Bologna - Florence

24 July
Bologna - Florence

After doing a few circles in the van we finally found a parking in town to explore Bologne. We visited the Morandi Museum. This chap has been named in more than just Italy, his birthplace. Everywhere we have gone it seems there is a little Morandi Mania. He was an artist who kept his work to himself his whole life. Once he passed away, his sister displayed all his work for the world to see.

As an art teacher he had numerous still lives. Some that were pretty much the same as the others. The only thing that us art pro's could figure out was that perhaps the moral of the story is - have confidence in yourself. One can come and go, without anyone knowing. Why not allow others join in your joy? - even if you're not that good.

Anyway, other than that – that is all we got out of it.

Having asked for 2 x bolognaise's at a little restaurant we were informed that there were 3 to choose from – the lasagne, the pomodora something or the other pasta and the tagliatelli Bolognaise. To be honest – I only thought there was one type of Bolognaise, spaghetti bolognaise. It all makes sense now though. Nick had the tagliatelli and wished he had my lasagne. At 4.50 Euro's each, it was really a very tasty meal. TIP: Be aware that often if the meal is cheap, the drink is where they earn their money. A small glass of coke/sprite (not even a bottle/can) was 3.50 Euro's.

We also visited some towers which have a really interesting history. There were only 2 towers remaining but at one stage there were around 80 towers throughout the city of Bologne. This was a sign of status of wealthy families that had them erected. The taller the tower – the more rich and well-known you were. It also served as a strong hold and look out point and potentially shoot arrows at enemies when necessary. As Nick says (like a true architect would) it was the birth of the high rise living.

Arrived in Florence at 15h00. Coming over a hill – you see the most incredible cityscape. I will never forget it! No photo would ever match it. Absolutely fantastic. This would be one of those unforgettable stops. So romantic the biggest jock would even subside.

Having taken the flyer from the Venice site, we pulled into their sister site “Camping Village Michaelangelo”. Literally next door to the Piazza Michaelangelo. It is on top of the hill – with the same view as you saw on the drive into Florence. Magical. A little pricey at 41 Euro per night (no pool) but site is perfectly located. Although the cost, you save on bus fares as you are almost in the city centre. The campsite is actually a heritage site – that's how wonderful.

As it was the day of celebration for St John the Baptist, the Patron Saint of Florence, we were in for surprise. A massive fireworks display from the Michaelangelo Piazza! It took about 45 minutes of constant blasts. Just loads and loads of fireworks. And we were situated right next to them! St John the Baptist was not the first Patron Saint of Florence, it was first, Mars. Not to sure of the story behind that – but interesting never the less.

We settled in – ate some parmesan cheese soaked in Balsamic with breads (as Nick had read to do somewhere).