These are just a few of the companies that are based here in Bologna. In fact, Bologna is not only known for it's world famous companies, it is also known for its intellect and cuisine. This is the home of Mortadella, Bolognese sauce, Lasagna, Tortelinni, and Tagliatelli. In addition, Bologna is in the Po River valley, which many of my Tutta Bella friends and family know is the home of Grana Padano. It is also the home of the Western World's oldest University (founded in 1088). However, the best feature of Bologna is its use of Porticos.
A portico is a porch leading to the entrance of a building, or extended as a colonnade, with a roof structure over a walkway, supported by columns or enclosed by walls. I know that Bologna has been around for several Millennia, but why can’t Seattle have these incredibly smart structures? Not only do they protect you from the elements, they encourage the masses to stroll and enjoy the city. The porticos front cafes, libraries, apartments, churches, shops…you name it. Ladies take note: the shopping in Bologna is to die for - that’s for you Tarah. I digress…after strolling, we made our way to the Piazza Nettuno which is simply breathtaking. The statue of Neptune, with the Sirens each representing the oceans of the world is a sight to behold. Next to this plaza we stumbled into a café that served Attibassi espresso - way cool! Sipping espresso in this plaza was straight out of a movie.
Afterwards, Joe, Jeff, Joyce, and myself wandered into a little portico covered cafe that was broadcasting the Italy vs. New Zealand World Cup match. We sat to watch the second half and enjoyed some Nastro Azzurro birra. The old world sign above us read "BUCA/S. PETRONIO.“ Not sure if that was the address, the block, or some old world sign, but it looked cool and sounded sexy when you said the words, so we knew we were in the right place. Our main sights, beside the 1-1 tie of the match, were random dogs wandering around, people drinking and smoking, and the occasional cheer or jeer. After the match was over, we walked around some more and met up with Karen. We decided to have dinner at a restorante named "Diana." If the courses were any indication of meals to come...WE ARE IN DEEP TROUBLE. As Joyce so aptly stated, "we are going to have to ROLL ourselves out of here." Watching the staff and eating the fine cuisine was a real pleasure. On the way back to the hotel we had a Caffe Corretto - "Coffee Corrected" for those who do not know...and by corrected, I mean with liquor added to a shot of espresso. This is not only the best way to top off a great meal, it makes for an interesting walk home. So far, Bologna has been a real eye opener and definitely a training center for us before we head south to Naples. Our bellies are full, our minds are electric, our feet are a little sore, yet our hearts are mui contento. Ciao for now...
These are just a few of the companies that are based here in Bologna. In fact, Bologna is not only known for it's world famous companies, it is also known for its intellect and cuisine. This is the home of Mortadella, Bolognese sauce, Lasagna, Tortelinni, and Tagliatelli. In addition, Bologna is in the Po River valley, which many of my Tutta Bella friends and family know is the home of Grana Padano. It is also the home of the Western World's oldest University (founded in 1088). However, the best feature of Bologna is its use of Porticos.
A portico is a porch leading to the entrance of a building, or extended as a colonnade, with a roof structure over a walkway, supported by columns or enclosed by walls. I know that Bologna has been around for several Millennia, but why can’t Seattle have these incredibly smart structures? Not only do they protect you from the elements, they encourage the masses to stroll and enjoy the city. The porticos front cafes, libraries, apartments, churches, shops…you name it. Ladies take note: the shopping in Bologna is to die for - that’s for you Tarah. I digress…after strolling, we made our way to the Piazza Nettuno which is simply breathtaking. The statue of Neptune, with the Sirens each representing the oceans of the world is a sight to behold. Next to this plaza we stumbled into a café that served Attibassi espresso - way cool! Sipping espresso in this plaza was straight out of a movie.
Afterwards, Joe, Jeff, Joyce, and myself wandered into a little portico covered cafe that was broadcasting the Italy vs. New Zealand World Cup match. We sat to watch the second half and enjoyed some Nastro Azzurro birra. The old world sign above us read "BUCA/S. PETRONIO.“ Not sure if that was the address, the block, or some old world sign, but it looked cool and sounded sexy when you said the words, so we knew we were in the right place. Our main sights, beside the 1-1 tie of the match, were random dogs wandering around, people drinking and smoking, and the occasional cheer or jeer. After the match was over, we walked around some more and met up with Karen. We decided to have dinner at a restorante named "Diana." If the courses were any indication of meals to come...WE ARE IN DEEP TROUBLE. As Joyce so aptly stated, "we are going to have to ROLL ourselves out of here." Watching the staff and eating the fine cuisine was a real pleasure. On the way back to the hotel we had a Caffe Corretto - "Coffee Corrected" for those who do not know...and by corrected, I mean with liquor added to a shot of espresso. This is not only the best way to top off a great meal, it makes for an interesting walk home. So far, Bologna has been a real eye opener and definitely a training center for us before we head south to Naples. Our bellies are full, our minds are electric, our feet are a little sore, yet our hearts are mui contento. Ciao for now...
Greetings from Bologna
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