People
who know enough about who I was when I was about ten would understand the
unwavering pull I felt towards Genoa; a deep-rooted yearning that necessitated this visit, so so bad. For starters, the proverbial suspect was this certain 45-year-old Japanese Anime series,
set in this very city during a period of depression in the 1880s, which I
happened to religiously follow many years ago. This animated series introduced me to the
concept of traveling the world, while crudely learning geography, particularly
in Argentina and Genoa, in the process.
As soon as I arrived on that quiet corner street in Genoa, the cold Darkness enveloped me, evoking a sense of exile. The area appeared rather unsafe, with drunk people aimlessly wandering about. Aware of my limited time for exploration, I still chose the safer option: to wait.
Along the highway, I stumbled upon
the lone open shop that beckoned me to seek refuge within its walls.
Approaching the store attendant—an elderly, bustling figure reminiscent of the
archetypal Italian father portrayed in films and tv—I greeted him with a
carefully crafted buongiorno, hoping he'd approve my request. Though
he agreed, I suspected he felt obliged, as the establishment was not intended
for in-place dining.
Logically, I opted for an early
breakfast in this unfamiliar setting—the first of the many pizzas I will later
have during the entire trip, paired with the most satisfying cup of caffè there
is. After over an hour, I gleaned glimpses of the
shop's bustling morning routine—highlighted by the spirited interactions with
intoxicated patrons with a chance of constant bickering and soft commotion.
Time ran so fast, yet the darkness remained steadfast. Nights felt longer during this time of the year. Despite the resounding warnings inside my head insisting it was still unsafe, I decided I couldn't leave without exploring the city.
Time ran so fast, yet the darkness remained steadfast. Nights felt longer during this time of the year. Despite the resounding warnings inside my head insisting it was still unsafe, I decided I couldn't leave without exploring the city.
So, when the clock struck 5 a.m., I embarked on my journey, walking
around the area to visit those spots I had pre-marked on my google maps.
Commencing from the more secure side of the harbor, I beheld the magnificent
Galeone Neptune, an assembly of sleek yachts, and majestic cruise ships before
venturing deep into the labyrinthine network of dimly lit, ancient streets
within the old town.
I walked alone along those narrow harbor streets with my thoughts meandering in tandem with my footsteps. I felt as though I had been transported to a bygone era—a realm seemingly plucked from the realms of fiction. As I rested upon the top step of a weathered stone staircase, I began to feel those feelings I had in watching Marco Rossi felt in running to and from the port, going up and down the stairs, all the fucking time. The structures, streets, ambient clamor, and even the intermittent rays of light that vanquished the darkness of the night, were how I pictured them based on how these were depicted in the anime. It was topnotch surreal.
I walked alone along those narrow harbor streets with my thoughts meandering in tandem with my footsteps. I felt as though I had been transported to a bygone era—a realm seemingly plucked from the realms of fiction. As I rested upon the top step of a weathered stone staircase, I began to feel those feelings I had in watching Marco Rossi felt in running to and from the port, going up and down the stairs, all the fucking time. The structures, streets, ambient clamor, and even the intermittent rays of light that vanquished the darkness of the night, were how I pictured them based on how these were depicted in the anime. It was topnotch surreal.
In that moment, I triumphantly crossed off one of the biggest items on my Euro travel bucket list. Along with it, I realized how far I had come compared to my ten-year-old self—a mere dreamer yearning to stand precisely where I stood today. Another thing to be heavily thankful for.
