It was a most weird night last night. I live in this secure old building that was once a Palazzo and has an inner courtyard. Very pretty and you can’t get in from the street without a key. However about midnight there was a helluva racket with about 6 young people in the courtyard making an awful noise. This went on for ages, they’d go away and then be back. Not doing any harm, just laughing and yelling and drinking. That did away with a night’s sleep so I was late rising and shining.
I decided to do the other hard thing that needed a tick. Get myself to San Luca. It is this massive church on the hill that Bolognese people see as their symbol. For example coming into Bologna on the train the other day someone in the carriage said ‘San Luca’ and as one they all stood up to exit the train. The look for it as their landmark. The Virgin performed a miracle once and now they have a massive procession every year in May when they bring the old girl down from the church. The thing is that its 5kms out of town so the trick is how to get there and back. To walk is 10kms and the uphill trek is really a big deal. So I’d been working this out and I got on this quirky and slightly embarrassing tourist train attached to a tractor that takes you up. To redeem my punctured pride (after attaining the heights of the Asinelli Tower yesterday) I walked all the way back. 5 kms might seem like nothing but the walk down from the Basilica aint easy. Its quite steep and alternates steep declines with stairs. Anyway I earned the ‘dolce’ I had at the end!!
There is the longest portico in the world that you walk through. It connects the church with the city gate of Porto Saragozza….. 3,796 meters in length. So it was a mild achievement for the mumma.
Each day I find my tiny bit of sunlight to sit in for half an hour before summer dies totally. I did this and then cam home when all sun had diapered. That was my day, the sum total of it. I think my email trail is petering out!!
I’m going to make my third effort to get to Ravenna tomorrow. God know if it will work!
Now for another episode of Game of Thrones. Only 3 more left, then what…any suggestions from my loyal readership???