Bologna, Padua, and Sunshine

Lucky us!  We revisited Balogna in the sunshine.  Amazing what you notice when water is not pouring down your face upon a revisit.  The piazze and porticos are themselves UNISCO designated sights.





We added a side trip to Padua and visited both the Roman ruins because of course we havent seen at least 30 by now and the Scrovegni Chapel with gorgeous 14th century frescos.  Not to be missed.

Both cities were well worth the visit and revisit.

A few additional observations about Italy: 

Trains...  They function like clockwork.  They can be counted on to be on time and to sell twice as many tickets as there are available seats.  You may find yourself riding on someone's shoulders in "cozy" quarters for most the trip. 

Taxis... I don't even know where to begin.  It appears that Italy's taxi drivers are trained at the Evel Knievel School of Wreckless and Life Endangering Motor Vehicle Maneuvers to rapidly deliver passengers to their desired destination (heaven). All three of our taxi rides included taking sharp corners at high speeds, drivers honking at pedestrians and bikers with NO sign of slowing down in an effort to preserve life or limb, and multiple yelling matches with other drivers.  I didn't realize an entire group of drivers could regularly take their half of the road out of the middle turning an otherwise safe road into a death trap.  All that said, they VERY happily delivered us to our destinations.  I suspect it was because they were tired of hearing me scream, "Oh dear God, he's going to kill us" they had great customer service training.  It's an experience not to be missed.  

Buses... The bus system in Italy also runs like clockwork.  Everyone appears to take the bus or bike. The buses are the primary mode of transportation for students and day workers.  I would suggest avoiding the times and locations most frequented by students as it appears middle school boys around the world use Axe aftershave in lieu of deodorant the buses can be a tad bit crowded at those times. 

Bikes ... Bikes are used functionally by almost everyone in Italy.  Young, old, and in-between use bikes to get around the city, run errands, grocery shop, etc.  You are just as likely to see a 85 year old grandma on a bike, groceries in tow,  as you are to see a young person.  By the way, an 85 year old on a bike is no more reassuring than an 85 year old behind the wheel of the car.  Bikes are not fancy, or new, they are usually old, a little rusted, and clearly well loved.  

Aperol Spritz... The drink of Italy.  By 10:00 each morning you'll see them adorning every table in every Piazza.  By local standards, they should be accompanied by cigarettes and potatoes chips a small snack.  We are embracing the "when in Rome" philosophy, minus the cigarettes.  

We are in Parma today and getting ready to take an 8 hour tour of Parma cheese, balsamic vinegar, and prosciutto productions.  Will report on this later.  

Love to all... Miss you.

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