Invitation To Italy, Vignettes-2

Chapter 5 From Milano to Modena

“Last Supper” … Magnificent without equal, it unfortunately seemed destined to vanish in spite of, or because of the many restorations that have been underway since about 20 years after it was painted in 1495-98.

Parma … The Romanesque-Gothic Baptistry, built in the early 1200s, … rose-colored marble, the interior is a polygon of sixteen sides, … is one of the most remarkable in Italy; we found it more interesting than some that are more famous.

Many stores in Italy have a rolling metal shutter like a rusty, dusty, banged-up garage door, covering the front of the store. A street is alive and colorful with bright window displays while the stores are open, but it becomes drab and colorless outside of shopping hours.

Chapter 6 Bologna, Ferrara, Padova

The Italian bread we have purchased over the years is not always the greatest, but it's always very eatable. Sometimes the crust is hard, the loaf is hollow, and given some drum sticks, we could lead a parade.

Bologna … In Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, we visited the two old Bologna towers, built side by side at slight angles to each other, in the early 1100s.

Ferrara … a mile or two of the wall as originally built, can be seen with no obstruction. Defensive positions, perhaps best defined as a “spade” on a deck of cards, extend many yards

When we visit a museum, many of the items on display seem to be there just because they are old. Not because they are beautiful or useful or even particularly decorative, but just old.

Padova … Nearby we discovered a large Sheraton Hotel, so Jim offered Emmy the chance for breakfast with menus, a tablecloth, a waiter, and all the trimmings, but she said, “I’d rather do it myself.” Wow, is she trained!