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  • TravelerEmilia Romagna 2023
    Day 12

    The Long Journey Home

    December 1, 2023 in Italy ⋅ 🌧 37 °F

    My alarm went off at 6:30am, but I snoozed a few times. I slowly got everything packed up and was down to breakfast at 8:10. My shuttle was at 8:30, so I had a really bad cappuccino and some eggs, bacon, and cold cuts.

    The shuttle was packed, and I was the last one on. Arriving at MXP at about 8:35am. Let the games begin!
    First stop--check in desk #24. They wouldn't let me in until 9 am, so I had to wait for 15 min. The Sky Priority line was pretty short. Second stop--all the way across the concourse to go through security. After security, I saw a sign for Starbucks in the other gate area. It was farther than I thought. The line was long and I realized that i didn't really want coffee! Third stop--I forgot about passport control, which took about 5 minutes. Fourth stop--long walk to gate 79. I got here early enough to get a seat to wait an hour before boarding at 11:07.

    Later... the flight to JFK was okay. I was seated in a bulkhead seat, which I don't like because I have to stow my bag during takeoff and landing. Plus, the tray table and monitor come out of the seat. The good part is that there is room to get out of the window seat without disturbing the aisle person. Except I did disturb the aisle person! My water bottle was not completely closed, and when I got up, my tray flipped up a little bit and knocked the water bottle on the guy next to me! After I said, "I'm so sorry," a hundred times, I went to the bathroom. At least it was just water...

    We arrived at JFK on time and I stared the reentry process. The passport line was okay--I couldn't get my Mobile Passport Clearance to load, so I had to do the regular line. I also didn't have Global Entry...yet. After passport control, I waited for my bag on the carousel. I decided to offload a bunch of stuff I didn't want out of my carry-on bag. It was too full!

    I had a 4:30 pm appointment for my Global Entry interview. I've been waiting since May for my application to be approved, and I lucked out that it was approved Wednesday. That's because I could do my interview at JFK, instead of having to go to SeaTac. I found the office without a problem, but there was a long line. It was 3:45 pm, so I went outside to get some fresh air. The line took about a half hour, getting me to the front at 4:25, then there was another waiting room! They called my name after 5 minutes and the whole interview involved getting finger printed, confirming my address, and...wait, that was it! They gave me my number and I was off.

    Back through security again, I walked to my gate. The Sky Lounge had a line, but it wasn't too bad. I still had a couple of hours, so I went in. I had a few glasses of wine and some food. I was really stuffed!

    My next flight was on time, and i planned on sleeping. I had "borrowed" the pillow and blanket from the other flight, so I was all set. I slept off and on, but re-watched Barbie, Crazy Rich Asians, and ?

    The flight Landes was early, and my bag was one of the first off. Kristen was there to pick me up fairly soon. Home at last!    Read more

  • TravelerEmilia Romagna 2023
    Day 11

    Idea Hotel

    November 30, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 37 °F

    The bus dropped us off at Arrivals, which was silly, since everyone was leaving! I wandered around looking for both an ATM and taxis. I walked the long concourse several times, looking for the taxi stand. I did find an ATM and took out another 100€ for my home fund.

    The taxi stand was at the very end of the concourse. Of course, it was the wrong one. I've had this before--there is a separate stand for local taxis. This one was for going to Milan at 250€ per ride. The nice driver told me down one level, and 2 doors back the other direction.

    It was a long walk and I found the taxis. A not so nice driver told me 20€ for the trip. I asked if she could break a 50€, and she said, "sì". Off we went. It was 1/2 the time as Milan for 2x the cost! As I was getting my suitcase out, she yelled at me because she didn't want me to scratch the car. . in this country!

    The reviews had all said that the place was a dump, but it was well located and cheap. They were not wrong. My key for room 110 was on a big metal disk. One good surprise was that there was a restaurant open for dinner at 7 pm. It was about 5:30pm. So I found my room, which was shabby and very hot.

    Luckily, there were 2 beds, and I used one to reorganize my stuff. The TV didn't have English stations that I could tell, but the sound didn't work anyway. I used my laptop to watch some videos, while I ate the rest of my piadini and artichoke spread--along with the little boxes of wine I bought this morning.

    At 7:30 pm I went to the restaurant and had some risotto and a salad. The risotto was surprisingly good.

    Back in the room, I put out all my clothes for the travel day and got everything else staged. I was in bed by 9 pm    Read more

  • TravelerEmilia Romagna 2023
    Day 11

    Sciopero

    November 30, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 41 °F

    I got to the station for 14€ and went to the top floor for the train. I knew there was a strike today (sciopero means "strike"). I know that they don't cancel everything, but was not sure to expect. I got to the TrenNord area and asked where I could buy tickets. She said because of the strike, it was better to take the shuttle bus.

    So I went all the way back down out the building and spotted the busses. The good news is that they are 3€ cheaper. Bad news is I had to use some of the last of my cash. Then I dumped a bunch of 1€ and 2€ coins under the bus. Have no idea how much I lost!

    I'm on the bus now and will have to figure out how to get to my hotel from here!    Read more

  • TravelerEmilia Romagna 2023
    Day 11

    Milan Centro

    November 30, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 39 °F

    I missed Sarah this morning. She said that she tried to wake me up, but I did respond. I was wearing my Q45s, so I probably didn't hear her. Anyway, I woke up at 8:30 am and put my contacts in. Then I sat on the couch and chilled for a bit. Sarah had located an extra set of keys for me, so I was free to go out and explore.

    I started going through my suitcase, which sort of exploded everywhere. I decided to just wear the same thing as yesterday. Honestly, I am not sure if I ever want to wear this stuff again! I finally went to a pasticeria she recommended. It was crowded, and all I had was coffee. That was enough to wake me up a bit.

    I discovered my hotel doesn't have internet or a dinner restaurant. So going too early is not a great idea. Sarah lives right by a metro stop that goes directly to the duomo, so I decided to be a tourist for a bit.

    The train to the Duomo was fast...maybe 4 stops. I popped out right out in front of the Duomo. I headed for the Aperol bar for my 19€ spritz with some fancy snacks. It was cold and rainy, so the balcony was closed.

    I decided to check out our old coffee shop from 2021, next to La Scala. I walked through the Vittorio Emanuele shopping area, which is nicely decorated for Christmas. There were RAI news trailers parked in front, so no view of the Leonardo statue, but I stopped for a spritz anyway. It was cold outside, but it was probably my last spritz this trip!

    On my way to the metro, I saw someone selling roasted chestnuts and bought a small bag. I think I've had them before, but 'tis the season!

    The train back was uneventful, and I stopped at the small grocery to get some wine for tonight. I also got something that is called caprese salad, but looks like pudding. I packed up my bag and hauled it downstairs. There was a cab stand close, so I just walked there.

    I'm in the cab to train station.    Read more

  • TravelerEmilia Romagna 2023
    Day 10

    Out with Fun Sarah

    November 29, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 45 °F

    Sarah's apartment is on the 3rd (4th) floor. I am very thankful for backpack straps on my suitcase! Her apartment is lovely and big! Large living room with a small kitchen attached to a dining area. The bedroom has floor to ceiling closets. The best part is a little balcony off her bedroom and a HUGE patio off the living room!

    We had a couple of glasses of wine before we went out to dinner. The place we went was a short walk. Casa Tua was empty when we arrived but filled up. Limited menu--I had the beef cheeks, and Sarah had lamb chops, all with a bottle of Nero d' Avola. We talked to some guys next to us from Pescara. After our digestivi, we headed home.

    She had me sleep in her bed, and she slept on the couch. It was after midnight, and I was so tired!    Read more

  • TravelerEmilia Romagna 2023
    Day 10

    To Milano

    November 29, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 48 °F

    I'm at the station in Bologna waiting for my train to Milan. It is an underground platform, which is nice since I didn't want to sit outside.

    I wandered around for a bit and thought about lunch. However, I was just not hungry! So I stopped at a café and had a spritz... and a sbagliato. At 3 p.m., I walked to the hotel to pick up my suitcase. I reorganized to put my purse and its contents in my suitcase. The cab I requested arrived fast! There were about 50 teenagers in the lobby and they were all leaving. I couldn't get out the door! The hotel staff let me out another door.

    The taxi took about 10 minutes and cost 11€. So much better than schlepping my suitcase for a 20-minute walk!The train ended up being 3 levels down. Thank goodness for elevators, escalators, and that I planned enough time!

    The train was crowded, but it had assigned seats. It originated in Rome, so this was the 2nd to last stop. The ride was comfortable, and all was going well until about 2/3 the way there. Then train slowed down to a crawl. Later they came on the intercom and said there was a police action going on at one of the other Milan stations, and we were going to be late. No big deal for me since Sarah was running late, as well.

    I didn't rush to get off the train since I wasn't in a hurry. I was in the 4th car, and by the time I got 2 the beginning of the 1st car, there was a major crush to get out. People trying to go both ways, but no one was moving. At one point, it was a little scary. I am guessing what happened was that since the train was 25 minutes late, ALL the people were getting on to go back south at the same time. As soon as we got off the train platform, it was fine. But it was a crazy 10 minutes!

    I found the taxi area, but there were 2 or 3 separate taxi lines. And of course, no taxis! I finally had to get aggressive and jump to one of the few that arrived. The cab took about 20 minutes to Sarah's, and she was waiting at the door for me.    Read more

  • TravelerEmilia Romagna 2023
    Day 10

    Last day in Bologna

    November 29, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 45 °F

    I woke up around 8 am. and started to pack up. I figured out that I could have coffee downstairs without paying 8€ for breakfast. So I had a few coffees in the lobby before going back up to my room to pack the rest of my stuff. Before I went up, I asked at the front desk about luggage storage, taxi to train station, and room tax.

    I took my time packing up while watching "TV" (my laptop). I was in the lobby a little after 11 am, paid the bill, and checked my luggage. I decided to have a small bite to eat at the piazza before exploring more. It's sunny today, but cold! (46° now)

    Later... I just enjoyed my first gelato of the trip. Sitting in the sun, in the piazza, it's almost warm. A woman asked if it was okay to sit next to me, and we ended up chatting. Pauline is from France but went to university here and now works at a travel agency.

    Before this, I bought some balsamic vinegar for myself and gifts. My train is at 3:56 pm. I will start moving towards the hotel after 3 pm. Until then, I will look for a few more gifts.    Read more

  • TravelerEmilia Romagna 2023
    Day 9

    Da Nello

    November 28, 2023 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 41 °F

    Originally , I wanted to go back to the same place from last night. But it was closed. This place was on my Yelp list for Bologna, and it was closed last night.

    I arrived at 7:20 and asked for a table for one. It is one of the first places I've been on this trip with all men waiters. Fancy? For one person, I was directed downstairs. It's a very big space! I got a table that would only fit one. Perfetto!

    I ordered grilled artichokes and tortellini in brodo. That and a glass of white fizzy wine. The artichokes were interesting. Almost raw, but smoky. With a little olive oil they were great. The tortellini was amazing... I ordered a Montenegro and rice cake. It was a bit dry, but topped with Saranno liqueur. Yum.

    Right now I can barely keep my eyes open!    Read more

  • TravelerEmilia Romagna 2023
    Day 9

    In search of food.

    November 28, 2023 in Italy ⋅ 🌙 45 °F

    I had not eaten since breakfast and was okay, but I wanted to sit and regroup. I picked a place with a heat lamp outside, after wandering through the Mercato several times.

    I was looking for the meat and cheese and I found it. I had the mixed meat and cheese board and a glass of wine. It was a lot of food, but I ate it all. Plus, another glass of wine. I wanted to find the cocktail bar from last night--Aurum.

    It was pretty close--not that far? The walk took me down a Christmasy street with trees and lights. Very magical! I found the bar, and the guy from last night greeted me warmly. I asked him to surprise me with a drink. It was some sort of delicious brandy sour. The drinks come with taralli, olives, peanuts, and chips. Too much!    Read more

  • TravelerEmilia Romagna 2023
    Day 9

    Portico walk...hike

    November 28, 2023 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 50 °F

    After I got off the phone with AT&T, I took pictures of my route to the portico walk to San Luca. It started at Porto San Saragozza, which was a 20-minute walk from the hotel. My phone still shows me where I am and what direction I'm going, so that helps.

    The first section is flat, along the road, with stores on the side. But then it really starts... It is uphill the entire way. Some parts have stairs, but most is just walking uphill. I started strong but backed off quickly. I needed to pace myself! My knees, hips, well everything was hurting. I thought it would take 1:15 to 1:30 to get to the top, but I made it in under an hour. The views were amazing--both the city and the countryside.

    I didn't go into the church. Instead, I rested on a bench in front. It was getting late, and I wanted to head back down. Originally, I had dreams of taxis or busses at the top. I did see the little "kiddie train" come up the hill, but I don't know where it parked.

    So down I went! It was hard, and I really tried to take it easy. I'm not sure what was worse, the stairs or the ramps. All hurt!

    By the time I got to the bottom, I knew I was going to take the bus for a bit. One came when I was almost at the stop, but it wasn't the one I wanted. It was a 15-minute wait, and it was nice to sit and relax.

    The bus was crowded! I squished my way in and looked at my phone to see where we were going. After we passed the Porto Saragozza, we were still heading in the direction I wanted to go. But I jumped off the bus sooner to avoid being suffocated!

    It was a short-ish walk to the center.    Read more

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