Tag: bologna

BOLOGNA, ANOTHER GREAT ACCESSIBLE CITY AND SURPRISE

When I found out that we were going to visit Bologna and spend  3 nights here, I thought: “I wonder what there is to see in this small city” but as soon as we got here, I must admit I was positively surprised.

To begin with, I was shocked because for the “first time” Charles was that relaxed and chilled about this journey that he almost took us to the wrong hotel, but unfortunately Jessie and I were not enough masochist to catch a bus and walk under the sun for 10 minutes with all the suitcases and we actually had to point our hotel standing just in front of the train station! Apart from this, Bologna was a great little city to visit and spend a couple of days in, also all the churches we have visited, were accessible and there was a lot to see. Unfortunately we could not get on top of the towers “Garisenda and Asinelli” because not accessible but hopefully  next time that would be possible!

Moreover, another activity worth doing apart from strolling around the city and trying all different type of Tortellini with Bolognese sauce, munch couple of pounds of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and eating schiacchiata with Mortadella, is visiting the Ducati Museum and the factory. The tour is totally accessible and amazing if you are passionate about the two wheels and we really enjoyed it, especially walking around the staff’s parking and see that there was not even a Non-Ducati motorcycle! I am sure if I would start working there I would have to leave my Honda outside!

If you do have time also the Ferrari Museum would certainly be worth to visit but unfortunately when you are always drunk, time goes even faster or maybe it takes 3 times the usual time needed to get in places by zig-zagging rather than going straight!

Last but not least be aware that when ordering in a Restaurant a Gluten FREE Pizza,  you must be very specific, because you might end up with this: a “typical square Lasagna-Pizza served in a plastic tray”(trust me I do not have a dog but I am sure if I had one and tried to feed him with that, he would have left it there!)

 

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Image of a proper HOMEMADE Gluten Free Pizza served in a Pizzeria

 

 

So it is now time to move to Florence, my hometown! Really excited about this  but also anxious because I feel  the pressure!!

Milan l’è sempre Milan

 

Before writing an article, I always check on the internet in order to get some more accurate information and also make comparisons between what I have learned and other people experiences. I find internet fascinating and stimulating if used properly! However, when I “asked Google” tips for visiting Milan on a wheelchair, the first 3 results that came out were: “Arrested the famous wheelchair user who was always punching tourists” well, please do not stress and please calm down, Charles is fine and he is actually with us!

Apart from this, Milan was another great surprise and it ended up being another very accessible city.  It was amazing to stroll around and see how so many different people would walk in the middle of the streets as if we were to a fashion show, but this was part of the experience, however I still can’t understand why male wear pants to their ankles! My Nonna, would have just proudly  sewed a couple of inches of fabric and maybe ruined a 200$ pair of jeans, but if you wanted to go out from her house that would have been the only option!

So if we focus on the matter “accessibility”, pretty much all the subway’ stations have got lift, some line, like the yellow one has all accessible stops and if you arrive to the Central Train Station, you might want to exit outside the station where Piazza 4 Novembre is and take the outside lift that will take you directly to the underground subway!  If you want, you will then be able to stop just under the Duomo! It is always shocking getting out at the Duomo stop and finding yourself in the middle of the Main Square where the cathedral dominates!

However, if you are looking for some accessible activities to do, you should consider:

  • Visiting the Duomo Cathedral and catching the lift in order to have a great view from the top of the first terrace
  • Eating an ice-cream at “Cracco” (you might need to apply for a mortgage but it is worth it!)
  • Visiting the Brera Gallery (Pinacoteca di Brera)
  • Visiting the stunning “Castello Sforzesco” with all his different museums and temporary exhibitions
  • Going to the Scala theatre
  • Shopping around the city for great fashion designers clothes
  • Strolling around the “Navigli” and trying every bar
  • Strolling around the city and watching people, while drinking a great cocktail in the city home of one of the most famous “aperitivo” in the world

These are some examples of things to do in this very busy city in just a short period of time because unfortunately it is already time to travel to Bologna and try all the different varieties of pasta!

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The General and a view from “the rear” of the Brera Gallery