One of those days when you really know that you are alive.
It began at 10am, with Shannon. She's lovely. From Oregon, from New Zealand, these last 4 years from Genova ... is how I would describe her because she doesn't really fit into any kind of everyday frame. She's remarkable.
I interviewed her, we wandered, we ate at Il Genovese ... which is one of those things you should do if visiting Genova. I continue to order their Ravioli fatti in casa al “tuccu” di carne because, to me, it is the most exquisite dish in the world. It combines so many things that I love and somehow it calls to mind memories of childhood and food that makes a soul remember what it was to be safe and loved.
Seriously, you shouldn't laugh until you have tried it. I keep meaning to photograph that particular dish but perhaps it will have to wait until next time.
Then we met with Arianna, the loveliest soul, and the student who saved me from incomprehension on a train to Arenzano, more than 2 visits ago. I had some of that delicious, really thick, Italian hot chocolate that is being served up all over the city at the moment, and we 3 talked in a mix of Italian and English.
Okay ... I didn't actually speak in Italian. It turns out that Shannon is almost fluent in Italian (she's modest) and that Arianna is almost fluent in English (she's also very modest). Me ... I was kind of hopeless but I am used to this role when it comes to languages of the countries I live in and love.
Then it was home to unpack things gathered and get ready to meet with Anna from Beautiful Liguria. She has a new website launching soon but for now she is here. If you're coming to Liguria then Anna is the person to contact for advice on everything from accommodation to what to see and do.
Then 6pm came round and I was off to meet Barbara for aperitivo but I also met Alessandra. It's been a truly excellent day here in Genova. 11.22pm finds me back at the kitchen table by the window that looks out over the carruggi I live on while here.
And photographs ... well, there was this one, found while Shannon was introducing me to some of her experience of the city.