Nothing speaks to the obvious of its long status as one of the premier port cities of Italy than the old harbor. Even tho it has undergone extensive renovation in the recent past, you can still see that the sea is the life blood of the city. From the aquarium to the adapted container ship now the cafe and restaurant provider to the large number of sleek expensive ocean going vessels.

There is the new construction which includes the biosphere. There is the restoration of the old warehouses and guard buildings. Tour boats, ferries, and private sailing vessels abound.

Genoa is the home port of MSC (never mind they are flagged in Panama) who owns/operates the cruise terminals. Other ships dock here regularly.

was from here in Nov 2007 that Sandi (one of my fellow PM docs) and I boarded the MSC Symphonie for a 19 day adventure to Buenos Aires and really started my love for sea journeys on cruise ships. No, I don’t want to work on ships. If I did I would have transferred to the Navy.

From the old harbor you can sail to Porto Fino or just travel the local area. You can clamber through the old Galleon, visit the Aquarium, or the Maritime museum. There are the usual flea market stalls ready to relieve you of all spare cash in exchange for trinkets and baubles.

The weather is beautiful with brilliant sun and a wonderful breeze coming off the Med. Even though this is Sunday certainly everything in this area of town is up and operating.