Hello from Bologna

7/21/2010

 
We've been here a couple of days now.  This city is a strange mix, unlike where we have been before.  It is a combination of old and new, modern and antique, traditional and radical.  It boasts the oldest university in the western world, and is very much a large university city in places.  They tend to be strewn with graffiti, protests at times, mixed with the usual bars, cafe's and night spots that come with academia.  On another side is a large commercial scene with high end clothes and shoe stores.  These line the main streets where most of the walkways are covered archways and porticoes.    You can walk across the inner city, as usual defined by old city walls, without getting in the sun or weather. 

The city lies strategically between the ports of Venice and Rome and Southern Italy.  Hence, it has a merchant history and a very large rail yard, which is being expanded still.  Unfortunately, the industry and rail lines made Bologna an obvious target for allied bombing during WWII, which is why the city construction is a mix of more modern buildings and the older Gothic ones.  The numerous museums and churches, however, seemed to have been spared (probably more fortune than intention).  There are two large, precariously leaning towers in the center of town that, evidently, narrowly missed being bombed.  They are actively being worked on to prevent their fall.

We are still busy exploring this place.  The hotel (yes, we are in a real hotel now) we are staying at is a bit far from the city center, but we can use the exercise :- )  We plan on hitting some local food tonight after wetting our appetites walking through the market and food shops earlier!
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A more modern feel near the hotel.

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The large rail yard where we arrived.

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Working the yards.

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Part of the old city wall.  There is much more decay here than we have seen elsewhere.

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Part of the many miles of Porticoes here, lined with fancy shops.

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Ok, they're not all fancy.  Here's a "dollar" store for Jerry. :- )

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More portico.  I have to admit, these are nice relief from the sun.  Walking down the street, you find yourself planning your path, crossing streets, to stay under them.

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One of the two towers.  This one was reduced in the past to stabilize it.  Both are being worked on and are leaning towards a large Basilica.

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Both towers.

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Market time on a small street.

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A large selection of meats.

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Pasta dishes at a deli.

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Tortellinis.  You buy them by the kilo.

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And ravioli ....

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Hello from Bologna!

W C
7/21/2010 03:02:27 am

So now you are in the place where "You are full of"??
Still sounds like a really great trip!!
Hugs from us & SLURPS from you know who(misses you) sometimes!


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