We were up early and of course there were clear skies and pleasant weather as we head to the train station to leave Munich for a 7.5 hour train ride through the Alps to Bologna, Italy. Into the fantastic central railway station gives us an interesting glimpse of the daily life of the Munich folks. The train stations are a hub of activity not only for the many vacationers but also the mainstay business people. The stations are outfitted with many bakeries, food shops and even grocery stores, etc. You really could live in the train station for days on end without eating in the same place twice. This one even had showers you could rent for a couple Euros.
Onto the train in our first class car we had a six seat compartment that we shared with a father and his seven year old son from Australia for part of the trip and a young couple from the US for the last part. We were right next to the dining car which we spent a lot of time in due to its comfort and food access. It offered a better view since it was open with unobstructed windows lining both sides. Pictures cannot capture the vastness and beauty of the mountains!
Arriving in Bologna, we immediately felt the comfort of Italy. It was busy, crowded and filled with a cacophony of Italian conversations. Finding our way to the front of the station we could see the striking unique architecture and the jammed packed streets. Less than a kilometer to the hotel we decided to walk to get a little exercise as we were stationary most of the day. As we trekked to the hotel we were energized by the fantastic hum of activity surrounding us. How can the Italians be so laid back but at the same time be so full of spirit?
Our hotel is a very nice place right off a walkway near a main road. The room with a small terrace overlooks a walkway with lots of activity - fun to people watch. Although it was late in the afternoon we felt like we needed to get right out there and soak up some the activity. We headed out to the main street and walked past the multitude of great shops to a couple of piazzas. Finally choosing a restaurant we sat down for a meal. The meal was just okay - knowing Bologna is known for its food we will find a little better place next time.
We look forward to our all day "Italian Food Experience" tomorrow.
The next several pictures were taken from a fast moving train
through the Alps from Munich, Germany to Bologna, Italy
Interesting little cabin-like homes
Italian hotel room with Asian pictures - kinda odd
Oh ya, a bidet
Our cute balcony
The main piazza
Lots of passage ways
So many great balconies
A lovely gated apartment building with painted ceilings
Walkways with painted ceilings
A Duomo peaking out through the alley way
An alley way with small stores
The theatre
No comments:
Post a Comment