Having just hopped off the train from Firenze to Bologna’s central train station, I anxiously navigated myself to the BlogVille house on Capo di Lucca, and through a city that is about to be my home for the next full week! As Bloggers in Residence we will be living in the heart of Bologna, a central base to experience all the richness of Emilia-Romagna – the door to Italy! I was already greeted by good friends, good food, and a taste of the local life.
Good Friends
I’m thrilled to be spending this week with a group of people passionate about travel, storytelling, and Italy as much as I am. I already love my roommates – they waste no time in crackin’ open a bottle of locally produced and slightly sparkling Lambrusco.
Good Food
Being in Emilia-Romagna and at BlogVille is going to be hard work. There will be early mornings exploring the story of the city, and late nights writing about it. Thankfully we were welcomed with a survival kit of locally-produced products to keep us fuelled! Dante flew in from New York, Kirsten arrived from London, and after 3 nights of being in Europe, I am finally getting adjusted to the time change. We’re all due for a good wholesome cure!
Taste of the Local Life
Growing up Italian, I helped my mother and Nonna in the kitchen and always looked forward to home-cooked meals. It meant winding down after a long day, spending time with good people, laughing, and re-telling stories around the dinner table. It simply meant enjoying each other’s company. We spent the first night-in cooking dinner, and it already feels like home and family.
There is something about seeing locals stroll through the squares, beneath the unique porticos, and along the passageways in Europe. They have this kind of calming, “life is good” presence that’s blissfully contagious. From our kitchen window we get a glimpse of local life, of vespas zipping by and Bolognese cycling passed us.
And nearby the “secret” window into the city’s most beautiful canal!
The terrace from my room is behind city life, nestled between colourful shuttered-windows and other local apartments. The only thing missing is a quintessential laundry line to hang my clothes between balconies!
Thank you to Emilia-Romanga Tourism for hosting me in their beautiful apartment. All opinions are my own.
A Bloggers in Residence? What a great idea! Looks amazing and a part of Italy not regularly frequented by tourists. Love it!
Thanks Arienne. I really felt so privileged to be invited! The team there are clearly so passionate about their region. If you’re ever planning a trip to Emilia Romagna, the tourism board there is so helpful in making suggestions on things to do and see.
Looks like you had a blast Cristina! I’ve never been to Italy…but I can imagine myself hanging out on that terrace enjoying some fine food and drinks!
The terrace was a beautiful surprise! If you hang around out there long enough you’ll be able to witness true Italians conversing across their balconies just like in Under the Tuscan Sun!
I’d happily eat all 3 meals on that terrace.
Craig, Italian cooking is very simple to do actually! Just a few ingredients, a dash of love, and great company, Yum! 🙂
This is fantastic! Bologna looks beautiful and I love that it’s off the beaten path. Have a great time!
Not many people know about this region. Most people who come to Italy go to Rome. I like Rome, but Emilia-Romagna is really special. So much history here and the region is known for the best food in all of Italy!