Bologna Thoughts

 Content Warning: Contemplative Post Ahead

Downtown Bologna is about a mile from the Bologna Centrale train station. The walk isn't bad, slightly uphill (good news is going back is slightly downhill). There are pergolas providing shade and the path is mostly smooth marble that supports roller bags. Still, as I age, carting our bags gets harder.

We started out going to the wrong hotel/B&B. Not our fault. Our hotel (051 B-B) sent us directions to one of their sister properties. We arrived at the sister property and the housecleaners were totally perplexed. As were we. A few calls and some WhatsApp messaging later we found the right hotel. The funny thing is we got all the way into the fairly secure complex, they actually sent us entry codes and instructions. As I told Fran, this sort of thing frustrates me, it shouldn't but it does. Needlessly raises stress level. I'd almost rather this was my mistake.

Bologna is a foodies town. Lots of variety (Italian of all varities and other - we saw sushi, poke, Indian, Turkish, Chinese, etc.).  We went back to a place the we enjoyed during our 2009 trip here (Taverna al Postileone). It was very different. What was a cheap college hang out with lots of variety turned into a semi-fancy regional cuisine (read expensive lasagna bolognese). I don't begrudge the change, just had fond memories of the old tavern that were not upheld by the current incarnation.

Humans are social animals. Italians are super human in this regard. Tables and streets full of chaotic and vibrant conversations. I can understand some of the conversations. They are as trivial and superficial as ours. They are as deep and meaningful as ours. I guess the point of this is people are people. Every evening seems to be an excuse to get together over a beverage (no - not wine or booze always - everyone sort of drinks what they want and there's no judgment here, except for milk with coffee after 12:00). Even though we can barely participate It's fun and invigorating to be in the dogpile. I'm a bit surprised we're not more into this daily in the USA. We're social and friendly. I suspect some of this is our geography doesn't lend itself to the same level of energy. Restaurants and bars are far apart. You often have to drive to them. There's rarely any spillage from one to the other as in Italy. I guess this is why I like  Anacortes (downtown at least) - there is spill and the next place is a short walk.

Would I return to Bologna? Probably, but I'd be more prepared to hike in the hills outside the city, visit more than the museums, find life beyond the typical touristy things a short stay sort of forces you into. Perhaps spend a longer time here and really get to know the place.

I do like traveling by train, even if you have to cart luggage on and off. It's, mostly, quiet. Takes driving responsibility off of my shoulders. Most folks are on board for the same reason. Two issues: 1. There can be there are places you travel to that don't have business class, which for a few bucks more is way more comfortable that second class. 2. Sometimes in business you get the guys talking non-stop at volume 10 into their phones (this is what they make the silent sections for on trains, if you can get in). Scheduling with the Trenitalia app is a breeze.

On to Rimini and the Adriatic.