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Ahmet Erkun
Ahmet Erkun

Ahmet Erkun

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  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    Portico at Piazza Minghetti — Bologna, Italy.
    Portico at Piazza Minghetti — Bologna, Italy.Portico at Piazza Minghetti — Bologna, Italy.Via de' Pepoli — Bologna, Italy.2Via de' Pepoli — Bologna, Italy.The first Maserati workshop ... temporarily closed — Bologna, Italy.Flea market ... Piazza Santo Stefano — Bologna, Italy.Entrance to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher ... Basilica Santuario di Santo Stefano — Bologna.Chapel of the Madonna of the Consolation ... Basilica Santuario di Santo Stefano — Bologna.Door within a door ... on Strada Maggiore — Bologna, Italy.Getting ready for Easter ... on Strada Maggiore — Bologna, Italy.Impromptu art exhibit inside the 17th century gallery of Palazzo Segni — Bologna, Italy.Ceiling detail from the 17th century gallery of Palazzo Segni — Bologna, Italy.Antique door handles ... at a building on Strada Maggiore — Bologna, Italy.Window display on Strada Maggiore — Bologna, Italy.Entrance gate at Palazzo Pepoli Vecchio ... decorated with the heraldic chessboard of the family.Entrance gate at Palazzo Pepoli Vecchio ... decorated with the heraldic chessboard of the family.Torre degli Asinelli ... from Via Castiglione — Bologna, Italy.Palazzo Cassa Risparmio — Piazza Minghetti — Bologna, Italy.Detail from the Poste Italiane building on Via de' Toschi— Bologna, Italy.Galleria Cavour ... a high-end shopping mall — Bologna, Italy.Mui making rabbit ears @ Galleria Cavour — Bologna, Italy.Easter decoration at Galleria Cavour — Bologna, Italy.

    Street Photography

    March 22 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F

    We left the apartment this morning with a specific destination in mind.

    We made it there, no worries.

    But I’ll share that story and the images from that part of our day in another footprint.

    I keep telling myself to keep the phone in my pocket when we are heading somewhere so that I am not tempted to take photos. I inevitably fail. Bologna just has so many interesting things that catch my eye.

    On today’s wander, we came across a flea market in Piazza Santo Stefano; found the door to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher open — part of Basilica Santuario di Santo Stefano (aka the Seven Churches) — and checked out a chapel on a hall that was behind a locked door when we visited last fall; walked by the the first Maserati workshop … a museum of sorts that is currently closed; spied all kinds of interesting doors and antique knockers; window shopped at sweets shops that are colorfully decorated in anticipation of Easter; caught glimpses of Torre degli Asinelli — one of the two leaning towers of Bologna — peeking above buildings lining narrow streets; and even strolled through the all but deserted Galleria Cavour … with its budget-buster brand shops.

    A delightful stroll to be sure.    Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    The Due Torri from Via Rizzoli ... Garisenda on the left; Asinelli on the right — Bologna, Italy.
    The Due Torri from Via Rizzoli ... Garisenda on the left; Asinelli on the right — Bologna, Italy.Gelateria Gianni — Bologna, Italy.1Chocolate and cream with cherries ... delicious, creamy gelato from Gianni — Bologna, Italy."It's not gelato; it's happiness" ... seen in the window at Gelateria Gianni — Bologna, Italy.

    Pizza & Gelato

    March 21 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F

    After doing chores all day yesterday, and spending much of today working on projects while we waited for an Amazon delivery, we decided to wrap up our day by treating ourselves to pizza and gelato.

    Weekends tend to find Bologna’s Centro Storico crowded with visitors from far and wide. Today was no exception … groups of scouts, both boys and girls, adding quite a bit to the numbers enjoying the evening. Wading through the crowds on our way out, we returned to the apartment later by way of quieter side streets.

    An early dinner at Pizzeria Nettuno was our primary goal … very good as usual. Followed by a sweet treat from Gelateria Gianni … near the Due Torri, the two leaning towers that are iconic landmarks of Bologna … Garisenda and Asinelli.

    We discovered the renowned gelateria last fall. Established in the mid-1970s, it is billed as a “… historic artisan gelateria known for its traditional Bolognese gelato.” That being the case, I’m not sure why they use open bins to display their gelato. After all, high-quality gelato is stored in metal canisters with lids … to protect the product from light, air, and temperature fluctuations. At least, I’ve never seen ‘fluffy gelato mountains’ in the display cases. Nonetheless, we enjoy an occasional cone or two of the interesting flavors on the shop’s menu.

    By the way, Gianni’s fame is about to grow further. It was one of the two gelaterias recommended in a recent New York Times article about Bologna. (Thanks for the article, Kadi.)

    P.S. The second gelateria mentioned in the article was Sorbetteria Castiglione. We passed by it on our way back from Giardini Margherita earlier this week. Would have checked it out, but the shop was closed. We’ll try again another time.

    P.P.S. Yes, Garisenda and Asinelli are both leaning towers, the former more so than the latter. I really was too close for a proper photo this evening … so, forgive the very odd angles in the image included with this footprint. I promise there will be better ones in future footprints.    Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    What I thought were silk trees from a distance turned out to be real trees — Bologna, Italy.
    What I thought were silk trees from a distance turned out to be real trees — Bologna, Italy.Another one of the many historic porticos of the city — Bologna, Italy.From our city stroll — Bologna, Italy.Mural near a poster announcing the gelato festival scheduled for April — Bologna, Italy.From our city stroll — Bologna, Italy.An antique door knocker From our city stroll — Bologna, Italy.Torresotto di Strada Castiglione — Bologna, Italy.Santuario della Madonna Baraccano ... from Giardini Margherita — Bologna, Italy.Spring has sprung ... what's left of the blooms ... Giardini Margherita — Bologna, Italy.Spring has sprung ... what's left of the blooms ... Giardini Margherita — Bologna, Italy.Private garden with spring blooms — Bologna, Italy.Portico del Baraccano ... quite different from other porticos in the city — Bologna, Italy.Fresco surround ... Teatro del Baraccano — Bologna, Italy.Another portico ... this one with a lumber ceiling — Bologna, Italy.An interesting antique door knocker — Bologna, Italy.All things Pinnochio, but what I found interesting was the old stove ... my grandma had one like it.Even an ironing board from IKEA requires some assembly 😂 ... 16-page instruction booklet included.Fixing the kick plates so they don't keep falling — Bologna, Italy.IKEA big box deliveries ... assembly work ... and a trip to the paper recycling bin — Bologna.The entry coat/shoe closet and stool ... all assembled.Mui's been busy in the kitchen — Bologna, Italy.

    Stroll to Giardini Margherita

    March 19 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 61 °F

    A few days ago, we saw a photo of trees laden with pale pink spring blooms. It was taken at Giardini Margherita. Today, with the sun shining bright and the temp promising to be warmer than yesterday, we took a stroll to the gardens — more like a park really — to check them out for ourselves.

    We first visited the gardens, a favorite of the Bolognese, when we were here last October. It was a Sunday, and this green space in the city was crowded with families, couples young and old, and groups of friends enjoying the beautiful fall day.

    Today being a weekday, the gardens were quieter. Older couples strolling quiet paths, solo runners and bikers, an occasional nanny or young mom pushing a pram. It was a lovely, quiet setting amidst the hub-bub of the city. Alas, the trees were not filled with blooms as we expected … yesterday’s wind and cold temps must have taken their toll.

    No matter, we still enjoyed our visit … and walking along streets that we weren’t familiar with to get there and back gave us an opportunity to get to know our city a bit more. It was a nice change of pace from the errands and chores that are an essential part of daily life, regardless of where one lives.

    P.S. Sorry … no photos of the grounds at Giardini Margherita. Having taken those photos last fall, I neglected to do so this time. I’m sure we’ll go back at some point … I’ll try to remember to rectify the oversight then.    Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    The main entrance of the Duomo — Modena, Italy.
    The main entrance of the Duomo — Modena, Italy.The Ghirlandia Tower and the Duomo ... you can see how much the building has settled in parts.The apse from the outside ... the building is so crooked that photographing it is a challenge.The Porta Regia ... through which we entered the Duomo — Modena, Italy.Detail from the Porta Regia @ the Duomo — Modena, Italy.One of the two side chapels on the presbytery level of the Duomo — Modena, Italy.Interior decoration of the dome of the side chapel on the presbytery level — Modena, Italy.The central apse on the presbytery level of the Duomo — Modena, Italy.The central apse reminds me of a Byzantine church ... on the presbytery level of the Duomo — Modena.Inlaid wooden choir seats on the presbytery level of the Duomo — Modena, Italy.The reliquary arm of Saint Geminianus is behind the panel (R) in this chapel in the sacristy.2View from the bridge between the sacristy and the pier @ the Duomo — Modena, Italy.Fragments of medieval votive frescos @ the Duomo — Modena, Italy.Looking across the nave from the pier @ the Duomo — Modena, Italy.The rose window @ the Duomo — Modena, Italy.The crypt with the sepulcher of Saint Geminianus (center) @ the Duomo — Modena, Italy.Sculpture bases of the columns holding up the pier @ the Duomo — Modena, Italy.The central apse and pier from the lower level of the Duomo — Modena, Italy.The Campione ambo from the 13th century @ the Duomo — Modena, Italy.Detail from the parapet showing scenes from the Passion of Christ @ the Duomo — Modena, Italy.Baptismal font and the frescoes at the Bellincini Chapel @ the Duomo — Modena, Italy.Statue of Saint Geminianus @ the Duomo — Modena, Italy.The terracotta Altar of Statuettes — Modena, Italy.The terracotta Altar of Statuettes — Modena, Italy.Votive candles ... can you guess which one Mui lit? ... Duomo — Modena, Italy.

    Modena: Duomo

    March 14 in Italy

    From the Palazzo Comunale, we walked over to the Duomo di Modena … the cathedral for which the foundation stone was laid in 1099 … and where the funeral of Luciano Pavarotti, a favorite son of the city, was held in 2006.

    Together with the Ghirlandina Tower and the Piazza Grande, the Duomo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and Saint Geminianus, Modena’s patron saint. The discovery that Geminianus was buried under a church already on the site led to that church being torn down and replaced by today’s grand edifice.

    Tradition has it that the Romanesque style that the architect, Lanfranco, chose for the Duomo came to him as a divine inspiration. True or not, it is generally accepted that the construction of the Duomo in this style was the forerunner for the Romanesque art that subsequently flourished.

    We entered through the Porta Regia, the monumental entrance that overlooks Piazza Grande. Noticing a staircase to our right, we decided to go up first. Turns out that the stairs accessed the presbytery … admission charged … €3pp. The young woman at the ticket desk explained that the ticket also serves as a voucher for a discount to the cathedral museums. As the voucher is not date-specific, we opted to use it when we return to Modena another time.

    The chapels and central apse upstairs were quite interesting. In many ways, the paintings and mosaic work reminded me of Byzantine churches. From the pier that connects the two side aisles, we were able to look down the length of the cathedral below, with an interesting rose window at the far end … different from the ones we’ve seen before.

    The Sacristy, also on the upper level, is where one finds the reliquary arm of Saint Geminianus. It is thought that Pope Lucius III took a fragment of the saint’s arm when his tomb was opened in 1184. The reliquary is behind an embossed silver panel in the Sacristy … which is what we saw. The actual reliquary is brought out only on specific occasions.

    Under the raised presbytery is the crypt with the sepulcher of Saint Geminianus. Unlike other crypt’s we have visited that are under the church, this one is on the same level as the nave.

    After a brief visit to the crypt, we wandered around the rest of the Duomo, stopping to check out the sculptures holding up some of the columns of the pier; the details of the Campione ambo, which dates back to the 13th century; the parapet of the pier, which is decorated with bas-relief scenes from the Passion of Christ … the Last Supper prominently in the center; the 16th century terracotta Nativity; the marble baptismal font that sits in front of a 15th century fresco in the Bellincini Chapel; the 14th century wooden statue of Saint Geminianus … encased in a glass cabinet; and the Altar of Statuettes from the 15th century; and so much more.

    Though one would not necessarily call us ‘religious’, before we left the Duomo, Mui lit a candle and we said a prayer for family and friends.

    The Duomo of Modena is definitely deserving of its UNESCO-listing. There are so many details for one to search out … a guided tour might have to go on our ‘do-on-our-return list’ for Modena.    Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    Palazzo Comunale — Modena, Italy.
    Palazzo Comunale — Modena, Italy.Palazzo Comunale — Modena, Italy.Chamber of the Confirmed ... Palazzo Comunale — Modena, Italy.Hall of the Fire ... Palazzo Comunale — Modena, Italy.Coffered ceiling detail from the Hall of the Fire ... Palazzo Comunale — Modena, Italy.Detail from one of the frescos rimming the Hall of the Fire ... Palazzo Comunale — Modena, Italy.Period cabinet in the Hall of the Fire ... Palazzo Comunale — Modena, Italy.Wall detail ... Hall of the Fire ... Palazzo Comunale — Modena, Italy.Through the door is the Chamber of the Confirmed and the other halls beyond ... Hall of the Fire.The Hall of the Old Council ... Palazzo Comunale — Modena, Italy.Ceiling of the Hall of the Old Council ... Palazzo Comunale — Modena, Italy.Ceiling detail from the Hall of the Old Council ... Palazzo Comunale — Modena, Italy.The opposite side of the Hall of the Old Council ... Palazzo Comunale — Modena, Italy.Hall of Tapestries ... Palazzo Comunale — Modena, Italy.Hall of Tapestries ... Palazzo Comunale — Modena, Italy.Hall of Weddings ... Palazzo Comunale — Modena, Italy.Organ from the destroyed Church of St Geminiano ... Hall of Weddings ... Palazzo Comunale.Looking up at the ceiling and chandelier in the Hall of Weddings ... Palazzo Comunale — Modena.Perseus and the Head of the Medusa ... Palazzo Comunale — Modena, Italy.

    Modena: Palazzo Comunale

    March 14 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    The Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall/Municipal Palace) is a complex that consists of a number 17th century buildings. At the time, each building served a different function.

    When we decided to detour to the palazzo, it was because we were looking for a higher vantage point to photograph the Duomo. We didn’t find a terrace with a view of Piazza Grande. But we hit the jackpot with a series of historical rooms, some of which were decorated with frescos and paintings.

    The Palazzo is open from 1:00p to 3:00p on Saturdays. We found that out after the fact, however. And technically, reservations are required for the free DIY tour. Oooops! In our defense, the clerk who saw us wandering around the rooms at 11:30a said nothing to us. At least we were well within the 32 minutes visitors are allowed for their visit.

    Doing a bit of research on the palazzo after we got home, I found a virtual tour (https://salestoriche.unesco.modena.it/en/) that gave me a hint of why we were perhaps ‘under the radar’ during our visit. We didn’t enter through the corridor to the building. Rather, once a bride and groom, who had just tied the knot, came down a set of stairs overlooking the piazza, we used the same staircase to go up … being careful not to slip on the rice the wedding party had thrown at the pair.

    The staircase led us to the entrance to the historic halls. The first room was the Camerino dei Confirmati (Chamber of the Confirmed) … once a small loggia that overlooked the palace of the Marquis d’Este.

    Branching off to the right from here was the Sala del Fuoco (Hall of the Fire), thought to have been named for the large fireplace where embers were kept hot for the peddlers in the square. Frescoes rimming the walls tell the story of the Siege of Modena (63-42 BC).

    Crossing back to the Chamber of the Confirmed, we found ourselves walking through a series of rooms that branch off from the left. First was the Sala del Vecchio Consiglio (Hall of the Old Council) … where the municipal council met in the 17th century. The vault of the chamber features paintings celebrating patriotism and the virtues of good governance.

    This room led to the Sala Degli Arazzi (Hall of the Tapestries). Instead of woven tapestries, however, here we found painted imitations by Vannulli of invaluable tapestries that depict scenes from the Peace of Constance and celebrate the role Modena played in the Lombard League events.

    What is referred to as the Sala dei Matrimoni (Hall of Weddings) was the last room we explored. The room, which was formerly used as an archive, was more simply decorated with portraits and paintings on the walls that “… represent an ideal gallery of 19th century Modanese figures.”

    Spotting a courtyard and a grand wrought iron gate, we left the palazzo via a different staircase … too many posters on the gate to photograph it, but we were rewarded with a statue of Perseus to wrap up our visit.

    I would love to return to the Palazzo Comunale with my long lens to photograph some of the fresco details. When we do so, we’ll make sure to make a reservation!    Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    This chimney is what's left of the tobacco factory ... now an urban redevelopment project — Modena.
    This chimney is what's left of the tobacco factory ... now an urban redevelopment project — Modena.The urban redevelopment of the Manifattura Tabacchi (Tobacco Factory) — Modena, Italy.Tower of the Duomo peeking out at the end of the street — Modena, Italy.The "Monument to Freedom" ... symbolizing the revolutionary movements of 1821 & 1831 — Modena, ItalyPalazzo Ducale, now housing the Italian Military Academy — Modena, Italy.Palazzo Ducale, now housing the Italian Military Academy — Modena, Italy.Chiesa di San Giorgio (founded 12th century; rebuilt 17th century) — Modena, Italy.Piazza Grande ... Duomo (L) and Palazzo Comunale — Modena, Italy.4Extravecchio balsamic is aged a minimum of 25 years; the other one, a minimum of 12 years ... €€€Fontana "Al Salein" ... so nicknamed by the locals due to its shape resembling a salt cellar.Art Nouveau style Mercato Storico Albinelli — Modena, Italy."Fruit Bearer" by the Modanese sculptor Graziosi @ Mercato Storico Albinelli — Modena, Italy.Not sure if these are made with marzipan, but they looked amazing @ Mercato Storico Albinelli.Mercato Storico Albinelli — Modena, Italy.Mercato Storico Albinelli — Modena, Italy.Mercato Storico Albinelli — Modena, Italy.The world's oldest Parmigiano-Reggiano wheel ... from 1976 ... Mercato Storico Albinelli — Modena.Glimpse of the Duomo on the way to lunch — Modena, Italy.A delicious lunch @ Emilia Bistrò in Modena, Italy.Mosaic mural at Modena Centrale ... the train station.

    Modena: A Day Trip from Bologna

    March 14 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F

    When we were in Bologna last fall, we went on two day trips — by train … to Ferrara and to Rimini. Today it was Modena’s turn.

    Like the previous two day trips, today’s outing was of an exploratory nature … just to see what the place has to offer before we return for a longer visit.

    Modena, roughly northwest of Bologna, is 31 minutes by train. Well, technically, it would take 20 minutes to get there if you take the Freccerossa … the fast train. We didn’t think, however, that it was worth paying €34 (one way) for the two of us just to shave 11 minutes off the ride. Instead, we bought TTPER regional train tickets for €9 each way for the two of us.

    Shortly before 11:00a, we detrained at Modena Centrale … a short walk from Modena’s Centro Storico. The sun was out; the temperature comfortable; the walk pleasant along streets lined with colorful buildings.

    Soon, we were in Piazza Roma, which is overlooked by Palazzo Ducale. The grand edifice, once the residence of the Estense Court and one of the most important royal palazzos of the 17th century, now houses the Italian Military Academy.

    From Piazza Roma, we walked along side streets … unsurprisingly, quiet even on a Saturday since the tourist season is not yet in full swing. Most of the people we encountered were families out to enjoy the day. A quick peek inside Chiesa di San Giorgio, and then we continued to Piazza Grande, the very heart of Centro Storico.

    Everything we read said that the Duomo (cathedral) should be our first stop. That was indeed our intention. However, thinking that there might be a better vantage point to photograph the Duomo from a terrace at the Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall Municipal Palace), we decided a detour was in order.

    What we thought would be a quick stop at the Palazzo Comunale, turned into a visit of the rooms open to the public … and deserves its own footprint. As does our next stop, the Duomo. Thus, moving on.

    Mui really enjoys visiting markets, so our steps next took us to Mercato Storico Albinelli (Historic Albinelli Market). This covered market — with beautiful wrought ironwork on the façade overlooking Via Albinelli — was built in 1931. Constructed in the Liberty style, it houses the market that used to be held in Piazza Grande. A beautiful fountain in the center; several aisles of stalls filled with fresh and colorful produce, meats, cheeses, fish, and more … a great place to not just visit, but shop as well … though we didn’t do so today.

    It was getting on towards 1:30p when we left the market and headed to Emilia Bistrò on Piazza Roma for our lunch reservation. The place was packed when we arrived … glad we booked ahead ... especially since the kitchen was due to close at 2:30p. Despite its location on a popular square, the place oozed ‘local’ charm. In fact, we didn’t hear anything but Italian being spoken.

    Seated at a two-top, we enjoyed a delicious meal accompanied by a glass of wine. Opting to start with an antipasti, we ordered the fried zucchini flowers, served with a citrus mayo. I ordered just a primi piatti as I am wont to do … in this case, hand-made tortellini in a capon broth; Mui got the braised beef cheek with balsamic pearl onions and julienned artichokes + a side of grilled vegetables … zucchini and eggplant. We wrapped up with what the server described as a Modena chocolate cake served on a bed of mascarpone cream. Yummy!

    It was getting on towards 3:00p when we left Emilia Bistrò. The temperature, which we had noticed earlier had cooled down from this morning, was now downright chilly. We put on our puffy jackets and headed to the train station for the return trip to Bologna.

    Although we arrived with five minutes to spare before the 3:06p train was scheduled to depart, the app would not let us buy tickets for it. Knowing that tickets purchased on the app can be changed until the train departs, we quickly bought tickets for the next train leaving in ½-hour and immediately changed the time to the 3:06p train. Worked like a charm.

    An uneventful train ride to Bologna … a walk on quiet backstreets from Bologna Centrale to the apartment … time to put up our feet and rest.

    We really enjoyed our exploratory day trip to Modena and look forward to returning … maybe do a balsamic tasting tour … or visit the Ferrari Factory nearby … or check out the museums.    Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    Mui perusing the wine menu for a red from the Emilia-Romagna Region ... at I Conoscenti — Bologna.
    Mui perusing the wine menu for a red from the Emilia-Romagna Region ... at I Conoscenti — Bologna.Cheers ... a red wine made with Sangiovese grapes ... at I Conoscenti — Bologna.A delicious late lunch ... at I Conoscenti — Bologna.

    I Conoscenti Cocktail e Cucina

    March 8 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 57 °F

    We left Museo Civico Medievale at 2:30p. Time for a late lunch.

    With most kitchens at dining establishments that cater mostly to the locals either closed or about to close for siesta, our options were limited. As luck would have it, “I Conoscenti” (The Acquaintances) — just down the portico from the museum — closed at 3:00p, so we didn’t have to go far for our first lunch out in Bologna since arriving on the 25th.

    The place lives up to its name. We were greeted as though we were long time acquaintances. We enjoyed the ambiance of the place … small, intimate, friendly, and hospitable.

    Arriving at an odd hour pretty much guaranteed that the place would be fairly deserted. The only other table that was occupied had a foursome who were enjoying a lengthy chat … they were still there when we left an hour later.

    While the host spoke English, the daily menu was in Italian only … the list of dishes short and sweet Great; not a touristy place.

    We ordered two glasses of a red from the Emilia-Romagna Region … made with Sangiovese grapes, and took our time perusing the menu.

    We both opted for dishes from the primi piatti section of the menu — lasagna alla Bolognese for me … a premier specialty of Bologna, and often served on Sundays, it was creamy and delicious; tortellini in a cheese sauce made with Parmigiano aged for 24-month for Mui … also delicious. I don’t recall the name or the description of the dessert we ordered, but it came sort of deconstructed … a warm, flaky pastry and a side of chocolate gelato, which melted into a creamy sauce when we combined the two. Our sweet treat was gone in no time.

    We will definitely return to I Conoscenti.

    The upcoming week is choc-a-bloc with deliveries … some of which are ‘assembly-required’. No matter, soon enough we’ll be settled and enjoying what the city and the country has to offer.    Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    The entrance to the MCM is along one of the city's UNESCO-listed porticos — Bologna, Italy.
    The entrance to the MCM is along one of the city's UNESCO-listed porticos — Bologna, Italy.Courtyard of Palazzo Ghisilardi-Fava ... where the MCM is housed — Bologna, Italy.Decorative fresco around one of the windows at the MCM — Bologna, Italy.Unicorn Horn; Roman artifact (c. 1660-1670); carved from a narwhal tooth ... MCM — Bologna, Italy.Stilts made from cork & covered w/white leather; Venetian artifact (c. 16th-17th century) — MCM.Angus Dei (Lamb of God); Northern Italy artifact (13th century) ... MCM — Bologna, Italy.Sarcophagi dedicated to professors of Univ of Bologna; sculptures from Palazzo della Mercanzia — MCMSelfie with Pope Bonifacio VIII (14th century) ... MCM — Bologna, Italy.Gémellion from Limoges; ceremonial basin for hand washing (c. 1250-1260) ... MCM — Bologna, Italy.Tomb of Bolognese judge Matteo Gandoni (14th cent); detail of some of the students ... MCM — BolognaTomb of Pietro Canonici, lecturer of civil law ... originally in the Church of San Martino Maggiore.Murano goblet; from the Barovier workshop (prior to 1465); depicts the Adoration of the Magi ... MCMTondelli; 16th century German artifact representing the Triumph of Death (from a Dürer engraving).Antique ivory platter; likely from the 19th century ... MCM — Bologna, Italy.Velvet arrow quiver; made in Anatolia in the 17th century ... MCM — Bologna, Italy.Decorated rifles from the 17th century ... MCM — Bologna, Italy.Parade saddle; wood covered with leather and ivory (c.1440); Southern German craftsmanship ... MCM.Model of Bologna at the end of the 13th century ... a time of great development ... MCM — Bologna.Coat of Arms of the Grassi Family; Bologna (c. 1520); silver filigree, rock crystal, peach/plum pits"St Michael the Archangel Vanquishing the Demon;" by Bolognese sculptor A. Algardi ... MCM.Psalter from the Illuminated Manuscripts collection ... MCM — Bologna, Italy.Muslim headstone (c. 1674/75) ... MCM — Bologna, Italy.Young man sitting in monastic habit ... drawing by B. Cesi (1590) ... Cesi Exhibition @ the MCM."Madonna & Child in Glory with Saints Benedict, John the Baptist, and Francis" (c. 1590) ... B. CesiPhotographic reworking of the main chapel of San Girolamo della Certosa ... altarpieces by B. Cesi.

    Museo Civico Medievale

    March 8 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F

    Amazon delivered today’s packages just before noon. That meant that we could go out and do something fun this afternoon.

    Earlier this week, Mui stopped by the Welcome Bologna office on Piazza Maggiore to buy a Card Cultura for each of us. We learned about these cards when we were here last fall. €25 each for a card that is good for 12 months. It gives us free, unlimited admissions to several museums in the city and the metropolitan area. As well, there are a number of places where we get reduced admission to attractions and exhibits, cinemas and theaters, festivals and music seasons, and guided tours.

    We got to use our cards for the first time today, saving €4 (65+ admission) to check out the Bologna’s Medieval Museum [MCM]. We each have €21 left now to break even. No worries; we’ll be ahead of the game soon enough.

    Arriving at the museum, we stopped by the ticket office to show our cards and receive our free admission tickets. We then proceeded inside. As we moved through different parts of the museum, we were asked to show the ticket. I imagine they do this because anyone who enters the courtyard could sneak into parts of the museum easily enough.

    The MCM is housed in what was once the Palazzo Ghisilardi, one of the most important buildings from the period between 1446-1506 … when the Bentivoglio family pretty much ruled Bologna as de facto lords and tyrants. The palazzo was later acquired by the Fava family … hence it is known also as the Palazzo Ghisilardi-Fava.

    Exhibited at the museum are several private collections. The most important of these give visitors a sense of life in medieval Bologna. The eclectic collections are displayed in 24 rooms, artifacts ranging from sepulchral monuments to bronze sculptures, from illuminated texts to weaponry, from glassware to ivory marquetry boxes, from reliquaries to ceramics, and much more.

    While the labels identifying the items are in Italian, in every room we found laminated info cards in English … identifying some of the highlights. For this first visit, we focused on those items. There’s still much to see, so I am sure we will return another day to browse more slowly.

    While I was wrapping up at the museum, Mui went off to grab a coffee from a nearby café. While he was gone, I continued on to the first monographic Bartolomeo Cesi exhibition … “Paintings of Silence in the Age of the Carracci.” Part of the Jubilee 2025 program, the exhibit focuses on “… his unique, meditative approach to religious art, standing in contrast to the naturalism of the Carracci Brothers.”

    The brochure describes Cesi as being well known in Academic circles … not so much amongst the general population. Certainly, had we not visited the Farnese Chapel at Palazzo d’Accursio last fall and gone into the antechamber, we would not have been familiar with his name either.

    This particular exhibit is rather small … just 30 pieces … from monumental altarpieces to paintings, portraits, and drawings. They date to the period between the 16th and 17th centuries. I was a little disappointed that there were no frescos, but it was interesting to see Cesi’s paintings and understand why efforts are underway to restore his role in Bologna’s artistic history.

    Time for lunch …    Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    Spring has sprung ... blooms at the Casalecchio Palasport train platform.
    Spring has sprung ... blooms at the Casalecchio Palasport train platform.Spring has sprung ... blooms at the Casalecchio Palasport train platform.Mui shopping at IKEA ... for the second time since our return to Bologna 10 days ago.The boiler repaired and serving as a canvas for the privacy panel light dispersions.Amazon delivery vehicle ... not quite the Amazon Prime vans we're used to 😄Waiting for the 2nd Amazon delivery of the day, Mui entertains himself with a watercolor painting."The House of Lost Love" ... spied on a wall in the Quadrilatero — Bologna, Italy.One of the UNESCO-listed porticos of Bologna.Mui assembling the floor lamp we ordered ... good practice for our upcoming IKEA delivery — Bologna.

    A Week and Three Days

    March 7 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F

    That is how long it’s been since we stepped off the plane at BLQ.

    We’re continuing to work diligently on getting settled … going out for a coffee or gelato run once in a while to get a breather from work. We expect that once the IKEA big-box delivery arrives next week, we’ll be pretty much done.

    In the meantime, the smaller orders began trickling in this week. We were especially happy with how quickly the Media World purchases arrived as included in that delivery was a vacuum cleaner and an iron … essential appliances for completing some of our household chores.

    Amazon worked like a charm, too. We’re keeping all but two items … which we will be sending back using one of the several return options provided.

    As for chores. There were a-plenty.

    The floor lamp we ordered through Amazon required assembly. Easy enough to do … and described by Mui as a “practice run” for all the assembly work we will be doing when the IKEA big-box order is delivered on Tuesday.

    We installed electrostatic privacy panels on the lower half of the kitchen windows, and put up some curtains to close off the laundry area. With nearly 10-foot ceilings, we needed a tall ladder for the latter project. Luckily, the building has one that is available for tenants to borrow … one less thing to buy.

    A return trip to the shops in Casalecchio di Reno was required to wrap up our shopping spree. We took the opportunity to have a tasty lunch at Dispensa Emilia, one of the eateries at the mall that had long queues for dinner when we were at the Gran Reno Mall last week.

    Some of the repairs on our punch list have also been completed — the cracked expansion vessel for the combo boiler has been replaced … amid a lot of cussing in Italian as the guy was working in a very tight space; the two rolling shutters that were stuck are now operational. Once the painters come and go on Monday, the punch list will be completed.

    We have another Amazon delivery scheduled for tomorrow. If it comes early enough, we might be able to go out and do some sightseeing … 🤞🏻. That will give us something fun to report for a change.    Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    The Permesso di Soggiorno applications are submitted — Bologna, Italy.
    The Permesso di Soggiorno applications are submitted — Bologna, Italy.2On our way to Bologna Centrale ... the shopping cart is empty — Bologna, Italy.An antique door knocker that I spied on the way to the train station — Bologna, Italy.We spot an exhibit to fit into our busy schedule before it ends on 6 April — Bologna, Italy.Coffee break on the way to Bologna Centrale ... have to fuel up for our shopping spree — Bologna.Porta Galliera is one of the old gates into Bologna ... it is known as the Gate of the Fortress.The shopping cart that came empty is leaving full — Casalecchio, Italy.Inspirational words along Via Indipendenza — Bologna, Italy.Some of our purchases ... setting up a household isn't for the faint of heart — Bologna, Italy.

    PdiS & A 20,061-Step Shopping Spree

    March 2 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F

    (PdiS = Permesso di Soggiorno)

    Busy day with lots of steps.

    First up — a most important errand that we are required to complete within 8 days of arriving Italy … applying for the “Permesso di Soggiorno” (residence permit) … not to be confused with registering our residence, which is a whole different thing we have to do after we receive our PdiS.

    We submitted our packages this morning at the designated post office — Piazza Minghetti … a short walk from the apartment. The postal clerk reviewed our forms, collected the additional paperwork and the fee, and sealed everything inside the government-provided envelope, which will go to Rome before being re-directed to Bologna for action.

    The clerk also gave us our appointments for the in-person-interviews with the Questura (the provincial headquarters of the state police). Alas, we have to wait until mid-June for that step … earlier appointment slots already taken.

    That done, we used the Trenitalia app to buy tickets for the train to Casalecchio di Reno … €1.50 pp each way. We had a bit of time to kill, so on our way to Bologna Centrale we stopped at L’Incontro for a coffee break.

    The train ride to Casalecchio’s Palasport stop is about 15 minutes long. From the siding platform where passengers detrain, it is a 5 minute walk to the Gran Reno Mall; IKEA and Leroy Merlin (the local Home Depot, if you will) are about the same distance as well.

    Our shopping trip was a success. Having done our research in advance, each stop we made was primarily to “touch and feel” and make sure our selections were satisfactory.

    At Media World, we placed the appliance order on the app … delivery scheduled for tomorrow.

    At IKEA, we confirmed that the items we had taken photos of last fall were still available, and that they still suited our needs. We added a few items; removed a few items; filled our shopping cart with the smaller items; placed an order for the big-box items … delivery scheduled for 10 March.

    At Leroy Merlin, we were in and out rather quickly. Both because we were shopped-out, but also because for this shopping spree, we had just a few items to hand-carry from there. I did feel like a drum majorette carrying the curtain rod all the way home. Yes, I resisted twirling it and throwing it in the air like a baton!

    We had just enough time before the 8:38p train back to Bologna to stop by the food court at the mall and pick up a piadina to share … a sandwich made with a thin flatbread that is from the Romagna region.

    The train was 5 minutes late … so be it. By the way, if you buy your train tickets on the app, you don’t have to search for a validation machine on the platform… the tickets are validated automatically as soon as the train departs the station.

    By 9:15p, having walked well-lit, nearly-deserted streets from Bologna Centrale to the apartment, we were more than ready to put up our feet.

    With our Media World delivery scheduled for tomorrow, we’ll be home and not gallivanting about. Our feet will appreciate that.    Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    Working on Modulo I of the residence permit application — Bologna, Italy.
    Working on Modulo I of the residence permit application — Bologna, Italy.

    Permesso di Soggiorno Modulo I

    March 1 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 57 °F

    With the help of an online cheat sheet in English, and Apple’s translate app, we managed to muddle through the first module of the ‘“permesso di soggiorno” (residency permit) application.

    Whether we need to complete the second module remains to be seen. We don’t think so, but best to find out for sure before we submit the application package. The agent at the post office should be able to answer the question when we stop by to drop off the paperwork.

    To celebrate the completion of our task, we went to our favorite gelateria in Bologna for a sweet treat.    Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    Inspirational words in lights ... on one of the streets branching off Piazza Maggiore — Bologna.
    Inspirational words in lights ... on one of the streets branching off Piazza Maggiore — Bologna.2Heart-shaped pizzas at Pizzeria Nettuno — Bologna, Italy.

    Starting to Settle In

    February 27 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 61 °F

    Nothing exciting to report.

    Except perhaps that we arrived at the apartment on the 25th to find the boiler for the heat and hot water on the blink. Luckily the temps are mild at the moment. The tech came to fix it today, so we are nice and toasty tonight.

    Anyway, I thought I’d put up a quick post so you don’t think we fell off the face of the earth.

    As one might imagine, our first two days in Bologna have been filled with chores and errands … juggling apartment-cleaning and unpacking with shopping for essentials and getting Italian phone numbers.

    One very important errand was stopping at the post office to pick-up the forms to apply for residency. Yeah … just because we have elective residence visas (ERVs) doesn’t mean that the paperwork requirements are over and done with. Anyway, we’ll submit the application on Monday and then wait to see how long it takes to complete this step.

    After our chores today, we went out to price out things like a vacuum cleaner, iron, etc. As we were crossing Piazza Maggiore we noticed an inordinate number of people … and tents and marquees set up. Turns out they’re prepping for the Termal Bologna Marathon … a popular event that is expected to draw some 40,000+ people … runners and spectators. You can be sure I won’t be setting foot in that direction this weekend!

    For dinner, we went to our favorite pizzeria … Nettuno … yummy!    Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    Hello BLQ ... Bologna's Guglielmo Marconi Airport.
    Hello BLQ ... Bologna's Guglielmo Marconi Airport.

    Welcome to Bologna

    February 25 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 52 °F

    Even before we deplaned at BLQ, I had a message from the Blacklane car service I had arranged. Having tracked our flight, the driver was advising us that he was already at the airport to pick us up.

    Our checked bags were quick to show up on the baggage carousel … one after another. By 5:00p, we were on our way to meet the driver in the arrivals hall.

    The drive into the city was uneventful … the rush hour traffic not hindering us in the least. By:6:00p, we were unloading the vehicle. With the management office closed for the day, the realtor had arranged for us to ring the doorbell of a neighbor to be let inside the building … the keys to the apartment itself under the doormat.

    We have since unpacked the bag that held our ‘first night essentials’ … linens and comforters to make the bed … towels and daily meds … and so on. While I was unpacking, Mui went shopping for fixings for a light dinner at the apartment. He bought cleaning supplies as well … which we will put to good use before we unpack everything else.

    The work of settling in can wait until tomorrow … and the next day … and the day after that … however long it takes.

    In the meantime, having made it past 9:30p, it’s time to go to bed for a good night’s rest.    Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    The last leg of our three-flight trip from Denver to Bologna ... @ BRU.
    The last leg of our three-flight trip from Denver to Bologna ... @ BRU.Bye Bye BRU ... Aboard SN3125.The Alps ... aboard SN3125.The Alps ... Aboard SN3125.

    On Our Way: BRU to BLQ

    February 25 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F

    Entering the Schengen Zone at BRU was a piece of cake. With no one else in line, the formalities took no time at all … just a four-finger print scan and a stamp in the passport.

    Then it was just a matter of finding the Brussels Airlines’ Pop Up Loft Lounge to while away the time until the gate assignment for SN3125 showed up on the monitors as A48.

    We left the lounge at 2:50p for the scheduled boarding. By the time we made our way to the gate, the process was all but completed. We pushed back 12 minutes early and were wheels up at 3:15p … ahead of schedule.

    Uneventful flight … with scenic views of the Alps to entertain us during the meal service, which consisted of a wild rice salad topped with smoked salmon; warm pretzel bread; and a mini box of Belgian chocolates.

    SN3125 landed at BLQ at 4:35p … 25 minutes ahead of schedule.

    More later …    Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    Our Brussels Airlines flight awaits us ... at LHR.
    Our Brussels Airlines flight awaits us ... at LHR.As we taxi to the runway ... we spot this Concorde ... @ LHR.Bye bye England ... aboard SN2094.Hello continental Europe ... aboard SN2094.Flying over Belgium ... aboard SN2094.Hello BRU — Brussels, Belgium.

    On Our Way: LHR to BRU

    February 25 in Belgium ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F

    After an uneventful flight from DEN, UA27 landed at LHR a few minutes ahead of schedule. That was good news since we had what for us was a tight connection of 1 hour and 25 minutes.

    Turns out that any concerns about making our Brussels Airlines connection to Brussels was for nought.

    There was no immigration to contend with … just a security check point that was easy peasy … except that Mui had to remove his boots and put them through the scanner separately. And then it was just a matter of taking the elevator up one level, showing our boarding passes, and walking to our assigned gate.

    Boarding for SN2094 began at 10:30a. A few minutes later, we were in our seats — 1A/1C … the middle seat left empty in what passes for business class on this airline. Looking around, I’m glad I opted for seats in the bulkhead row as we have a good amount of legroom … not the case in the other rows in this cabin.

    Anyway, about 25 minutes after take off from LHR, we were wheels dry over the continent of Europe.

    We landed at 12:57p local time … 15 minutes ahead of schedule.

    More later …    Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    Toasting the start of our flight with a glass of bubbly @ DEN — Denver, Colorado.
    Toasting the start of our flight with a glass of bubbly @ DEN — Denver, Colorado.UA27 rolling past the Main Terminal to the runway @ DEN — Denver, Colorado.A flight coming into land @ DEN — Denver, Colorado.A colorful sunset sees us off from DEN — Denver, CO.A glass of pre-dinner wine ... aboard UA27.Ice cream sundae for dessert ... aboard UA27.

    On Our Way: DEN to LHR

    February 24 in Canada ⋅ 🌫 -2 °F

    We left the UA Club at 4:30p for the short walk to Gate B36.

    Fifteen minutes later, we were boarding UA27 to London… the first of the three flights that will be taking us to Bologna.

    Our flight left the gate on time at 5:35p … 25 minutes later we were wheels up. Bumpy climb out, but the turbulence smoothed out once we got to our cruising altitude.

    This flight across “The Pond” to LHR is relatively short … as long haul flights go … a little over 8 hours. The cockpit announced that they expect to be on the ground at LHR at 9:12a GMT … 2:12a MST. That would gain us 25 minutes towards clearing any formalities and getting to our next flight.

    Warm nuts and cocktails; dinner … with a crisp Italian white; and now dessert … a delicious ice cream sundae.

    I’m watching the new Downtown Abbey movie … “The Grand Finale.” Once I finish the movie, I plan to sleep for what remains of the flight.

    More later …    Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    At the UA Lounge near Gate B44 @ DEN — Denver, Colorado.
    At the UA Lounge near Gate B44 @ DEN — Denver, Colorado.Main terminal @ DEN built to resemble the snow-capped Rocky Mountains & Native American teepees.View of airport operations from our seats at the UA Club @ DEN.

    At the United Club @ DEN

    February 24 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 68 °F

    At 11:27a, the wheels of the Lincoln Navigator Avis assigned us began turning as Mui backed out of the driveway.

    There was no sign of the forecasted 60-80 mph wind gusts as we drove north to DEN. By 12:45p, we were pulling up to the West Terminal. Mui unloaded the bags and a United Airlines skycap brought over a cart to take them inside. While I dealt with the formalities, Mui went to return the rental vehicle. By 1:30p, he was back and we were ready to go through security.

    We arrived at the airport earlier than usual in anticipation of potential delays at the TSA security checkpoints due to the FY2026 budget for DHS being held hostage by the legislators.

    Our timing was good, however. As it was mid-day, we encountered no lines … none whatsoever. It took us seconds to go through the TSA Pre✓ lane, which was reinstated within hours of the announcement two days ago that the program was being suspended in order to redirect resources to the regular security checkpoints.

    By 2:00p, having taken the train from the Jeppesen Terminal to Concourse B, we were at the United Club at Gate B44 … enjoying beverages and snacks. We now have several hours to kill … in comfort … with a view of airport operations through the glass wall that our seats overlook.

    The UA app tells me that the aircraft that will be taking us across the pond to London arrived two minutes early from Frankfurt. A good sign for an on-time departure for us.

    Our travel day is off to a smooth start. 🤞🏻 the rest of the trip runs as smoothly.    Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    Avis gave us a monster SUV when we went to pick up the rental vehicle — Colorado Springs, Colorado.
    Avis gave us a monster SUV when we went to pick up the rental vehicle — Colorado Springs, Colorado.

    One More Sleep To Go

    February 23 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F

    That we have been busy since mid January when we made the decision to move our departure to Bologna to 24 February goes without saying.

    Our days have been filled with …

    ✅ Keeping healthcare appointments and getting vacation overrides for meds.

    ✅ Organizing documents for the 2025 federal and state tax filings.

    ✅ Sorting through household goods and personal items to set aside what will go with us and what will stay behind.

    ✅ Setting up utility accounts for the Griffoni apartment.

    ✅ Preparing the house for our absence and organizing a house sitter.

    ✅ Dining out with friends … breakfast with the Sercels; lunch with the Gelmans; dinner with the Conards.

    ✅ Canceling subscriptions and notifying the insurance company that the car will be garaged for the foreseeable future.

    ✅ And packing, packing, and more packing … thank goodness for vacuum pack bags that actually work!

    This afternoon, we picked up the rental vehicle that we will use to drive ourselves to DEN in lieu of arranging for a driver.

    One more sleep in Colorado before we set off for Italy.    Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    The date is set. Now to get ready for that date.
    The date is set. Now to get ready for that date.

    New Departure Date Set

    January 17 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 32 °F

    Our visa grants us admission to Italy on or after 1 April 2026 — the arbitrary date we set for our move to Bologna based on the 2-3 month estimate for being granted the ERV.

    We're not going to wait that long, however.

    Instead we are going to take advantage of the 90/180 Schengen rule to move to Italy sooner rather than later.

    The 90/180 rule, for those unfamiliar with it, allows "... non-EU nationals, including US citizens, to stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any rolling 180-day period."

    We spent a considerable amount of time in Schengen countries in 2025 ... most of it during the latter half of the year — a month-long car trip in Switzerland and Italy; a month-long cruise in the British Isles and along the coast of Europe; and a three-week Bologna recon trip. Thus, we were unsure how many days we still had under the 90/180 rule

    Enter into the picture the Schengen rule calculator.

    Long story short, an estimated late February re-entry into the Schengen Zone dropped all of the time we spent in Switzerland and Italy on the car trip, and part of the time we spent cruising the coast of Europe. Result: +/- 45 days available to us under the 90/180 rule.

    So, our departure to Bologna is now set for 24 February.

    Switching the award airfare we purchased last year to fulfill the ERV application requirement was easy. It took about 10 minutes to cancel the original tickets, look at options for 24 February, and buy new tickets ... for less award miles as a bonus.

    We have some very busy days ahead of us to get ready for our "expats in Italy" adventure. Better get started!    Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    Our ERV's were actually issued the day after we submitted them on 8 January — Colorado Springs, CO.
    Our ERV's were actually issued the day after we submitted them on 8 January — Colorado Springs, CO.

    Three Months! Hah!

    January 13 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F

    Try three business days instead!

    That’s how long it took for us to receive our passports back from the Italian Consulate today … the all-important Elective Residence Visa (ERV) affixed to a page near the back.

    I’ll admit it … my hands were shaking when I opened the UPS envelope I found sitting on the front stoop. And even more so when I placed a video call to Mui, the camera pointed at the visa, to let him know our plans were a go.

    Now, we need to figure out how to move our trip forward. No sense continuing to let the apartment sit empty since we are already paying rent for it.    Read more

  • CH & IT Roadtrip
    Four weeks on the road ... in seconds.
    Four weeks on the road ... in seconds.

    Roadtrip Overview

    January 10 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 37 °F

    FindPenguins has a nice feature that creates a quick overview video of trip routes. No real work required on my part. Just click the button and the app does all the work.

    Now that the trip is in the rearview mirror and all the footprints are complete, I thought it would make for a fun ending … the last footprint for this trip.Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    Hello Pikes Peak ... just coming out from behind the clouds — Colorado Springs, Colorado.
    Hello Pikes Peak ... just coming out from behind the clouds — Colorado Springs, Colorado.Before we can get home, we need to dig out the car — Colorado Springs, Colorado.Yesterday's storm accumulation shattered the record that's been holding since 1962.

    Back Home

    January 9 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 25 °F

    A travel day that started early … but was otherwise uneventful.

    We left Chicago under overcast, but dry skies.

    We arrived in Colorado Springs under ever-brightening skies and 9.4” inches of snow on the ground … from yesterday’s storm. Record breaking snow, I might add. Apparently, the previous record for yesterday was 5” back in 1962.

    Now we sit and wait for our passports to be returned.

    Well, not just sit of course. We have a zillion things to do between now and our anticipated departure to Bologna … including taking care of medical appointments.    Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    Holy Name Cathedral — Chicago, Illinois.
    Holy Name Cathedral — Chicago, Illinois.Holy Name Cathedral — Chicago, Illinois.The iconic Water Tower — Chicago, Illinois.A Firelei Báez installation at the MCA — Chicago, Illinois.

    ERV Applications Submitted

    January 8 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 50 °F

    It’s done.

    This morning, we went to the Italian Consulate for our ERV submission appointment. The process was quick and easy … everything handled at the window in the lobby.

    The documents collected; the fee paid; and we were sent off 15 minutes later … with the clerk reminding us that it could take up to three months for the visa to be granted. So be it. We’ll use the time waiting for the visa to prepare for the move.

    Our official reason for being in Chicago now taken care of, we went off to enjoy a second day of sightseeing.

    The weather was a bit more chilly than yesterday … the sky was overcast. Nonetheless, we found things to do to entertain ourselves. We peeked into the Holy Name Cathedral … with its amazing 23,000-piece wood-inlay ceiling; checked out the Water Tower from 1869 … one of the few buildings that was not engulfed by the flames of the Great Fire of 1871; strolled to the shoreline of Lake Michigan; and visited the MCA … Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art.

    The forecasted rain started falling on the way back to the hotel … a soggy stroll it turned out to be.

    Rather than going in search of an Italian restaurant in the ever-increasing rain, we had a late lunch at Doc B’s … across the street from the hotel. Yummy food … delicious Zarlengo’s snickerdoodle and brown sugar gelato sandwich for dessert.

    The wind-blown rain is pelting the windows of our room … with no sign of stopping anytime soon.

    A 4:00a alarm will get us going tomorrow … we will be heading back home.    Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    At the DuSable Bridge — Chicago, Illinois.
    At the DuSable Bridge — Chicago, Illinois.2The Bean ... formally the Cloud Gate ... Millennium Park — Chicago, Illinois.One panel of the Chagall America Windows at the Art Institute — Chicago, Illinois.Vincent Van Gogh's self portrait — Chicago, Illinois.The Bean beautifully reflects the night skyline — Chicago, Illinois.Holiday cheer is still evident in Millennium Park — Chicago, Illinois.The Wrigley Building from the Chicago River Promenade — Chicago, Illinois.

    Having Fun in Chicago

    January 7 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 41 °F

    A good night’s rest … though the A/C unit isn’t working properly and the engineer promised to replace the fan motor before the end of the day.

    After breakfast — included in our room rate — we headed off to see what we could see.

    First up … a dry run to the Italian Consulate … so we know where to go tomorrow for our appointment. And then … time to have some fun.

    What started out as a cold, misty morning, quickly became unseasonably warm (for Chicago) when the sun came out and the sky brightened. A perfect morning for a stroll that took to the DuSable Bridge … which spans the Chicago River; and the Millennium Park … where we checked out “The Bean.”

    The highlight of our day was the Art Institute of Chicago … a museum with an amazing and eclectic collection of art that kept us enthralled for the rest of the day … with a quick break for a tasty lunch in the café on the grounds.

    Amongst the last to leave the museum, it was already dark when we began our stroll back to the hotel … enjoying the nighttime views along the way.

    A great day in the Windy City!    Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    View from our room at the Homewood Suites — Chicago, Illinois.
    View from our room at the Homewood Suites — Chicago, Illinois.

    Hello Chicago!

    January 6 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 41 °F

    An uneventful flight from Colorado Springs brought us to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport.

    Once we deplaned, we made our way to the train station to take the Blue Line into the city … with one change at the Jackson Station to switch to the Red Line.

    We’re staying at the Homewood Suites, a two minute walk from the Red Line Grand Station … and a short 10-minute walk (if that) to the Italian Consulate on North Michigan Avenue.

    Once we were settled in our room, we headed out for dinner at Joe’s … just down the street from the hotel. Delicious seafood; smooth, crisp wine; a key lime pie well-deserving of its reputation; excellent service.

    Looks like the weather is going to cooperate tomorrow for us to explore the city … maybe go to a museum.    Read more

  • Italy: Ciao Bella
    It's always nice to fly out of our local airport — Colorado Springs, Colorado.
    It's always nice to fly out of our local airport — Colorado Springs, Colorado.

    Heading to Chicago

    January 6 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 43 °F

    We’re on our way to Chicago … with a few days to spare for any winter-weather issues.

    Official purpose of the trip ➡️ to submit our ERV applications to the Italian Consulate.

    Secondary purpose of the trip ➡️ to do a bit of sightseeing.Read more

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