Buongiorno, Bologna

When your sweet friend visiting from the States asks you to meet her in Bologna for a long weekend, "absolutely" is the only logical answer. 🫶 you, Renee!

Exploring 44km of portico walks throughout the city center while clocking an average of 20k steps/day allowed us to eat our weight in tortelloni + tortellini (anyone know the difference?), indulge in multiple mortadellas + scrumptious cheeses, and delight in gelato from Venchi every day. Fret not, fresh fruit was also in the mix.

A few unexpected surprises: 

Stumbling on the set-up and orchestration of a fundraising dinner for 1,000 people hosted by @b.great.bologna; bookstores calling us from nearly every corner; innovative, female-centered street art; the Fountain of Neptune, built in 1566; and the preserved ruins from 100 B.C. on display under the central library.

Shannon and I tackled the Portico di San Luca, a ~4km walk up a 300m hill (90 stories) with 489 steps under 600+ arches to Il Santuario di San Luca. 

Built between 1674 and 1757, the portico walk was intended to protect the painted image of the Virgin of San Luca from inclement weather as it was carried to and from the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca during annual pilgrimages. 

We feel such immense gratitude for the opportunities we're creating and the knowledge we're gaining during our time in Europe - it's something we remember and acknowledge daily. We live in an incredible world and opening ourselves has changed us in unimaginable ways. Thanks for following along, y'all!  🇮🇹 🍝🍨🧀🍟✨

#incrediblytrueadventures #grateful #lifeabroad #bologna #ryanair