The Clark Family

On Our Way to Venice

I would have loved to have driven through this country, but alas time was not on our side.

But these fast trains sure cover the ground fast.

Bologna Sightseeing - Carducci's Home

Statue of Neptune.

We were intrigued at the precautions that were taken to protect this statue during the war. The whole, huge statue was encased in a box structure then it was filled with sand as well as sandbagged on the outside. Thank goodness though as it is quite beautiful

This wonderful home, now a museum, of Bologna's famous poet - Carducci.

(Museo Di Casa Carducci)

The man himself.

It was my turn to find something to see in Bologna. At this time of year Bologna is very quiet, not many students about, and for the first time it felt as though it really was winter in Italy and the quieter tourist season. In a local tourist guide I found reference to Bologna's Famous Poet

-Giosuè Alessandro Giuseppe Carducci was an Italian poet and teacher. He was very influential and was regarded as the official national poet of modern Italy.

Well it was a little gem. The house was moderate in size, and was, as we discovered, a self guided tour but overseen by two elderly gentlemen (volunteers). Julia was given an english printout of the tour and off we went. Julia reading allowed the information as we went along, followed by our two 'friends'. When we neared the end, we signed the visitors book and the two fellows rushed over to read where we came from. They were surprised, muttering between one another, I think Julia's accent had confused them.

My next choice was Palazzo Poggi Museum. From this......

And why is she wearing pearls?

To puffer fish and shell collections and every imaginable medical condition known to man shown in life size plaster casts. Room after room of deformities and disease.

You walk from a room with every eye disease known to man, again in life size, full detailed models, to a room with a scaled battle field of a major Roman battle. Confused? so were we. I would have liked more time....Julia couldn't wait to leave. Hmm.... fascinating.

Yes this tower is leaning at a scary angle.

That title goes to the Tower of Asinelli in Bologna. Right in the heart of the city that is home to #Blogville, there are actually two very impressive leaning towers. Asinelli may be the tallest at a whopping 97 metres, but Garisenda Tower is even more impressive with its extreme lean.

We are feeling the strain, both of us.

Off to Venice we go.....

Bologna, Italy

View from our Airbnb apartment, up 6 flights of stairs, but so cute. No tv though...ah well.

Such narrow streets. This area is very close to the university, with lots of eateries. I loved that all the pavements were covered and you walked under the arched alcoves along the entire streets.

Off exploring.