Three meals in three cities was the mission of the day when the alarm went off at 6:30 am. After quick showers in the 2x2 shower we finished packing and hopped on our last boat in Venice. The morning was brisk and the city was bustling but we had cappuccinos to drink and bolognese on the brain.
We arrived at the Venice train station and just caught the local train to Bologna. The quick dash meant no time for a final Venetian meal but after the 3 course feast from the prior night, worse things in life have happened.
Arriving in Bologna shortly after 10, we checked our suitcases at the station and took off down Via dell' Independenza the famed covered archway street leading to Piazza Maggiore and Basilica di San Petronio. After a quick pass by of the Neptune fountain and church it was nearing lunchtime so we made our way toward the University excited to try the fabled Bolognese gastro delights. We settled on La Stanze, a recommendation in one of our guide books, primarily because we could find it and also because it was located inside of 1500s chapel. The food was good but not amazing. Oh well, we tried.
We headed back to the train station and took the pricey but fast Eurostar train back to Rome. Arriving in Rome around 5 pm we faced a chaotic rush hour at Termini station. Making our way through the throngs we eventually made it on to the metro and to the Spanga stop - next to our hotel and the loiters loitering on the Spanish Stairs.
Checking into the uber-modern Hotel Elite seemed a promising upgrade from the Venice room - until we exited the lobby and found ourselves in 1800s Rome. Our hotel room has elements of Ikea not so subtly blended with elements of San Francisco half-way house. A window that faces a wall; a wall that splits the room for no apparent reason; warped wood floors and 2 twin beds. When in Rome...
Our grad school friend Akos called to welcome us to his city and invited us out to drinks with his Roman friends. He picked us up at our hotel and we headed out to the Pantheon area where a hip, yuppy-filled wine bar was in full swing. After a glass of wine at Saloto 52 with the locals we headed to a nearby pizzaria for pizza and more wine. The evening didn't wrap up until well past midnight leaving a very tired Alison and I to wonder what time people start working in this fun city.
We arrived at the Venice train station and just caught the local train to Bologna. The quick dash meant no time for a final Venetian meal but after the 3 course feast from the prior night, worse things in life have happened.
Arriving in Bologna shortly after 10, we checked our suitcases at the station and took off down Via dell' Independenza the famed covered archway street leading to Piazza Maggiore and Basilica di San Petronio. After a quick pass by of the Neptune fountain and church it was nearing lunchtime so we made our way toward the University excited to try the fabled Bolognese gastro delights. We settled on La Stanze, a recommendation in one of our guide books, primarily because we could find it and also because it was located inside of 1500s chapel. The food was good but not amazing. Oh well, we tried.
We headed back to the train station and took the pricey but fast Eurostar train back to Rome. Arriving in Rome around 5 pm we faced a chaotic rush hour at Termini station. Making our way through the throngs we eventually made it on to the metro and to the Spanga stop - next to our hotel and the loiters loitering on the Spanish Stairs.
Checking into the uber-modern Hotel Elite seemed a promising upgrade from the Venice room - until we exited the lobby and found ourselves in 1800s Rome. Our hotel room has elements of Ikea not so subtly blended with elements of San Francisco half-way house. A window that faces a wall; a wall that splits the room for no apparent reason; warped wood floors and 2 twin beds. When in Rome...
Our grad school friend Akos called to welcome us to his city and invited us out to drinks with his Roman friends. He picked us up at our hotel and we headed out to the Pantheon area where a hip, yuppy-filled wine bar was in full swing. After a glass of wine at Saloto 52 with the locals we headed to a nearby pizzaria for pizza and more wine. The evening didn't wrap up until well past midnight leaving a very tired Alison and I to wonder what time people start working in this fun city.
Just caught up on the trip. I thought you weren't writing anymore. Too bad your room is not nice so I guess you will have to be out all the time. Take a picure with your cell.
ReplyDeleteL&K