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La Spezia

Waiting for the morning coffee to brew and reflecting on La Spezia, our hopping off point for the Cinque Terra. I think we are all surprised at how nice the place is. I’m not sure what we expected but it’s more a pleasant place in which to spend some time wandering around. Arrived yesterday after a fairly easy train journey from Genoa. One change. Italian trains are very efficient and very good value. The trip from Genoa to Asia cost £8 each. Trains have two floors and a very modern inside, built by the Japanese firm Hitachi. The track runs along the coast disappearing every now and again into tunnels, cut through the mountainous hillside. More later.
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Genoa

OK - Genoa is a great city to visit. Gritty yes but tons of character! The old town is particularly interesting. Narrow streets, small bars and shops hidden away during the day burst into life in the evening. Some of the narrow streets you wouldn’t fancy going down even in daytime. The old town is a real maze of narrow streets. Really easy to get lost in and there are some you wouldn’t want that to happen. Leaving the old town, the cathedral of San Lorenzo was impressive, try as I might I couldn’t find the shell from the battleship embedded in it in 1941. Later we saw Peruvian religious celebration -Lord of the miracles - dancing as well as the purple Catholic Church dress and procession. Incense smoke everywhere. The central square Ferrari with its large bronze fountain very impressive. Science exhibition currently going on in the Duce’s Palace. Also statue of Garibaldi on top of horse. Nearby was the Porta Soprana nearly 1,000 years old still standing guard over this entrance into th...
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By train from Nice to Genoa

 Quite a storm outside our train right now. Making our way along the coast to Genoa. Not used to seeing the Med quite so angry. Muddy torrents surging into the sea from the mountains behind and large waves breaking and churning on grey shingly beaches. Spied a large container ship out at sea, murky through the heavy rain. Passed Genoa’s container port and then sprawling port industries and goods yards.
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Nice time

 Welcome to my first blog! Have always written a travel diary but have finally gone digital. This is primarily for me but you’re very welcome to join me. Please forgive the title’s terrible pun but just left a rather stormy Nice after a short visit. Very wet today - Promenade des Anglais pretty deserted as the lightening flashed and the thunder rolled. All very gothic horror I know. Arrived Friday - stayed in the old town 5 minutes back from the sea. After a minor navigational error (please don’t ask but explored more of the city than intended).Had great fun exploring the old town - reminded me of Barcelona’s old town. Small bars, cafes, all sorts of shops. Enjoyed some German Weiss beer to celebrate an end of sober October in style! 
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