Day 457 20th October
22 miles (Genoa) Average speed 10.7 mph Top speed 94?? mph
I got up at 8 for free brekkie of toast, jam and cornflakes with tea. I checked insurance quotes online using the hostel computer but all were a bit pricey. I had a shower and tried to help Spiros fix his bike but without the correct tool it was not possible. I left at 1.30 to go to an Italian version of cash converters but I couldn’t sell the skateboard as I needed Italian documents. Instead I went to Decathlon and bought some cycling shoes and a puncture repair kit. Across the road was an Ikea where I bought fish and chips (it was a Friday) but 3€ only got me a piece smaller than a fish finger and 10 chips: not great value. Just down the road I did a Lidl shop and bought bangers, potatoes and peas for dinner.
Morning at the port
I went to the port and enjoyed the sunshine while watching fish, seagulls and the many tourists. Then back to the skateboard park that I’d been to the day before to see if I could sell the board. No luck on the sales front but I watched them skating for about an hour and got chatting to Alex who had been riding well. I noticed him looking at the board and asked him if he knew of the Larry Bertalmann Brand and he told me he’d had one himself in the past. Once he’d finished his joint I asked him to give the board a spin to see what he thought of it. At first he asked Paulo to try, but he didn’t enjoy the ride, then Alex gave it a try and seemed to like it even though it was a tricks board. When he’d had a try and said that the trucks needed loosening I offered that he keep the board and he was really taken aback and surprised. He said he couldn’t take such a gift, but I explained that I was going to Morocco and was happy to give him the board and he accepted with grace. I shook his hand and watched as he and his friends were discussing and trying out the new board. Some were almost incredulous that this had happened.
Skate park
Skate park
On the way to the park I’d noticed a lower road that didn’t have any hills to climb and decided to take this flatter option on the way back. I was going quite fast in heavy traffic and failed to notice the no cycling sign until I was past it. I was now on a raised road going above the city without any exits for about 4 miles with car drivers abusing me and hooting their horns and shouting at me in rush hour on a Friday night. They were not happy, but thankfully there were no police about and I eventually got off. Then I had to ride all the way back.
I found decent gravy in Carrefour on the way back and cooked dinner at the hostel while talking with Eric from Norwich. Paul at reception asked how I’d got on with board and I think he may have wanted it himself. There was a farewell party for Kait of Seattle, but I didn’t really feel part of it, so I tried to put cleats on my new shoes but couldn’t release one screw. There is always one!!
Genoa Cathedral of San Lorenzo at night
As I was leaving to go out to find a bar all the guys from last night were going out again, but after waiting for them to eat kebab and realising they were going walking around rather than drinking I went off to explore on my own. I walked for quite a while and found myself back near the hostel at a market bar with live music before going to a Latino bar in the heart of the red light district which was great fun. I felt very tall in this bar as most of the South Americans there were short, which hopefully bodes well for the future! There was a really good vibe in the tiny bar and although it felt a bit dodgy because of the area I felt safe and happy enjoying the buzz and music. Strangely, you could buy a large bottle of beer but had to drink it from a small plastic glass? After a couple I went to bed by 12 and slept well. A pretty successful day.
Tonight I say Arrivederci to Italy. I’ve had a great time but tomorrow I take the ferry from Genova to Tangier Med. It will take 48 hours but I hope it’s better than the journey from there to Sete. Italy has been great, but I’ve definitely put on a few pounds what with metre long pizzas and untold amounts of pasta. Now I am once again looking forward to tagines and couscous. Thanks to all the wonderful people I’ve met in Italy and the many friends from back home that who I met out here. Africa here I come again!!
Hostel Menena 17 €