Color me surprised (and happily so)!

So today we had nothing to do.  No scheduled tours, nothing on the "must do" list, not even anything resembling a plan.  It was great!  We headed out to shop.  And eat.  And just relax.  And I found that I was pleasantly surprised by Bologna.

I am surprised by the size and importance of Bologna - I thought it was sort of a side trip where there was really good food and a namesake sauce (Bolognese).  Instead, throngs of tourists - international and local - flock here for the good shopping, fantastic food, upscale business, and interesting sightseeing.  Bologna is (and has been) an industrial crossroads in Italy...it's silk industry alone was vast and impressive.  The shopping here is wonderful...all the Milan brands, but with much MUCH lower pricing.  I bought a beautiful Italian leather purse for at least half of what I saw if for in Milan.  And as I might have previously mentioned, the food is world class - rustic, comforting, rich, delicious, and heaping.  The importance of the first university, the art and architecture, the wonderful family culture and oh, so friendly people is pervasive, and I'm so very glad we decided to stop here.

On the Piazza Maggiore

A lovely way to spend an hour on a Sunday afternoon

And for all you fashionistas...white tennis shoes are EVERYWHERE.  Drag out your 1980 Adidas!

Tomorrow we take the train to Venice.  Ah, Venezia.