Wet feet

I liked this one. Do you?

This stuff is special

Third try good

Loved the locks

Madre Lupe & R & R

Ever felt like this?

See the bubble?

This I liked

How many kilos you want?

Berlesconi

Mussolini

Ever felt like this?

Today was the recovery day that two hassled Australians needed. We kept south of the grimy prole areas to enjoy the historical precinct. Our hotel is a joy and very close to things classically Italian. We saw many a gallery and viewed many a Madonna. There were more Salomes than Madonnas actually. Her decapitation of John the Baptist caused quite a stir in these parts. He got a raw deal, she was a self-serving bitch and ultimately promulgated the necessity of suffragettes and their less brave off-spring, the feminists. She has much to answer for. Giggle.

Yes, Genoa has redeemed itself. The touristy areas are beautiful and the people fantastic. The place has so much history and energy in such a densely-packed space that one can't help but be awed.

We enjoyed getting a bit lost in the tiny (piccolo) back-streets where a even a Bongo van would struggle.

We had dinner at a restaurant up the road where the pasta was covered with truffle shavings. We agreed it was the best ever. The service was personal and the wine great. Italy is nowhere near as expensive as France and you get a bit of personal interaction with every exchange. It's hard not to smile here.

We want to get a car tomorrow but it's Sunday. We could swing a car from the airport tomorrow because we want to pass through Cinque Terre (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/europe/italy/cinque-terre/). It has a great reputation and we want to enjoy the soul-saving benefits of sat-nav as we wander through Italian back-country. Did you wince then? Ha.

As you may be able to tell, I am feeling more relaxed here. I like the people here. One thing that Europeans say about Australians is that they don't like to 'get their feet wet'. This is something that Italians do naturally.

They breathe.