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Published: June 18th 2011
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Ostello dei Gioventi Genova entry
The front of Ostello dei Gioventi Genova (Genoa Youth Hostel) Although it wasn't a bad day, my wife didn't take any photos, so text only today. We packed up, checked out of the hostel, and hiked down the road to the train station. Our train to Siestri Levanti was a few minutes late, but otherwise no problem. When we got off in Siestri Levanti, we had about 40 minutes to wait for our train to Genoa, so I got my ration of capuccino and we all used the restroom... well, I think I did, but not so sure about the girls. Public restrooms tend to be a bit awkward and/or dirty for the ladies, like no seat! Anyways, we caught our next train and arrived in Genoa Bragnole Station. From the directions provided by the hostel, we decided that was better than the Piazza Principe Station, with no need for a lift/vertical funicular or bus change. Right outside the station we found our bus, number 40, to Via Costanzi and hopped on. The busses here only have a few seats, so we all ended up standing up the whole way, with frequent hard stops and jerky starts! By the time we reached our stop my arm was killing me from trying
Room with a view
The view of Genoa harbor from the hostel's terrace to hold onto the bar near the roof. We would have gotten off one stop too early, but a guy heard us talking and let us know it was the next stop. Ostello Gioventi Genova (Youth Hostel Genoa) is waaaaay up the hill from the city, but quite decent with a beautiful view. They have free wifi and a very decent lounge with lots of vending machines with stuff from snacks, to capuccino, to sandwiches, to Italian TV dinners. They are even open 24 hours, so the only drawbacks are sleeping in an 8-bed male dorm and climbing the 3 flights of stairs. Manoli and Alexis are in an 8-bed female dorm... two flights down. After picking my bed, a lower bunk, making my bed, and stowing my gear (unimportant stuff in my big bag at the foot of the bed and the valuable stuff in a locker with my lock), I met the girls downstairs. We bought a 24 hour 4 person transit ticket and grabbed the next bus down to town. Getting off at Piazza Portello, we wandered down an obviously busy walk with lots of stores and eateries. Unfortunately, it was only 4pm and very few places
Inside Genoa's hostel
The cafeteria, lounge, tv room, in Genoa's Hostel were open. We did finally find the American Bar (I think) which was open and served primi piatti (first courses) with an ok selection of pastas and some salads. Manoli ordered a mixed salad with tuna, Alexis wanted a ravioli dish but they were out of it so she got lasagna, and I had Penne al Gambieri (Shrimp Penne). All of the dishes were pretty good, and Manoli's salad was humongous (sp)! Alexis and I both finished our plates, but Manoli only put a dent in her salad. After lunch, we strolled down to the harbor and checked it out. Manoli didn't want to go on the Bigo, a round cabin about 20 feet across or so that was raised 40 meters into the air, then swung out over the bay for an awesome view. I didn't really think she'd go for it, but I had to ask. We then shopped in a bazzaar that was going on nearby with mostly arabic and african items, but didn't buy anything. After another stroll along the main museum and palace street, we grabbed the next bus back to the hostel, found a nearby supermarket to get some water and stuff, then returned
American Bar in Genoa
The American Bar Gran Restoro where we ate dinner our first night in Genoa to the hostel. Alexis had a little something to eat and her and Manoli reviewed the blog I've been writing. Tomorrow we're not sure all we'll be doing, but I hope to take the Ferrovia Genova-Casella Railroad that runs up into the hills to a small town, then back. It only costs 6 Euros round trip and looks quite interesting. We may also check out some of the neat museums and palaces downtown. Til then, ciao from Genova!
P.S. I'm adding a few photos from the next day that we should have taken this day
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