Italy trip… first, Bologna

view from our window

Now that you've read Graham's impressions of our trip, here is mine, in instalments because I took so many photos, as you do.

Flew into Bologna from Bordeaux…..and then it started raining. It really didn’t matter as we were staying in a boutique hotel in the Quatrilatero, that’s the foodie quarter of the old town.

Views from our window......

In the lanes around us were stalls filled with fresh seasonal produce, hams, cheeses and wine. Just what we had come for.

lunch at the Mercato di Mezzo

ham, ham, everywhere 

don't you just love a good parmesan ?

aged parmesan

Since we arrived mid afternoon with no lunch, we stopped for a platter of parma ham, tigelle ( a local little flat bread) and creamy cheese. Wondered what this electric orange drink was that everyone around us was drinking. We’ve discovered our new favourite summer drink, the Aperol spritz. Have you tried it ? For those who haven't had the experience, it's a mix of Aperol, prosecco, sparkling water, ice and a slice of orange, and served in a very large wine glass.

Aperol spritz

In France there is a specific time for breakfast, lunch and dinner and bad luck if you are hungry in between. But here in Bologna, you can eat anytime you feel like it. Because they love their food and drink they are happy to serve you whenever. I just love that attitude.

yes, the sun came out eventually

buskers under the colonnades

soldiers and carabinieri everywhere

 Lots of variety to the building styles, from red brick, to pastel pink and white, to shades of terracotta stucco.  

We walked the little lanes, visited the Mercato Delle Erbe ( fresh food market) and checked out the boutiques under the colonnades. 

quirky handbags

the florist opposite our hotel

brilliant chandelier shop

the decoration in the churches was more subtle than expected

what does a group of priests do on holiday ?
take a tour of churches of course

Everyone was friendly and welcoming. Such a great start to our visit.

and I loved this poster selling jeans  - an "older"  surfie, flowing grey beard, great style -
and why not ?

buona giornata