A Brief Glimpse of Genoa
What could beat a mid week break in Genoa that included fabulous food, an interesting exhibition and my first experience of the opera? Five of us took the train from Ventimiglia to Genoa—just over two hours away, it feels a world away from Menton. It is definitely a city of contrasts. Its glorious past is demonstrated by extravagant buildings on wide thoroughfares but extensive graffiti suggests a less affluent present. In the old town, which spreads up from the port, tall oppressive buildings border dark narrow streets until you turn a corner into a bright expansive square or look up an alleyway towards a magnificent church. Off the tourist trail it is a very friendly welcoming city, everyone seemed to be smiling. Perhaps the sunshine was an influence there... Our hotel was very well placed for the Berthe Morisot exhibition in the Doge's Apartment of the Palazzo Ducale. I have to admit that I had to research Berthe Morisot before I went, as my only experience of her...