Bologna

After a very early start and a farewell to Dennis at Palermo airport, I was on my own again heading for Bologna to meet my friend Joy.

It was great to have the afternoon in Bologna together. My last visit there was 45 years ago and it has changed a lot.

We arrived to a festival raising money for African nations, to assist with farming there. The balloons, which people bought , were all placed on empty plates and represented grain blowing in the wind. It was very very beautiful.

 

Of course, there were so many wonderful delicatessens with so much parmesan and delicious-looking fresh pasta. 

 

Add to that the incredible ancient buildings and the perfect weather on Sunday.

 

This shop window caught my attention. The models were so glamorous and the reflections of the magnificent buildings made it somewhat surreal!

 

Even the recycling bins were eye-catching!

 

Bologna is psrticularly famous for its twin towers, one much lower than the other due to it sinking on one side causing it to lean so much that they had to take off the top. I can't say I trust the lean, even at that height, but the tower has been around a long time and is still standing 😀

 

Fabulous arches , columns and arcades everywhere. - gorgeous! The earthy colours are so beautiful , espevially when the sun shines.

 

I am not sure exactly what they wanted to say with the sign below, at the station. Cute, though.

 

Now we are in Ravenna. First impressions are super. We have a fabulous homestay with friendly hosts, an old dog and four cats! My room in the top of the house is gorgeous and so is Joy's in the basement.

We have wandered around and already enjoyed an aperol spritz in one of the many piazzas! Next to this, was a fairly simple church but it had an extraordinary crypt with mosaics under water. 

 

Here the Piazza di populo, meeting place for people and dogs! Lovely square with lots of great restaurants.

 So now I need to study a bit! We have spoken Italian since we arrived and now I am looking forward to a week of lessons and visiting the many wonderful places here in Ravenna😄