In the past when I traveled to Italy and other places in Europe I would post a daily blog for each day’s activities with eye-catching pictures of the places I visited along with my scrumptious meals.  For those curious as to why I have been writing less this time around, it is really quite simple-time and opportunity. I have been fully engaged in my Italian language lessons for the past 2 weeks. Paired with my daily trips to the market and adjusting to the new culture I have not had the time to do much else. It is amazing how tired you are after 3.5 hours of intently listening to a new language and struggling to converse coherently with your professor.  I thoroughly enjoy the lessons and my professor is just wonderful but I come home with just enough energy to finish my homework and go to sleep.

As I am not traveling each day to new and exciting places and eating out each night my photo ops are less as well. That does not mean my time here won’t bring new adventures- I already have plans to see Pompeii and the Amalfi coast, hopefully a weekend with a friend in France and will partake in some of the wonderful Christmas Markets that abound in Italy and beyond.

Bu part of my being here is to experience what living in Bologna is like and what its surrounding areas have to offer along with how one adapts to and adopts their surroundings.

Bologna always seems to have some festival each weekend and if not Bologna, then the other towns and cities easily reached by train will have events focused on local products. Last weekend was the feast of San Petronio, the patron Saint of Bologna.  I attended a concerto one evening in the Basilica of San Petronio. Construction on this basilica started in 1390 and there were ambitions to make this grander than St Peter’s until the Pope put a stop to it. Listening to an a cappella concerto in this magnificent edifice left me awe- struck.  Several other events were going on in the city as well with receptions and the ever-present tents in the main piazza in front of the basilica.

Under the porticos to San Luca

Later that weekend I joined throngs of people walking and climbing to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, another revered holy place, where booths and food were available along the route.  All part of the festivities for the Feast of San Petronio, I decided to make the 3.5 km walk under the almost 700 portico arches that lead up to the sanctuary perched high on a hill keeping watch over the city. And to reach this starting point I already had walked another 3.5 km.   And of course there was the walk back down!  I bought a Fitbit before I left in anticipation of living in a walking city.I find I average about 15- 20,000 steps a day when not raining.

Living in Bologna, to me, is like living in  Boston.  Bologna is home to the oldest university in Europe and thus has a large student population. There are neighborhoods in Bologna that each have their own community and cafes and markets that provide a unique character. Music and art abound in the ancient palazzos. The old city, or centro storico, is relatively small, walkable and safe. But like any city you need to watch for pickpockets when you are near areas like the large train station. The one thing you don’t have to worry about here is violent crime- guns are relatively non-existent.

Because of the language and cultural differences I decided to take a direct approach in immersing myself in the community.  As I start to frequent local shops and cafes, I introduce myself as an American who is learning the language and that I am living in the area for 3 months.  This usually leads to questions about why I am here or they will then talk with me in Italian or just a warm welcome. Those who feel confident with their English will take the opportunity to practice. People appear surprised that I have chosen Bologna and ask why as this city is not overrun with tourists (yet), a compelling reason for my selection.

I also had the pleasure of going out several nights with the owner of the apartment I am renting who has befriended me and been kind enough to introduce me to her friends and family. And my friend Maria, who owns the B&B where I stayed on my first trip here, took the time to introduce me to her hairdresser and help me setup an appointment for next week ( you can count on a blog for this experience). My professor has recommended classical musical performances I may enjoy and I have begun a calendar to track all the things going on.  In several weeks a major chocolate show will be held here in Bologna so you know I will be all over that!

These past several weeks have really been about laying the foundation for me to start living successfully like a local- developing my speaking and listening skills, learning about the best places to shop for food and necessities and dipping my toes into the social aspects of living in a thriving cultural center. Now that this foundation has begun to set, I am off to explore and experience more what this area has to offer and share with you.

P.S. I thought I would include this old aerial overview of the porticos of San Luca- it seems like they go on forever as you continuously climb up to the heavens. Oh, there is a bus you can take as well!

Aerial view of the porticos