Family, friends, and Sampdoria time

I am still in Italy. The past six days have been dedicated to family (and Sampdoria). There has not been much of blog interest, and few pictures were taken. Besides, I had on previous trips posted many photos from Genova and Florence, which is where I have stayed primarily.

During the three days spent in Genova, I saw many friends, as well as family members.

Each time I’m here, I rediscover how beautiful my city is. Genova is multi-faceted. It’s historical, artistic, classy, unique; it is at the same time a seaside city and a mountain city, and it is mostly misunderstood. Some of the building facades are wonderful works of art, but most people don’t look up when they walk, and they miss a lot of its beauty.

With Monica, my cousin's daughter who recently relocated to Genova from Florence

Lunch with Gianna (who's like a sister to me} and her daughter Laura

Tagliatelle al Pesto

Cima alla Genovese and various Genovese-style stuffed veggies

This past Monday was the start of the new soccer season, and my friend Veronica was kind enough to procure me a complimentary ticket for the Sampdoria game. There was palpable excitement in town, with the fans expecting a positive result after last season’s disappointing finish which nearly resulted in relegation. All over town several people were wearing team jerseys.

My friend Rossana and a traveling fan who came from Bergamo to see the game

With Rossana and Japanese Sampdoria fan Shogo

To my great surprise, completely unbeknown to me, the hotel where I stayed, turned out also to be the hotel where the team stayed.

When I returned from lunch, I saw the team’s bus parked in front of the hotel. I couldn't believe it.

I got to meet the new coach, and we exchanged a brief conversation. He spoke English to me after finding out I had come from the States. He wanted to practice, and his English was excellent.

Coach Donati

This Irish fan flew all the way from Ireland to see the game

Veronica at the stadium

With her boyfriend Luca

Arianna and I meet every time I attend a home game

Alas, the outcome was not what we had hoped for and expected, we lost the game and it was a real downer. Hopefully it won’t be a miserable season like the last.

From Genova I headed to Florence. I spent most of the time with my sister Sonia who has been going through trying times. Hopefully I brought her some joy.

I stayed at my nephew's place in Florence. His cat was adorable.

Lastly, today I took the long drive to the region of Friuli, where I had lived for five years in the 80s. It’s amazing how people still remember me fondly, and I them. I absolutely love this area. It’s picturesque, rugged, and it has turned into a veritable outdoorsman’s paradise.

I visited with several of my old neighbors, then set out to revisit sites and places I used to frequent. It brought me inner joy

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Where I lived while in Budoia

At the source of Gorgazzo River

Well, you are now caught up with my travels to date. Tomorrow I will head to the city of Udine, a pearl of a town, to visit another friend. Then the following day to Bolzano in South Tyrol (where the Dolomites are located), to catch yet another Sampdoria game, this time “on-the-road”. I’ll try to do a daily blog. Thanks for being patient. Arrivederci.