Bologna

We enjoyed a leisurely morning that included breakfast and watching the women’s final at the Australian Open live. Then, Josh went off to the ArtFiera and I went off to explore Bologna.

My tour started in the Piazza Maggiore where I visited the Basilica di San Petronio. This basilica was never completed. The lower half of it’s exterior is covered with a cream and rose colored marble while the upper half remains unfinished with crude red brick. But this is the charm of the place. In fact, what I discovered about Bologna is that it does not have the most copiously decorated basilicas in Italy; it does not boast the best art in Italy; and, it does not have the same historical significance as other cities like Rome, Florence or Venice. What makes Bologna such an imperceptibly warm, vibrant and lovely city is the town itself. The covered walkways are works of art. Their floors are often designed with mosaics of marble -- and this is a sidewalk we’re talking about not a church floor. The towers in Bologna are tilted (like Pisa) and charming. The people, many of whom are students, are less refined than grungy but seem intellectual. The town is well-known for its University – the oldest in Europe – established in 1088.

After I visited a few of the buildings around the main square, I set off down the main boulevard, Via del Indipendenza, towards the outdoor market that is held here every Friday and Saturday. The streets were full of Saturday shoppers. The sales are on (nationally until February 13) and the stores are packed. I finally purchased my first articles of clothing since arriving in Italy: a couple of long sleeved t-shirts and a dressy sweater. Onwards to the outdoor market where I successfully purchased fur-lined, leather gloves, a belt and some incense.

I then wandered towards the University where I was set to meet Josh. But hunger had set in and I found myself in a cozy enotecca having pasta (al ragu di cinghale) and a glass of an incredibly delicious wine. All the while, old classics and jazz played on the stereo in the background. Just as I finished my lunch, Josh was around the corner and we met to stroll back through town.

It was a short visit to Bologna, but a very enjoyable one. We collected our luggage at the hotel, headed back to the train station. It was cold in Bologna, but at least the train station was not dirty (remember Egypt). Upon arriving back in Rome a couple of hours later, we were reminded why this is such a great city: the grandeur, the architecture, the history, the weather! It's incomparable; Rome really has it all!