Bologna and sweat

---

Day 3. Today we tried to take it easy primarily because of the heat that has descended on the city. Chris was saying that Bologna has a lot of cleavage (we are not talking about bonds breaking here, use your imagination) and the heat has certainly added to that (we won’t be posting any photos as evidence). Adding to the sweltering feeling is the almost negative breeze, lots of stone and brick and very little green space. We gingerly walked around until we found a restaurant in which to have lunch called Franco Rossi (the A/C felt great). Apparently John Grisham named it in one of his novels and they have a little John Grisham shrine and a John Grisham tasting menu. Hope that doesn’t turn you off from trying this restaurant because the food was truly great with wonderful, friendly service. Chris started to veer toward the green lasagna and she was gently nudged to a truly remarkable tortelloni with gorgonzola (to die for!, it’s amazing how we drown perfectly great pasta with overwhelming sauces in the US…….). Jose had the tortellini in brodo (in broth) which was wonderful and if you stop in, you should order the artichoke soufflé (a winner). We met another American couple there as well and had a few moments of English and trading stories from back home which was tolerated without problem by the waiter (who even produced a single rose for Chris as she was departing). From lunch and with Chris with rose in teeth (just kidding), we ambled slowly down the Via Zambonni and, as it turns out, Tuesday must be rose day as the street was full of rose vendors. Further along, we came across the University with small crowded streets and not quite the picturesque university but lots of energy and students milling about (and it warmed Jose’s heart to see some studying outside in the cafes) . We stopped in the University museum which was relatively interesting (albeit the interest level would have increased if the air conditioning was a big stronger). Finally, winding our way back to the hotel along busy avenues, we felt a lot of energy from the city (as well as continued heat!). The day ended in a local neighborhood café where we ordered 2 proseccos which we thought would be refreshing from the heat and magically a large plate of food appeared with olives, pickled mushrooms, mortadella and chunks of parmesean cheese. Two more proseccos later and magically pizza and breadsticks rolled in mortadella appeared (we started to get worried but managed).

---

Photos

Jose watching the Giro
The pig watching Jose.......

Palazzo Podesta
At dusk the palazzo is beautiful and a perfect place to stop for a gelatto.

Comments

[Jeff]

Great so far! I feel like I'm right there with you guys. Hope you enjoy the rest of the trip!! Cheers for now, Jeff