So my natural body clock woke up just before 7! Who was I kidding that I was going to have a lie in 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️.
Breakfast in the hotel and a leave at 8.15 got me to the train station for 8.50 am, there was a train to Bologna at 9, so I quickly bought a ticket and made my way to the train which was on the platform. However, you have to validate your ticket before travel in Italy, I couldn’t see a machine so asked the guard lady, she said on the other side of the platform, a quick sprint down the stairs, validation on the ticket and a 2 stair sprint up I jumped on the train. Bologna bound. 🚂🚂
Upon arrival in Bologna, I got rid of my bag – the expense I’ve paid over the last few weeks leaving my bag at airports or train station has been quite silly, but it was always going to better than looking like a pack horse walking around cities on 30 degree heat.
Following A walk into the historic centre, I was greeted for the first time not by Roman monuments but instead medieval and Renaissance buildings. Quite stunning really and reminded me slightly of York in a weird kind of way and what I imagine Shakespearean England looked like but with Sun.
After an iced coffee I decided to hop onto a tourist train – again the expense paid on these tourist trips has been significant but when you don’t really know a city it’s the best way to explore. The train took us alongside the worlds longest roofed arcade, the Portico di San Luca up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. This Monastery lies 300m above the city and 3.8km from the centre, the Portico was made as the road conditions were hard for pilgrims making their way to the Sanctuary. Interestingly, the porticos had to be high enough for men on horseback, and so now much of the city has these features.
Once back in the city I had a pleasant sized portion of Tortellini famous of the region and made my way back to the train station for my journey up to Milan via the two towers.
The journey to Milan – well what can I say, I was cheap and so bought the cheapest ticket saving myself 20 euros. However, it was via Verona, the first train was delayed and had no air conditioning. It was like been trapped in a sauna. I had no water and was sticking to the seat. However, it got me to Verona where I managed to get water, have a wee and freshen up. Delightful.
Finally I made it my hotel. Ready for an early night before my early rise back to the UK.
First stop Edinburgh! 🍾🍾💃🏻💃🏻
Flying Solo 