Italy 2008: 01 Genoa - The Genoan Great Escape...

"If you do not hope, you will not find what is beyond your hopes..."

(01 - 04 March 2008)

(The Italian Port City of Genoa)

Day 01: Saturday, 1 March 2008

It was one of those times when we simply wanted to get away from it all - to enjoy a long break and see the world with fresh eyes.

We decided on a backpacking journey through Italy, travelling by train from city to city before crossing the Mediterranean by ferry to Tunisia. From there, we planned to drive through its historic towns and even venture into the Sahara Desert. Our adventure would later continue to Athens and the Aegean Islands in Greece.

(A poster at Rome International Airport)

Our midnight flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) landed at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport in Rome at 6.15 a.m. From there, we caught the Leonardo Express to Roma Termini - the city’s main railway hub and one of the largest train stations in Europe.

Since Rome was on our return itinerary, we decided to head straight to Genoa and spend a few days exploring its coastal charm before continuing our Italian journey.

(On the Leonardo Express to Rome)

Day 02: Sunday, 2 March 2008

Rome’s Termini station was impressive - bustling with travellers, lined with shops, cafés, and ticket counters. After joining the early morning queue, we bought our return tickets to Genoa and boarded the train northward.

(Our luggage, minimalist travel)

(At Roma Termini, waiting for the train to Genoa)

(Time to board the train to Genoa)

(On the train, always on the move)

(A breathtaking view along the rail route to Genoa)

(A homeless man at one of the smaller stations)

When we arrived, Genoa surprised us with its lively character. The port city was vibrant and colourful, its narrow alleys opening onto grand piazzas. Our pre-booked hotel in the old town made it easy to explore the nearby attractions on foot. The weather was cool and cloudy - perfect for wandering.

(Residence Hotel Del Principe)

(Stazioni Marittime, passenger terminal for cruises)

Genoa, the capital of the Liguria region, has been a vital maritime power for centuries. Its Cattedrale di San Lorenzo - with its striking black-and-white striped façade - stands as a testament to that rich history.

(Genoa is the 6th largest city in Italy)

(Enjoying the busy traffic in the harbour)

(A leading Mediterranean cruise and ferry hub)

At the old port, we spent the afternoon exploring the Acquario di Genova, Europe’s largest aquarium, originally built for Expo ’92 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s discovery of the New World. The port was bustling with cruise ships, yachts, cafés, and families out for a stroll. A highlight was the majestic replica of The Neptune, a 17th-century Spanish galleon built for Roman Polanski’s 1985 film Pirates.

(The Marina for the rich and famous)

(The pink building of Genoa Marina Plaza)

(The Gulf of Genoa in Ligurian Sea)

(Spending most of the day in the Aquarium)

(The largest aquarium in Genoa)

(A monster fish on display)

(A huge fish tank, the main attraction)

(The penguins in Genoa Aquarium)

(A drawing of one of the sea creatures)

(Taking a short rest to relax cramped feet)

(Fish and chips for lunch... yummy)

(Galleon Neptune in the Old Harbour)

(Intricate carvings decorating the Pirate Ship)

(Neptune, the God of the Sea)

(Red Indian street buskers at the square)

(Walking along the narrow street to the cathedral)

(Gothic and Romanesque Genoa main Cathedral)

(The black and white Cathedral of San Lorenzo)

(A cool weather at the Cathedral)

We also admired the Piazza De Ferrari, Genoa’s grand square, framed by stately buildings and its famous bronze fountain. Nearby stood the Teatro Carlo Felice, the city’s main opera house, rebuilt after World War II and now a showcase of Genoa’s refined cultural spirit.

In the seaside neighbourhood of Boccadasse, pastel pink and yellow houses clustered by the shore, forming one of the city’s most picturesque corners.

(Plaza de Ferrari Bronze Fountain)

(The main fountain is surrounded with historical buildings)

(The crowd around the fountain in the evening)

(We are trying to take a selfie)

(The principal opera house of Genoa)

(A Statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi in front of the theatre)

Later, we visited the House of Christopher Columbus, a modest 18th-century reconstruction of the explorer’s childhood home. Not far away, the Porta Soprana, a medieval stone gateway with twin towers, once guarded the eastern entrance to the city.

(Birth place of Christopher Columbus)

(Tourists visiting the museum)

(An attraction to local and foreign tourists)

(The remains of the original ruins)

(The gate of the ancient walls of Genoa)

(The so-called Barbarossa walls)

(A large portions of these walls remain intact)

(Taking a breather after a long walk)

We ended the day at Piazza della Vittoria, a grand square honouring Italy’s fallen soldiers of World War I. Its centrepiece, the Arco della Vittoria, is a triumphal arch adorned with sculptures and reliefs. From its steps, the outline of Columbus’s three ships is beautifully depicted in the sloping greenery — a fitting tribute to Genoa’s most famous son.

(Genoa Arch at Piazza della Vittoria)

(In memory of Christopher Columbus)

Day 03: Monday, 3 March 2008

In the morning, we took the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus to explore the rest of Genoa.

High on a hill stood Castello D’Albertis, the former home of Captain Enrico Alberto D’Albertis. Built atop a 16th-century bastion, the castle reflects the explorer’s fascination with distant cultures, now showcased through archaeological and ethnographic collections.

(The Castello D’Albertis)

Back in the city centre, the Palazzo San Giorgio caught our eye with its decorative façade. Once a prison that held Marco Polo himself, it later became the headquarters of the Bank of Saint George — one of the world’s oldest banking institutions.

Another gem was Palazzo Doria Spinola, an elegant 18th-century palace filled with paintings, sculptures, and ornate architecture - a delight for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

(A beautiful building with colorful frescos)

(Genoa Brignole Railway Station)

(The Palazzo Doria Spinola)

(The statue of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy)

(The view from the top of the hill)

Day 04: Tuesday, 4 March 2008

Our few days in Genoa passed quickly. After breakfast, we packed our bags and checked out of the hotel. With train tickets already booked, we set off for Pisa - planning a short stop to admire the world-famous Leaning Tower before continuing our journey to Rome.

Genoa had been a wonderful surprise - a city of narrow lanes and grand piazzas, of sea breeze and centuries-old stories. It was the perfect beginning to our Italian adventure.

(Our hotel room in Genoa)

(A morning walk before breakfast)

(A quiet cozy dining area)

(A simple complimentary breakfast)

(Ready to check out and board the train)

👈2007; Bandung, Indonesia

      2008: Pisa, Italy👉

Italy 2008: 02 Pisa - The Panoramic Leaning Tower...

"Success is not permanent and failure is not fatal..." - Mike Ditka

(04 March 2008)

(The tower has not fallen yet!)

From Genoa to Rome - A Stop in Pisa

Train travel in Italy is both convenient and scenic - often the best way to explore the country where driving can be nerve-wracking and parking scarce and expensive. Major stations are usually located right in the city centre or just at its edge, making access easy. From our hotel, we walked quite a distance to the train station for our early departure to Rome.

The journey offered idyllic countryside views, the kind that make you simply gaze out the window and let time drift by. As our route passed through Pisa, we decided to make a brief stop and explore. At Pisa Centrale, we left our luggage at the station for a small fee before setting out on foot.

(A short walk from the train station)

There’s more to Pisa than just its world-famous Leaning Tower. The walk from the station, across the river, and through the charming town revealed a side of Pisa that many travellers overlook. After a pleasant 2-km stroll, the sight of the Leaning Tower and the surrounding Campo dei Miracoli never failed to impress. We lingered there for a while, taking in the atmosphere and enjoying the views.

(56m white-marble cylinder)

(Already tilting when it was completed in 1372)

(500 years of eroded stairs of Pisa Tower)

(The bell tower of the Romanesque)

(Piazza dei Miracoli)

On our way back, we took a different route through quieter streets that gave us another glimpse of local life before returning to Pisa Centrale to catch our onward train to Rome.

(Crossing the Arno River to Pisa Centrale)

(It was slightly raining when we reached Pisa Centrale)

👈 2008: Genoa, Italy 

           2008: Rome, Italy👉

Italy 2008: 03 Rome - The Roman Renaissance Revisited...

"Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher..."

(04 March 2008)

(One of the ancient wonders of the world)

Arrival in Rome

By late afternoon, our train rolled into Roma Termini, the city’s main railway station - a bustling hub that perfectly captures the rhythm of Italy’s capital. The hotel was just behind the railway station but from the flatform it took us a while to get to the hotel. The excitement of finally being in the Eternal City was unmistakable; every street seemed to echo with history, every corner whispering stories of emperors, gladiators, and saints.

After checking in and freshening up, we set out for an evening stroll. Rome after sunset has its own magic - the soft glow of lamplight against ancient walls, the chatter from trattorias, and the aroma of freshly baked pizza wafting through the air. We ended our first night with a simple yet delicious dinner of seafood pasta and tiramisu, easing ourselves into the Roman rhythm.

(Roman Gladiatorial Arena)

(Three-tiered Roman amphitheater)

(Exploring the Colosseum)

(Also known as the Flavian Amphitheater)

Exploring the Eternal City

The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, we began our exploration of Rome’s iconic landmarks. We started at the Colosseum, the grand amphitheatre that once hosted epic gladiatorial contests. Standing before its towering arches, it was impossible not to imagine the roar of the crowds that once filled this monumental arena.

From there, we walked through the Roman Forum, surrounded by crumbling temples and triumphal arches that still stand proudly despite the passage of time. The Palatine Hill offered a panoramic view of the ruins and the modern city beyond — a striking blend of past and present.

We paused for lunch at a small trattoria nearby, where the food was as authentic as it gets - spaghetti carbonara, bruschetta, and espresso that could wake the dead.

(An ancient arch at the Roman ruins)

(A horse carriage to tour around the Colosseum)

(Undamaged statue around the ruins)

(Sculptures on top of Capitoline Hill)

Our afternoon took us to the Trevi Fountain, where we joined countless others tossing coins into the crystal waters, each silently making a wish. From there, we wandered to the Pantheon, its magnificent dome an architectural wonder, before continuing to the lively Piazza Navona, framed by fountains and filled with street artists and performers.

(Ruins damaged by earthquakes)

(The Roman Forum of Rome)

As evening descended, we found ourselves seated at an outdoor café, sipping cappuccino and watching the world go by — Romans rushing home from work, tourists with maps in hand, and musicians playing familiar Italian tunes.

(Beware of the notorious gypsies)

👈 2008: Pisa, Italy 

2008: Vatican City👉

Italy 2008: 04 Vatican City - Home to the Pope...

“You're only here for a short visit. Don't hurry, don't worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way...” - Walter Hagen 

(05 March 2008)

(Iconic art and architecture of world's smallest state)

No trip to Rome would be complete without visiting Vatican City, the spiritual heart of Catholicism. The next morning, we crossed into the world’s smallest sovereign state, awed by the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica. The sight of Michelangelo’s Pietà inside the basilica was breathtaking — serene yet powerful.

(The huge and tall Roman columns)

(St. Peter's Basilica)

We then joined the queue for the Vatican Museums, home to one of the most impressive art collections in the world. The highlight, of course, was the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s frescoes on the ceiling left us speechless. Standing beneath “The Creation of Adam,” we could only marvel at the genius that painted such divine beauty over 500 years ago.

As we exited the Vatican walls, we looked back one last time at the majestic dome of St. Peter’s - a fitting finale to our days in Rome.

(House the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum)

(A back door to the Sistine Chapel)

👈 2008: Rome, Italy 

       2008: Palermo, Sicily👉

Italy 2008: 05 Palermo, Sicily - Mafia City Secret Rendezvous..

"The man with insight enough to admit his limitations comes nearest to perfection..."

(06 - 08 March 2008)

(Palermo - the capital of Sicily Island)

Journey to Palermo

From Rome, we boarded the overnight sleeper train bound for Palermo - an experience in itself. Four adults squeezed into a small cabin, exchanging quiet moment as we tried to get comfortable. The rhythmic clatter of the train on the tracks became our lullaby, and though sleep came only in brief moments, the thought of waking up in Sicily kept our spirits high.

 In the early hours of the morning, we arrived in Palermo, the island’s vibrant capital. The air was cool and fresh, carrying with it the faint scent of the sea. Finding our hotel proved a little challenging - language barriers made asking for directions difficult, and taxis were scarce at that hour. Armed with a paper map from the train station and a good dose of determination, we eventually found our way, walking quite a distance through the still-sleepy streets of the city.

(Arriving in Palermo by train)

It was far too early to check in, so we decided to make the most of our morning with a self-guided walking tour. Palermo immediately revealed its character - a fascinating blend of cultures and centuries layered upon each other. We wandered through narrow, cobblestone alleys, almost losing our way among the maze-like streets of the old town.

(Ready to explore Palermo on foot)

One of our first stops was Quattro Canti, the elegant Baroque crossroads at the heart of the historic centre. Each corner of this symmetrical square was adorned with statues and fountains representing the four seasons, the Spanish kings of Sicily, and the patron saints of Palermo’s quarters. From there, we made our way to the majestic Palermo Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece showcasing a stunning fusion of Arab, Norman, and Gothic influences - a reflection of the city’s diverse past.

(Quattro Canti crossroads at the old city)

(Palermo Cathedral Arab-Norman architecture)

(Marble statues at the cathedral)

By midday, we found a small café near the cathedral where we rested our tired feet and enjoyed Sicilian pastries with strong coffee, savoring both the flavors and the atmosphere of this ancient city. 

(Colonna dell'Immacolata in Plaza San Domenico)

(Fontana Pretoria at the City Hall of Palermo)

(The Carretto Siciliano and 3-wheel vehicle - back lane of Palermo) 

(War paintings on the wall)

(Narrow cobble-stoned alley)

After visiting a few more attractions, we traced back our path and walked slowly back to our hotel. There’s nothing quite like sinking into a warm, relaxing bath after a long day - a quiet moment to unwind, de-stress, and rejuvenate our tired muscles.

City Sights and Sounds

The following day, we opted for a hop-on hop-off city tour, the perfect way to explore Palermo at a relaxed pace. The open-top bus took us past grand boulevards, bustling markets, and beautiful piazzas. We passed the Teatro Massimo, one of Europe’s largest opera houses, and admired the ornate façades of centuries-old palaces lining the streets.

(Palermo city sight seeing)

(Exploring more of Palermo by bus)

Each stop offered something different - glimpses of daily life, local crafts, and that unmistakable Sicilian energy that blends chaos and charm in equal measure. By evening, we had a better sense of Palermo’s soul - proud, lively, and full of contrasts.

(Cruising along the streets of Palermo)

(Teatro Politeama Garibaldi)

(Forta Felice - a historic city gate in Palermo)

(Flower stalls at the market)

(Saint Dominic Church)

(One of the many famous statues)

Departure to Tunis

On our final morning, we packed our bags and made the walk to the Grimaldi ferry terminal, ready for the next leg of our journey - across the Mediterranean to Tunis. Watching the ferry pull away from the port, we took one last look at Palermo’s skyline - its domes, towers, and faded grandeur slowly disappearing into the horizon. It was a fitting farewell to Sicily, a land where every stone seemed to tell a story.

(A leisure walk to the ferry port)

(Taking the 12-hour ferry ride to Tunisia)

👈2008: Vatican City 

       2008: Tunis, Tunisia👉