Day 456 19th Otcober
34 miles (Varazze to Genoa) Average speed 9 mph Top speed 32 mph
A good day made a bit tougher by carrying a skate board!
I was up at 9 and chatted to a German couple, the man has an artificial leg but still enjoys cycling and swimming and they were in awe of my trip. I set off at 11 with a skateboard that I’d inherited on the rear rack which made the bike very long and heavy.
Abandoned skateboard
I went downhill into town and then followed the cycle path along the coast which was great if not always even. It went through tunnels and was a great ride. I was taking my time as I was not due to check into the hostel until 3. Along the way there was a fellow biker who had lost something under a bench, but was being helped by a man so I let them get on with it, even though I had the tools to help. Shame as she was beautiful, if only I’d been a few minutes earlier!
Road into Genoa
I carried on into Genoa and joined the main road into town which was quite busy with Italian drivers but I managed to find my way to the hostel through the red light district, which was interesting going through narrow streets with cobbled stones. Some of the girls looked at me strangely and perhaps were wondering where I’d park the bike if I were to employ their services ?
The guy on reception was brilliant and gave me lots of good advice. The bike was so safe that I didn’t even bother locking it, which is unusual for me, but it seemed secure and there were so many bikes that needed to be moved around it made sense to leave it unlocked. I made my bed and had my leftover pasta which I used the microwave to heat up. The guy in reception then offered me a chicken kebab which he and Kate had spare. I’m certainly not in a position to turn down free food and gratefully accepted. I went out for a ride about town and down to the port before cooking dinner of two cheese burgers.
Port of Genoa
I met quite a few new people and we all went out together and Kait guided us around.
We went to the port and sat and had beers as we’d already missed the firework display. Then the Canadian had a burger and we went on to a bar called The Kitchen which was very busy with a singer who did a decent rendition of Kiss, the Prince version. Then a girl from Denmark joined us and we talked about Ahus where I’d had such a good time. I don’t think this was where she lived but it didn’t matter. Then we continued our drinking at a bar known only as “the secret bar” which Kait knew well.
Nick Masaniello – Secret Bar ?
It was a very strange place with a piano and some very strange characters. There was a room behind the bar which contained some very strange people who appeared to be doing deals of some kind? There were certainly some drugs being dealt and we went upstairs to sit and chat about the odd decor which seemed to be made up of a lot of old bed frames and other odd stuff. There was no sign on the front of the building and there was often a secret knock for people to gain entry. Drinks were served in plastic glasses and not very cold. This was our last bar and when we got back it was 1.30am. The time really flew by and it was good to meet so many different people. There were 8 of us out, but as you know I’m terrible with names, but I remember Alex from Tottenham and Eric from Norwich.
Hostel Manena 17 €.