Genoa, Italy

We got into Genoa, Italy around 8AM and it was a beautiful morning. We headed up to the top deck of the boat for a look at the city.

Then we headed down for breakfast. The kids did great with their bowls of Rice Krispies and plates full of fresh cut up fruit. Kevin and I enjoyed made to order omlets and mom and dad piled up their plates with goodies as well. It's so nice to not have to cook!!!!

We got off the boat and headed towards town. After a 10 minute walk or so we found our way to the Old Port and found some wonderful treasures for things to see. First of all this submarine was conveniently parked for all to see.

Then we saw loads of fisherman along the docks bringing in their fishing nets and repairing nets. I think some of the owners were getting upset with us that our kids smiling and waving at their "help" that they weren't getting much done.

Along the marina it was amazing with all the palm trees, expensive yachts, the endless lines of mopeds and motorcycles lined up and Italian architecture in the background. Genoa was the hometown of Christopher Columbus and is now home to Europe's largest aquarium. Next to the aquarium was this huge old wooden ship with a big statue of Neptune on the bow....it was so cool.

Since poor Addison had been deprived of any fun kid stuff we thought she would enjoy a ride on a little carousel and a little play on this big playground. Mistake was that we had to think of a way to lure her away which was hard since it was morning and ice cream wasn't a logical idea yet.

We would often see street chalk drawings like this and they were amazing.

Window displays of food are always fascinating to me. Next to the pizza in this store was focaccia bread with Nutella spread all over it with sprinkles. Looked so not good for you but yummy!

My dad is big into seafood and he had fallen in love with European markets and little shops like this. It was amazing to see so many different kinds of fish and sea critters that you could buy.

Up at the main piazza there was a huge fountain surrounded by smaller fountains all around the square. Since Addie had her Crocs on I let her get down so she could run through the water. She had a great time cooling down. I tried to get Harrison to dip his toes but he didn't like it too much...still has the severe fear of water.

After a certain point we kind of ran out of sites to see so we started walking down some streets that we thought would have some shops in them. After a bit of walking we came across some pretty narrow allies and then I saw the first young gal with a pretty tight dress on with some very high heels. Then after brushing it off I saw another, then another, and another all start popping out around the corners. Dad and Kevin immediately directed mom and I to turn around and head out of Dodge.

We did find our way back to the main part of town and we found all the shops that had been closed that morning to now be open and we went shopping. My dad's sunglasses got broken on the way to the boat on Sunday so he was looking for some new shades and modeled a few for us.

We got back to the boat mid afternoon for another late lunch and we took the kids to the pool for a little dip. Since Addison decided to potty train herself while we were on vacation she actually got to go swimming in the big pool. She had an absolute blast and is a natural fish. Harrison only got to play on the side of the pool but we brought along buckets and other fun things to play with. Kevin and I met a really nice couple from Philadelphia who were on vacation with their 15 month old little girl, so Addison and Harry had a little play mate.

That night for dinner we attended the formal meal and Addison got to dress up in her pretty flower girl dress. She was quite the little lady and impressed everyone at the table with her good manners. Harrison on the other hand didn't want much to do with dinner so Kevin and I took turns staying outside with him. Our table was all the way in the back of the three story dining hall so it was a lot of work to keep him "happy." That night Kevin and I got to sneak out for a drink at the "English pub" on board while my mom and dad watched the kids in our room. It was really nice to get away for a bit.