In the fall, I started planning my trip to Italy with my mom - in this thread I was debating where to go, whether to stay in more than one place, etc. In the end we have decided to spend the whole week in Bologna (six nights for me, seven nights for her) and we now have several things booked. (For mid-May.)

We got our tickets, I go to Oslo the week before for my dad's birthday so we'll fly together from Oslo to Bologna via Brussels, on Brussels Airlines. Very short transit time in Brussels, I hope we make it!

I had initially made a hotel reservation (I love hotels!) but canceled it this week in favor of a rental apartment. We decided to go with the Residenza al Collegio di Spagna. The reviews are really good, the location is great and I love that part of town, and the price I thought was very reasonable. It will be nice to have a whole apartment; that way we can cook and also have more privacy. She goes to bed early so this way I can watch TV or read in the living room before bed.

But the thing I am maybe the most excited about is the two days we are doing with Marcello of Bluone Cooking Tours. Colleenk and Pokey recommended him so highly and I can't wait! We are doing a Parmiggiano and Aceto Balsamico tour one day, and a market tour and cooking class another day. They are doing the cooking class just for us, as my mom has Celiac disease and can't eat gluten. I really appreciate that they are tailoring it to us like that. Thanks Pokey and Colleen for the recommendation!

We'll also go to Ravenna for one day, and maybe Parma if we feel like it.(I am still embarrassed that I lived in Bologna for a year and didn't visit Ravenna!) We are both so excited! I will spend my last night in Rome since I fly from there directly to DC, so that will give me a fun evening in Rome as well.

Now, if it could just be May already!! (With the snowstorm going on outside, it is pretty obvious that it isn't!)

This is great news to read about your classes with Marcello!! So totally "them" to take your mom's diet restrictions under consideration and adjust accordingly. Colleen and I think the world of both he and Rafaella Also, the Parmiggiano/balsamico tour....fabulous!!!!! I'm hoping Marcello takes you to meet Davide at his gorgeous villa, San Dommino and taste his precious balsamico. Our day also included a delightful meal with the very cute and effervescent Luigi (Ristorante Le Ville in Modena). Colleen would agree that Luigi was a highlight of our tour!

You gals are going to have a blast!!

Pokey



I didn't realize you lived in Bologna for 1 year! WOW, a wonderful opportunity!! The apartment you are renting will be perfetto! I really loved the whole ER region.

Hope you're handling the wallop of a snowstorm in D.C. Boston is thrilled to be spared from the snow

Hi Chiocciola!

This sounds like a wonderful plan -- as you well know, you can do so much in and around Bologna. I'm sure you and your mom will enjoy having the space and privacy of an apartment, and the ability to cook some of your own meals (there is SO much great food in Bologna!) This apartment looks really well located, too.

Your market tours and cooking classes sound wonderful and I hope you are able to get to Ravenna, it really is remarkable! I do love Parma, but a day trip there might crowd your itinerary, and perhaps not leave you enough time to just enjoy Bologna.

I'm looking at June for my Italian trip, and counting the months (far too many!) But really, May is just 3 months away!

Best,
Sandra

Congratulations on your plans coming together. Thank you for providing the link to your apartment, I love that neighborhood as well. Close to that wonderful stretch of Via Farini and not far from the taking off point for San Luca (which I have yet to do, bad girl! Next trip maybe?)

That is great news!! I'm so happy that you have booked those tours, I KNOW you will have a ball. And Pokey is right, Luigi is almost beyond description-hysterical, adorable, personable and a fabulous chef. So much to look forward to.

Sandy, I am happy to hear that you are returning to Italy in June (where this time around?) but had my hopes up that we might see you in venice in Ocober. Boo hoo. Someday we'll be in Italy/or the states at the same time!

Hi colleenk, I'm commited to renting a house in Anghiari for a week in June, then "home" to Umbria! But I'm working on a scheme which I'm HOPING will allow me to be able to do both that AND be in Venice in October with you and Mindy and other STers!!!

Best,
Sandra

Am too excited myself about Bologna!!! My sister and I are going in late June and are also looking forward to a Blueone tour because of Pokey's great experience. Can't wait - non vedo l'ora.
thanks for the report Pokey.

Chiocciola,

I am so happy everything is falling into place for both of you! How wonderful that Marcello is willing to tailor the cooking class to your mom's diet. I can't wait to hear what you learn to make. The apartment sounds like a great find. April is not too far away now. You must be so excited!

How fun it is to share my plans with wonderful ST friends! Pokey and Colleen, I am thrilled we decided to do the Bluone tours - Marcello has been so kind in all his emails and we are so looking forward to it. (He also compliments my written Italian, which makes me happy!) Not sure if the tour includes Luigi's restaurant, I'll have to ask!

Sandra, when are we going to coincide in Italy?? I so enjoyed reading your blog when you were in Bologna and I am thrilled you are going back to Italy this year. And yeah, you might be right about leaving Parma out this time - definitely want to make sure we have enough time to hang out in Bologna. We arrive Monday morning and I leave for Rome Sunday late afternoon, so I am thinking Ravenna Tuesday, then half Wednesday and most of Thursday with Marcello, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Bologna. Can't miss the Saturday passeggiata!

Susie - yes, how exciting to be close to Via Farini! I do love the southern half of the city the best. We'll also be close to the good restaurants on Via Solferino.

Aoelian goddess - so happy for you too that you are going! Neanch'io vedo l'ora di partire!