It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.
The weather finally took a chill pill (or at least half of one) and I was able to go out and enjoy some of the wonderful things Bologna has to offer without feeling like Swamp Thing. I took a walk after my workout and explored the neighborhood around my condo and got a few “ciao, bella” shout outs from the old dudes sitting along the portico. I was looking less than my best so I smiled and replied with a “grazie”. It made us all feel good.
I tagged along with Eli while he did his weekly grocery shopping at the mercatino biologico. It was a great little farmer’s market that reminded me of our own at Republic Square in downtown Austin (on a smaller scale). This organization of independent merchants sets up in various neighborhoods around the city on specific days of the week. This particular market was referred to as Vag. (I didn’t ask questions about the name…I just giggled.) The quaint market was filled with beautiful fruits and vegetables, fragrant herbs, homemade formaggi, infused honeys, delicious wine, live music, leather craftsmen, hipsters and families.
After the farmer’s market, we took our loot back to Eli’s house and had our first cooking lesson. We made fried squash blossoms and snacked on cheese and delicious Susine (sounds like su.zini) plums. They look like a big, fat, yellow cherry and taste like a plum and apricot made a baby. I’m addicted to those little things!
Around 10pm we walked over to the free Kaki King concert at the giardino in Via Filippo Re which is in front of Palazzina della Viola in the very center of the University area. The weather was flawless and the mansion, constructed in the late 15th century, was lit up beautifully with an ambient light show which provided the perfect backdrop for Kaki’s performance. She’s a genius on the guitar! I’m not a huge fan of her vocals, but she doesn’t sing much (so yay!). If you’ve never given her a listen, here’s an example of her mad guitar tapping skills.
And, I finally took pictures of my day, so here you go:
Sounds like a nice day to me!! Post some photos of your condo next time:)
sounds like fun, I love you