Escape to myself

Well I’m feeling better. Not because Cedric and I spent a wonderful day in Genoa … he showed me his favourite spots and Brignole is a really great part of the city but because I feel that I have dissipated the guilt I felt for not helping him out in Verona and he was so happy to see me. I understand people may think I’m stupid but I know clearly the depth of friendship we have created on both sides. We had a charming day together full of laughter and silliness. I’m glad I could help him as he’s been through a fraught time this last couple of weeks. He’s become a dear friend. We toured the city and with Cedric’s help we managed to get Atti’s Pokémon cards! We went into bookshops, second hand shops, thrift shops, a great Manga store and junk shops! Then we had a great lunch of really authentic Italian food on his favourite little restaurant. Arancini, farinetta and salad. So good! I introduced Cedric to the relationship between Japanese shunga art prints and present day Manga.

After wandering a bit we ended up walking the backstreets of Genoa … I saw my first prostitutes … in a dark alley, very medieval. They were all I expected them to be … make up, shoes, skirts! Obviously as gay men we weren’t approached! Then back to the hostel for a drink. It’s a great city here with some fabulous shops and great graffiti. Some of the passages I told you about were rather intimidating after dark but going in twos made it feel possible… and there were a couple of real surprises to be found there! It was interesting to hear Cedric’s take on gay life and culture in Italy … Genoa has very little… although it’s perfectly legal it still seems very closeted and secret. Meetings are by apps and people are reluctant to host in their own homes … because of gossip!

I’m really happy I made this detour … it’s refreshed, cleansed and put things right in my head whether it was necessary or not… I felt it was needed. And having a good private room gave me peace and quiet away from snoring and late night revellers. Time to recharge and centre myself

I can’t believe it’s four weeks since I left… so much has been packed in … 20 towns and cities so far and counting.