Under the Tuscan Sun
Ciao dall’italia!
There has been a lot going on so this is post #2 this week! This week is “reading week” at my London university, but more like spring break because no one is actually studying.
My friends Sam and Marisol and I have been in Italy since Thursday (March 1st). And ok, I’m not quite “under the tuscan sun” since it’s mediterranean rainy season in Italy right now, which means cold, constant downpours. But we’re not letting the weather bring us down – we’re tough Londoners now. Here’s what I’ve been up to so far!
Genoa
So my housemate and best friend from OSU, Lauren, spent a gap year after high school in Genoa, Italy. I’ve heard so many stories from her about it and have really wanted to visit. Before I left for London, Lauren mentioned several times that I should meet her host family in Genoa. I wasn’t sure if I’d make it there, but when my friends said they wanted to go to Italy I thought there’d be no better time to go to Genoa. We ended up staying with Lauren’s host parents, Simona and Matteo, and it was honestly the best experience. Their apartment is so cozy and full of books and they cooked us dinner (the Genoa staple – trofie and pesto) and literally mapped out our entire Genovese exploration day. I’m so grateful Lauren was able to set me up with them because they feel a little like my Italian parents now, too.
Genoa is a port city where pesto was invented and also the (alleged) birthplace of Christopher Columbus. It’s situated in the northwest corner of Italy and was once the center of medieval trade. Genoa also has fantastic museums, including the Palazzo Rosso, Bianco, and Tursi – Renaissance art museums in medieval palaces. Matteo took us to an exhibition opening at the museum where he’s a curator (Piazzale Duchale), which was so much fun.
Besides spending time at the museums, we walked around the Via Garibaldi, which is a street/neighborhood of medieval architecture on the UNESCO world heritage list. Near there we took an elevator up to a view at Spianata Castelletto, where we could see the city, the mountains, and the port. Finally, when the weather cleared up, we took the bus to the far eastern side of the city to the fishing village of Boccadasse. It was absolutely gorgeous and so peaceful.
We only spent a day and a half in Genoa, but the hospitality from Lauren’s host family made the experience absolutely worthwhile and I loved exploring Lauren’s city from her and their suggestions. Genoa isn’t the first city people think of when they want to go to Italy, but its local charm made me fall in love with it. Hopefully Lauren can take me back some day herself!
Florence
My friend Sam has a friend from home studying in Florence this semester, so again it was great to explore this city with someone who knows their way around. Luckily, the first Sunday of the month is free museum day, so we saved around 35 euros in ticket prices to see the David at the Galleria dell’Accademia and De Vinci works at the Galleria degli Uffizi (the savings was worth the longer wait time to get in). The David is way more grand than I thought he would be and now has me wanting to pick up stone sculpting as my next hobby. We’ll see.
The Duomo wasn’t free, so we were cheap and didn’t go inside, but the views of the Duomo were fantastic. We hiked up to the Basilica di San Miniato al Monte, a working monastery (complete with chanting monks and all) to see a breathtaking view of Florence. We also walked around the neighborhood surrounding the Biboli Gardens at one point, and I’ve decided I’d like a house there when I make my millions someday.
For food, drink, and dessert, we ate world famous 5 euro sandwiches at All’antico Vinaio (lived up to the hype), pizza at Mercado Centrale, gelato at La Carraia, and pasta and wine at Soul Kitchen and Bastion di San Niccoló. When can you ever go wrong with carbs, wine, and gelato?
Florence definitely satisfied my love of art and architecture, and the wine and charcuterie were an added bonus. It’s such a winding, walkable city and I’m glad we stopped here.
I’m currently on a train right now to Rome, where we’ll be for the next two and a half days. I’ve been to Rome before, when I was thirteen to visit my uncle Thad (who lived in Positano). Rome will be a lot less chill than Genoa and Florence, but I’m excited to see all the big sights again. Figuring all this travel stuff out as an adult is so different than my traveling experience as a kid, but I’ve loved exploring Italy again in this completely new way.
Ciao!
