What a huge day in Bologna with the world’s best dentist, that ended in a complete change of plans for my last 10 days in Italy…so a bit mind blowing and hugely sweaty sort of day.
I set off after coffee this morning. Train travel in this sort of heat isn’t too much fun, but no worries and no problems. 1.5 hrs to get to Firenze and then just half an hour from Firenze to Bologna. The train station at Firenze made me thank the moons and the stars that I’m not trying to see that city in July…and to thank Tull for dragging me there in February…very smart move really….the station was chaos with all nationalities, massive tour groups and millions of people asking for directions.
Onward and Upward (literally), I got to Bologna and headed straight to my favourite gelato shop…wandered around a bit but was bathed in sweat so went to my dear old cafe…Gessetto. One of the things Italians are really really good at is never forgetting you and always greeting you like a long lost friend when you arrive back. It is so very nice to be so warmly greeted.
Then on to the dentista. She spent 1.5 hrs cleaning my teeth. A mild reprimand for not brushing at least X3 day..but done very nicely. Then the problem…an ancient cap done probably 40 years ago has sprung two holes. So she said I really needed to have it replaced as soon as I got home. I gave that a lot of thought as she scraped away at my plaque and the fact is I seem to have lost a bit of faith in my Australian dentist and am quite, quite sure it costs more in Australia, although that may change this time with the dollar plummeting earthward.
So, after lots of discussion about how long it could wait (to do the work – not the year I was hoping!!) and Fabrizia saying she would move appointments about to fit me in, I decided I would return to Bologna for the last 10 days instead of going to Sardinia (Really?) and have this tooth fixed. Another worrying expense and I’m concerned about whether I will have put enough aside to cover this ‘event’ but still think it is a good decision. Also quite fitting to finish my time in Italy where I started. This time I will visit the places I didn’t get to namely Vicenza and Verona. It is, I think, 9 days with 7 dental appointments so not many free days!
I’ve ensured that I get back to Rome for the night of 14th October and have put aside the 15th to go to Orvieto for a last kiss and hug and meal with H&A. Then fly home on 16th….bit whirlwind but there you have it. Giancarlo has a new apartment he will have ready by then and has booked me in (lucky because his other 2 apartments are booked!!)
I had booked my train(s) back to Lucca with tons of time to fit in a special Bologna Spritz, but Fabrizia took so long that I had to hot (literally) foot it straight back to the station.
That’s my day ….back to school tomorrow. Norjie returns tomorrow and the routine will recommence.
Hi Sue, I was at the dentist the other day and told Brendan a little of your news. He offered to fly to Italy to see you if required. Sounds like Italian dentist is better anyway….