The first thing I noticed when we arrived in Bologna, was the lack of tourists. Like Naples, Bologna is not packed with international tourists compared to cities like Venice, Rome and Florence. I would highly recommend taking a trip to Bologna if you have time. For such a small city there is a lot to see and do.
You can tell this city doesn't cater to tourists because most places shut down at lunch time. Even the MAC make up store was closed from 1 - 3:30 p.m.
There are several stunning piazzas in Bologna. Basilica di San Peitronia near Piazza del Nettuno is a must see. The facade is incomplete. The locals wanted to make it bigger than St. Peters but the Church put the kaboosh on that idea. No pictures are allowed inside. I didn't know this until I heard, "Scusa, no foto."
Being a broke ragazza is no fun. We went to EATALY, a book/food store. This Torino based store has a branch in Milano, Bologna, Tokyo and New York City but not in Rome? This is an outrage!
E and I walked in and saw KETTLE CHIPS. Americans, you know of what I speak. I haven't seen those chips since I moved overseas two years ago. I bought the Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar. Delicious. I also found the Limone Gazzosa soda I've been looking for all over Rome. They sell four-packs of them. There were rows of pasta from all over Italy and other food items. I had to get out of there.
We also stepped into a very funky clothing store. I looked to my right and there was a wall display with several Balenciaga bags. TEARS.
The Professor did not understand why E and I were going on and on about this store. The clothes were very fashion forward but I also saw some nice classic styles. Too bad everything was out of my price range. My range these days is 7 euros...enough for some chips and soda. The 1,400 euros Balenciaga bags will have to wait.
In the afternoon, we went to the Roccati chocolate store when it re-opened. Founded in 1909, it's a little pricey but good handmade chocolate always is.
This store was on Via Clavature, the same street as the MAC store and the hip clothing boutique.
Neptune standing over his piazza.
What the heck is she doing?
Some of the porticos are very elaborate. This one is more minimalist.
Chocolate.
More chocolate.
9 comments:
Kettle chips, Eataly, Balenciaga, Roccati, OH MY!
Now all I want is to go to Bologna...
The fountain with water flowing out of the statues boobies is amusing :-P
Bologna is such a great food city. I seem to always miss Eataly in every place it's located. But I'm pretty sure it's not yet arrived in NYC. There's been talk of it for ages.
haha! "what the heck is she doing?"
You know that chocolate had me.
Tiffany
Peace, Love and Chocolate
http://liferequiresmorechocolate.blogspot.com
eleonora - same here and I was there just last week.
rinaz - At first I wasn't sure what was going on.
ccl - on their shopping bags NYC is listed but the NYC store isn't opening until this summer near Union Square. Mario Batali is involved and it's going to be larger than the Torino store.
erin - :)
rbg - I finished my chocolate yesterday. I tried to make it last.
I will bring you some Kettle Chips on my next trip to Rome. I don't think they are against the Ryan Air carry on requirements (not yet anyhow!). :). Thank you for giving me another reason to come to Rome really soon!!!
I once got lost in Bologna on the wrong bus and as it zoomed through town I couldn't help but wish I was staying there instead of just passing through. Your post makes me want to go back there all over again! :-)
grazie Amanda!
Laura, if you get a chance, I would definitely check out the city.
Post a Comment