Genoa, an Unexpected Overnight Stay

 Well, I am sitting in the launderette waiting on the dryers to finish our mid-trip laundry. The laundry machine (and dryer) are complementary and they even have it connected to a detergent dispenser. Just press a button and detergent automatically goes to your washing machine. How convenient is that. 

It appears that many of the pre-trip research ideas about traveling on a cruise are not applicable on this cruise line. I already told you about the metal hooks I didn’t need and they have plenty of outlets. They gave us a water bottle to refill and reuse on our cruise so I didn’t need to bring a water bottle (except I did use mine on the plane). Food and drinks everywhere (anytime) = weight gain (I don’t see any scales here to weigh myself 🤣). Maybe I should have signed up for the really hard walking excursions (na - I think not -I’m on vacation).

Anyway, today we went to the Naval Museum and did a lot of walking and stairs. I would say 85% of the information boards were not in English so it was a little challenging to understand the information signage. The ground floor was the early history and guess what was the first ship we saw??? Actually, there were 3 of them! 🤭 

La Pinta

La Santa Maria

La Nina 

Of course, that is because this is where Christopher Columbus was born! They had some cool maps that showed where the explorers traveled (color-coded routes) all on the same map. 

A compass and an hourglass. Two important navigation tools.

Replica of wooden astronomic astrolabe 16th Century

Urn containing the ashes of Christopher Columbus

Galleys (ships) had long slender hulls that sat low in the water and moved very fast in the water.

Model of the 102 guns first-rate ship “Sovereign of the Seas”

Model of the 64 guns third-rate French vessel

 “Le Protecteur” 1793.

This circular hoop appears to help the rowers work smoothly together.

Genoese would intercept the ships coming in to Genoa and collect the silver.

We also toured a submarine.

Climbing through

Sleeping quarters

Dining room/game room

We had a late lunch right by the submarine. The bring bread automatically but unlike the US, they charge you for it. I loved the breadstick the best. 

 

Clams with noodles -a little spicy.

Salmon with green noodles. 

Dinner was at a specialty restaurant-Japanese influence. I used chopsticks pretty well if I say so. They served us tea if we wanted it. Then, an appetizer of edamame and a magic towel. Silly me, I forgot to peel my first edamame and ate the pod as well. 🤭 The magic towel looked like a round white cork and when the waitress poured hot water over it, a towel sort of exploded out. It was to wipe your fingers with after the edamame snack. 

Seared Salmon with Scallop Ceviche for me. 

First time I have tried ceviche and it was delicious.

Vietnamese Bahn Trang Summer Roll

(Rice paper, red beet, fried tofu, pineapple, mango, Boston lettuce, coriander, peanut sauce) 

Lobster Pad Thai

Red Curry Prawns

The Bounty Cake (lady fingers surrounding vanilla bean custard, seated on chocolate chips, topped with a chocolate drizzle and coconut shavings -I will search how to make this!! It was wonderful!)

Apple-cardamon pie with ice cream