As our European vacation was drawing near, many friends, family, colleagues, and clients questioned a meaty portion of our travel itinerary.  No one questioned the logic of our traveling to the Cote d’Azur for some frolicking fun, French style.  No one questioned our curiosity to check out Monaco’s cachet or to see the perfection of tiny and tony Portofino along the Italian Riviera.  And everyone knows we have an ongoing love affair with Paris.  No one would dare accuse us of any wrongdoing in going there.

Whomever questioned our travel logic – seemingly a legion – wondered, why Genoa, Italy, though?  Good question.

“Who goes to Genoa?”  “What’s there to do in Genoa?”  “I’ve never heard of Genoa.”  “I’ve only heard that people who go to Genoa go there for a day.”  “Why would you stay there for three days?”  I have heard it all, and it played out over and over in my head.  Had I listened to everyone else, and their reverberating comments in my head as if they had become my own, my partner and I would not have had the amazing experience we did have.  Thank you very much.

I didn’t really know much about Genoa, but was very curious about it.  In doing some research in advance of our trip, I had every confidence that this would be an ideal spot for us for many reasons.  For one, Portofino would be a highlight of the entire trip and it is as far away from Genoa as San Mateo is from San Jose.  Another great reason to stay in and explore Genoa is that my partner loves the water and loves boating life.  Coming up with this itinerary was like coming up with a gift itinerary for him.  And we sure got to see some amazing luxury yachts, in Genoa, Portofino, Monaco, Nice, and Cannes.  Genoa happens to have an amazing port history that includes shipbuilding.  It’s no wonder that it’s also a center for Italy’s luxury yacht business, too.

[Click this image of Genoa and see more Genovese sights from my Flickr account.]

Genoa is also a good sized, fantastic medieval city that keeps building on top of itself.  Streets in parts of the old city are so narrow you can literally stretch your arms from side to side and touch the walls of ancient buildings.  If you’ve read previous posts from my experiences about Paris, you’ll appreciate how I don’t feel connected to Genoa like I do to Paris, but that did not diminish the experience of being here, or how pleasant the people are, or how delicious the food is, or how fabulous the accommodations are.  We could want for nothing during our stay and we are so happy we visited Genoa.

That’s the thing about taking the road less traveled.  Sometimes no one knows you and your interests as well as you do.  It’s like when you’re thirsty, you know very well what will quench your thirst.  Will water suffice, or do you need something icy, spicy, bitter, or sugary?  You have to take direction from what your mind and body tell you from time to time and take the road less traveled.  It may lead you to fulfilling experiences and joy beyond compare.

Joseph Rosenfeld helps high-profile individuals revitalize, manage, and be secure in their personal visual brand. Visit JosephRosenfeld.com for details.

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