Sasso Marconi Tartufesta (Part Three)

Here are the last few images I'd like to share from the Sasso Marconi Tartufesta. If you're in Emilia Romagna at the end on October, this is the place to be!

Go early and go hungry!

Sasso Marconi Tartufesta (Part two)

As I said earlier, there was something for everyone. There were many stalls selling things like soap, jewelry, christmas ornaments...all kinds of crafts, flea market items, and even a few antiques.

 

Wine by the glass was sold everywhere, which went great with all the food samples. Nobody walked away from this festa hungry. The aroma from all the food wafted through the lanes and hung in the air...it was intoxicating.

 

Just a few more images to share in my next post. Are you hungry yet?

Sasso Marconi Tartufesta (Part One)

My first weekend in Bologna I went to the Tartufesta in Sasso Marconi. The Tartufesta is an annual event that focuses on the white truffle of the Bologna hills. It was the main reason I chose to go back to Bologna in October.

Getting to Sasso Marconi was easy…just a 30 minute train ride into the Apennine mountains outside Bologna, at a cost of 4,30 euro round trip.  I had a pleasant five minute walk to reach the Tartufesta in the center of town. It seemed like everyone in town was involved with the festa and they were all so very happy to see me…such a warm welcome.

Everywhere I went someone was trying to feed me. I sampled cookies, candy, olives, olive oil, various meat products, cheeses, wine, chestnuts, bread, mushrooms, spices, honey, truffle oil, truffle salt, truffle salsa…on and on and on.  There were also places to eat various meals made with fresh truffles…heaven on a plate!

There was something for everyone, including crafts, flea market items and rides for the kiddies.

 

Stay tuned for more about the Sasso Marconi Tartufesta.

Happy Birthday To My Mom

This is one of my favorite pictures of my Mom. She looks so fashionable.

 

Happy Birthday, Mom!

I love you.

A Great Place to Stay In Bologna, Italy

I’m back from my trip to Bologna. It was very hard to leave, but I had to come home so I could make money to go back to Bologna. It’s a vicious circle, but I love it!

Part of the reason I had such a good trip was the I PorticiHotel. Marc and I usually rent an apartment if we’re staying in one place for more than a week, but this time I was traveling alone, so I wanted to stay in a hotel where people would see me coming and going…a little bit of security. I also wanted to stay close to the downtown area, so I would feel comfortable walking alone at night.

The I Portici Hotel was the perfect choice. The hotel is an easy 7 minute walk from the train station. Since it’s located on Via Indipendenza, one of the main downtown streets, the 13 minute walk to Piazza Maggiore is loaded with eye candy…shops, churches, various places to eat…even a flea market! My Italian language class at Cultura Italiana is a 25 minute walk from the hotel and a great way to begin each day.

 

My room had everything I needed. The bed was very comfortable, I had a nice view of the courtyard, a powerful hot shower every morning, warm toasty towels, and the room was always spotless. The staff was very friendly and extremely helpful.

One evening I returned to find a concert in the lobby. That night I studied to LIVE classical music! What’s not to like? This may be my favorite place to stay in Bologna. Do you have a favorite hotel?

I'm Off To Bologna, Italy

WooHoooo! Tomorrow morning I'll be leaving for Bologna and I'll be blogging.

I hope you'll join me.

Happy Birthday Meatball!

Today Meatball is six years old! He brings great joy to my life.

Happy Birthday, Meatball!