Beautiful Bologna – Part II in Photos

The way I see it; if I post a gallery of photos from my recent sojourn in Bologna and I call it “Part I”, I’m pretty much committed to producing a ‘Part II’.  Trust me, this task is not taxing as sorting through the photos of my Blogville adventures is wonderfully wistful.  Bologna, perfectly and conveniently situated in the heart of the Emilia Romagna region of northern Italy, is a veritable feast for the senses; not just the palate but the eyes as well. How is she beautiful? Let us count the ways…

In her architecture (and the unofficial street art that occasionally adorns it:

The arches (there are 666!) of the portico up to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca

My personal favorite, bold dragon graffiti in Bologna

Typical outdoor eatery

Typical architecture

Cartoon graffiti colorfully decorating a vendor hut

Late afternoon light reflected in windows

Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

In her people, be they residents or visitors:

A quiet moment, Bologna

Classic-al street musicians

Classic craftsman

Frankie and her pasta

My meat man, wrapping a select (and pricey!) assortment of salumi - only to be commandeered by U.S. customs. Grrrr

This scene could be out of New York's Central Park - weekenders enjoying Giardini Margherita

Me and the charismatic culinary Luciano Ferrari at the Carpigiani Gelato University. Really.

Andrea Bernardoni teaching us the nuances of Italian hand gestures at the blogville apartment, Bologna

Soldiers at ease in the Piazza Maggiore

A gregariously gesturing chef conveying something to us... I need to consult Andrea!

And predictably beautiful in her eateries and eat-ables:

I can confirm their gelato answers the promise of their curb appeal!

Mixed salumi and cheese plate

La Salumeria - where I splurged on copious amounts of meat - that was tragically confiscated by U.S. customs! Grrrr

Sweet treats and tea at breakfast in Bologna

Swanky retro restaurant in Bologna where I enjoyed my last meal before returning home.

Gelato drizzled with the finest balsamic vinegar.

Intimate interior of my favorite restaurant for pannacotta in Bologna - Da Cesari

Wine, vinegar and cheese -the staples of Italian fare. Inside Da Cesari

Thank you for seeing this corner of Italy through my eyes, and my lens.  This post would not be possible if not for the generous invitation to

Nicholas Montemaggi, our fearless blogville host, worked so hard to keep us fed and happy.

the Emilia Romagna region by the limitless dreamers behind the Blogville project.  Thank yous and grazies go out to Nicholas Montemaggi and all of the affable, helpful and down-right wonderful staff who made my entire experience in the region varied, fun, memorable – and delicious!  You can follow the blogville team on Twitter here: www.twitter.com/blogvilleemrom

Find my fellow blogville-ers who tweet with the hashtag #blogville for more great stories and photos.  Also, keep an eye out for future blogville projects. I hope to return for the Emilia Romagna reunion in 2013. I’m thankful to social media for keeping me connected with co-travelers and volunteers I met as far back as 2007 (when the young’uns cajoled me into creating a Facebook page!)  What group travels have you joined in that connected you with like-minded nomads?  Are you still in touch? Share in the comments section.

Thank you for partaking in Part II.  And happy travels, always.

All photos by Gina Stark, unless I’m in them

If you enjoyed this post, see also: Bologna, Italy – A Traveler’s Triathalon

and Florence, Italy: Spooning the Duomo