day, terrible rain and strong wind and I didn't take many photos to share with you. I like this "shark" boat, it looks funny.

Day 4: The departure.
We had our flight back to London in the afternoon so before going to the airport we decided to have a short walk in Milan. There's something I really love about Milan. Although the city itself looks a bit too grey and dark, there's this special atmoshere in the air. People smile more, I think. I'd like to visit Milan for longer than a brief moment. We only spent there few hours or so as we did last year as well.

The last five photos were taken in famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

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Happy Weekend Everyone!

Corner View: different perspective

Last weekend I looked at Genoa from different perspective. I was scared I might have discovered that  our decision of moving back to London was a mistake but it didn't happen. I was sure we did right (so was C.). I did feel nostalgic though (my child was born there) but it's also true that we weren't happy there. We simply weren't ready to go and live in Genoa at that time. I'd love our little family to settle down in Italy one day but we know some things are worth to be waiting for.

Happy Corner View!

For some more different  perspective, please visit Theresa.

PS I will post some more photos from our short trip soon.

The sky over Genoa.

...yesterday afternoon....

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Thank you all for your nice comments and birthday wishes to Little G.
I still can't believe how fast time flies by...

Have a happy day!

It has snowed a bit in Genoa today- first snow this winter and pretty unusual view to see here. I quickly grabed my camera and took few photos; most of this snow has disappeared by now...

Corner View: Menu del giorno

primo piatto: spaghetti al sugo di pesce spada
(first course: spaghetti with swordfish sauce)

secondo piatto: insalata vegetariana
(second course: vegetarian salad)

with freshly baked bread on the side

and a glass of home brewed beer

We eat out at least once a week, usually on Saturdays. First we do some shopping and than we look for a nice place to have our lunch. Every time we try to eat in different place but sometimes we come back to the same tratoria or restaurant if the food is delicious. And it usually is (but I am Italian food lover so it's difficult to make me disappointed). What you can find on the menu is differend kinds of pasta with wide choice of sauces, pizzas, salads, seafood dishes, soups, many kinds of bread etc... These photos above were taken last Saturday in a small bar/restaurant in the centre of Genoa and they show my choice from the menu that day.

Menu of the day in other corners:

jane, ladybug-zen, ian, bonnie, esti, sophie, cele, modsquad, caitlin, joyce, ani, couturecoucou, kim, a day that is dessert, natsumi, epe, kaylovesvintage, trinsch, c.t., jeanette, outi, schanett, ritva, dongdong, francesca, state of bliss, jennifer, dana, denise, cabrizette, bohemian girl, ruth, dianna, isabelle, amber, all the lovelies, mister e, janis, kari, jgy, jenna, skymring, elizabeth, audrey, allison, lise, cate, mon, victoria, crescent moon, erin, otli, amy, ida, caroline, lisa, dorte, kimmie, la luna dans le ciel, nicola, malo, vanessa, britta, virgina, april, rebecca, b, sunnymama, kyndale, samantha, karen, kristina, angelina, juanita, pamela, emily, dorit, sophie, janet, mcgillicutty, desiree, travellingmama, aimee, mirtille, madchen, guusje, boise, daan, woolie, 2ndspring, jenell, tina, inna, lisa, ninja, ibb, urbaniche, allegria,line, conny, demara

Somewhere in the maze of those narrow streets in historical centre of Genoa there is one of our favorite vicolo*: Via Dei Macelli Di Soziglia. It's very dark and long and doesn't look particularly attractive but it is where you can find the best organic food in the city. Or if you are after fresh fish and seafood. Or meat, if you like it. Almost every Saturday morning we pack our juta bags and visit our little but well stocked bio-store and do our grocery shopping. This is where we get our fruits and veggies from, along with grains, canned goods, teas and eco cleaning stuff. You can even get organic products for your dog or cat, if you have one.

I don't know why but it always puts me in a good mood when I come back home with bags full of fresh veggies and organic goods. I like to think that we really try to make a difference.

*vicolo- narrow, dark street or alley

Corner View: Souvenir

Hard to say what's typical souvenir of Genoa. Basically, it can be anything and everything, as long as it presents Genoa and its sights (like the Lighthouse, for example, that is the symbol of this city, I guess). The best place for tourists to get their souvenirs is the Aquarium in Porto Antico: there are many shops that sell souvenirs and what a choice of things they have! Just to name few:

bags, pictures, photo frames and photo albums, pots, mugs, kitchen gloves, spoons, plates, egg-stands, fridge magnets, aprons, table clothes, pillows, lighters, ash-trays, key-rings, clocks and watches, books, notebooks, sculptures, figures, ship replicas, coasters, T-shirts, soft toys, dolls, pens, posters, thermometers, bibs for babies, bottles, rings, cards, tins, bells...

...and many more :)

More souvenirs from other beautiful places all around the world:

jane, ladybug-zen, ian, bonnie, esti, sophie, cele, modsquad, caitlin, joyce, ani, couturecoucou, kim, a day that is dessert, natsumi, epe, kaylovesvintage, trinsch, c.t., jeanette, outi, schanett, ritva, dongdong, francesca, state of bliss, jennifer, dana, denise, cabrizette, bohemian girl, ruth, dianna, isabelle, amber, all the lovelies, mister e, janis, kari, jgy, jenna, skymring, elizabeth, audrey, allison, lise, cate, mon, victoria, crescent moon, erin, otli, amy, ida, caroline, lisa, dorte, kimmie, la luna dans le ciel, nicola, malo, vanessa, britta, virgina, april, rebecca, b, sunnymama, kyndale, samantha, karen, kristina, angelina, juanita, pamela, emily, dorit, sophie, janet, mcgillicutty, desiree, travellingmama, aimee, mirtille, madchen, guusje, boise, daan, woolie, 2ndspring, jenell, tina, inna, lisa, ninja, ibb