After 2022 and 2023 were filled with travels far and wide, we returned to our cherished Belgrade for a much-needed respite. Soon enough, we found ourselves ascending into the skies once again, this time heading towards Venice, Italy, to join friends on their family vacation. First, we stopped in The Fat City Bologna to sample the infamous cuisine.
Eager to always explore new places and create fresh memories, we spent two nights in this vibrant city. Bologna, with its population surpassing one million, is affectionately known by three intriguing nicknames: "the Fat City" for its sumptuous and hearty cuisine, "the Red City" due to the ubiquitous Spanish-style red-tiled roofs that paint a striking cityscape, and "the Learned City," proud home of the oldest university in the world.
After a short and very early flight from Belgrade, we arrived in Bologna and were quickly delivered by our trusty Welcome Pickups app to our hotel in the heart of the old town. We find Welcome Pickups to be a great service for airport transfers.
Arriving early, the day was ours; we deposited our luggage and hit the pavement to explore; clearly, first up, when in Italy, you have to enjoy the coffee culture, so we popped into a local cafe called Vyta, which soon became our local for the next few days!
The city's charm unfolded further as we explored the majestic porticoes that grace the city streets—each an avenue covered with arches, extending over 40 kilometres throughout Bologna. These porticoes, adorned with intricate designs and vibrant street art, created a stunning visual symphony that added to the city's unique character. These architectural marvels not only offered shelter from the sun and rain but also served as a canvas for artists, blending historical grandeur with contemporary creativity.
Venturing under these expansive archways, it felt like walking through a living museum, each turn presenting a new facet of Bologna's architectural splendour. The contrast between the ancient buildings and the modern expressions of street art encapsulated the city's ability to honour its past while embracing the present.
Indeed, Bologna's porticoes are not just pathways; they are the arteries of the city, pulsating with life, art, and history.
Unfortunately, hubby was suffering from a sore knee; being 60+ is catching up! So we took it easy and scouted for the closest cocktail bar and settled in for a Campari Spritz, allowing us to research an authentic Italian lunch.
Bologna is world-famous for its cuisine. It's where the famous tagliatelle al ragu (Spaghetti bolognese), 'Bologney' (Bologna sausage), mortadella, Parmigiano reggiano, parma ham and Balsamico Modena comes from.
Fortunately, we spotted a perfect place across the road! Sitting on the terrace beneath The University of Bologna, founded in 1088 and the oldest university in the world, devouring local wines and sampling the region's favourites and specialty pasta was simply divine!
We did squeeze in a little self-care, too, we found the most fantastic barber shop in Bologna! This place, Parrucchieri Spettiniamoci, was an absolute gem. As we strolled in, we were welcomed with open arms, and trust me, as spontaneous walk-ins with no appointment, that warm reception was everything!
The cutting and styling skills were next-level, and talk about efficiency! This barber was like a ninja with those scissors, giving both my hubby and me some cutting-edge transformations. We strutted out of there feeling like a million bucks, with an extra spring in our step.
We loved being back amongst the Italian culture, coffee, people, food, vino and relaxed vibes, so day two was spent dining and wining our way around, with a little exploring along the way. We even managed to squeeze in some shopping, when in Italy, you can’t pass on the fashion; they have the most effortless and beautiful style.
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