We Hugely Underestimated The Size Of Genoa

This is a boring picture, or at least it will appear that way to you at first. It’s pretty boring for me to look at too, but it does stand for something.

A few days ago we made tracks to Genoa. We decided to cycle into Genoa to an Airbnb. We knew it was a bit off route, but it turned out to be 12 slow miles each way 🤦🏽‍♀️

The way in was totally demoralising. We got lost. It was really busy and we hugely underestimated the size of Genoa.

That being said the day was saved, once again, by wonderful people.

The first, Eugene who stopped us and asked if we were okay and gave us directions. He was an Italian who spoke great English! He put us back on track and within half an hour we rolled up to the Airbnb.

The second, the beautiful family we stayed with in Genoa. We stayed with Cristina, her husband, Ghulam and their son. Their kindness went a really long way. I wish so much I’d taken a picture of them! Not only did we get to cook a meal, a beautiful room and a shower we were made to feel totally welcome. They told us their home was our home for the night – and it felt like it. Nothing was too much trouble. Ghulam and Stew, like true gentlemen carried the bikes and luggage up two flights of stairs and I barely lifted a finger!

The small gesture that meant the most was Cristina walking in with extra food for our day on the bike. She gave us extra croissants and fruit for the day. She also gave us some bottled water but it was too heavy to carry with everything else. Such a small gesture, but it means such a lot and we enjoyed it early in the day.

As we left, Ghulam asked if we were heading to Pakistan – if we were he said he would fly out and greet us with banners so we knew we were welcome in his country.

It seems extreme to us, perhaps, but hand on heart if we were cycling through Pakistan I think he would’ve met us there.