WEEK 2

DAY 14 Friday 3 June 2005

Departure for Bologna

Departure was scheduled for 0930 so after an early breakfast I returned to the funicular railway for a last view over Montecatini and Florence. Also the cable car did not open until 1000 so I took the pathway beside the rail and soon found myself at the top, slightly out of breath but definitely hot and sweaty. The return trip was equally hot so I was glad of a few minutes in the cool of the hotel before boarding the bus. We travelled back over the mountains towards Bologna. Another lunch in an Autogrill, then on to the Hotel Jolly de la Gare, arriving at 1345. Beside the hotel was a remnant of the old city wall and gate. Most Italian cities were originally walled, to fortify them against invading forces. In more recent times the cities have burst out of the enclosing wall so that only a few scraps remain.

The Hotel Jolly de la Gare in Bologna	The remaining city gate	Closeup of the gate
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Carried our bags up to the room then we walked through the old city, past ancient buildings. Bologna also boasts a leaning tower. Friday is Market Day and the piazza if crowded with stalls selling clothing, shoes, jewellery, clothing, shoes and many household objects.

The twin towers of Bologna. The one on the left has a noticeable lean.	A narrow street in Bologna	Even Bologna has a statue of Neptune
A very old church	"I wonder if NZ would let me bring those giant salamis and hams into the country?"	Garibaldi

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Last updated: 21/09/2010