It’s not very often that we lose our way while exploring. Until we did. It happened during our second trip to Italy in 2015, amongst the back streets of Bologna. We were quite happily going with the rambling experience, as I remember we enjoyed viewing everyday life, greeting locals and on occasion admiring what they shared with us.
Those three months during summer marked the beginning of our full-time nomadic life, which culminated in our return to Europe at the end of 2015.

Bologna’s famous and extensive system of porticoes, which are covered walkways that stretch for many kilometres throughout the city, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Initially constructed to provide shelter from the sun and rain and to add a distinctive architectural feature to the city’s streets, these porticoes are a notable landmark. They came into their own when the temperatures soared in late summer, during our two-week visit. Which included day trips, and one that stood out from the others was Ferrara and Verona.





I’ve promised Les that I will continue to make plans for future adventures, no matter how small; perhaps heading back to Italy will be one of them.
I haven’t been to Italy in years… and your pictures make me want to book a flight soon (and it looks like I need to include Bologna on the itinerary).
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Bologna is one city that I can recommend visiting. Travel has changed so much in the last few years due to negativity in the world. I’m unsure where my itchy feet will take me when I do venture off for a holiday. Time will tell.
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It can’t be easy to think ahead, Suzanne, but I’m sure you’ll travel again. Les will be in your heart, but not beside you. Those were wonderful days xx
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It’s a combination of being in the present and knowing that future plans need to be done. Les will always be with me. That blardy annoying sensible voice when perhaps I want to over indulge in pushing the “buy” button 😉
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Exactly that! Hugs, darlin xx
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It will be difficult being a solo traveller, but not impossible. I do hope things are going as well as can be expected. And both you and Les are enjoying these shared memories.
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In some ways it will be difficult and in many less stressful. My main focus will be to keep nurturing friendships and building up a good support network of friends and creating more fun memories with them and family.
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That is simply gorgeous! I’ve never been to Italy, but I really hope I get to go!
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Ten years ago and I can still visualise the architecture and the scrumptious food. It didn’t feel as touristy as Rome did. A good base to visit smaller places in the countryside.
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What lovely memories Suzanne! Cherish them and enjoy all the little moments of today. I love Italy. As a second generation Italian I’ve been a few times and I have to say getting lost over there is all part of the fun. Sending hugs and love. 🥰
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Thanks, Miriam and yes I remember you writing about the Italian side of your family. Which I think is brilliant having strong connections to more than one culture. Getting lost is fun 🙂 xx
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A fine trip with a lovely selfie
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Thanks very much, Derrick 😊
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Bologna was a planned destination this year, but Life got in the way. It remains firmly on the list.
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I’m sure you’ll make it happen when the time is right. We enjoyed watching the movie Casablanca outdoors surrounded by history. That was an amazing experience.
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Not been to Bologna, Ferrara or Verona Suzanne but did get lost in the back streets of Naples which is not to be recommended. If it’s of any comfort, I’ve stopped making any travel plans for ages now.
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Naples would be one interesting city to explore. The day comes for all of us when travel no longer interests us. Keep well, Malc.
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Wandering, getting lost and meeting the locals makes for great memories. And now with the aid of GPS you can always find your way back home. I think travel is way more difficult now then we were travelling.
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I agree, Pauline. From what I am reading travel has changed and I’m not sure it’s for the betterment of travellers. The urge to explore is still there, I shall have to wait and see how I feel.
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I’m finding exploring my backyard satisfies my travel urge these days.
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I can understand that reasoning.
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Oh, I dunno! I think you were better at selfies then than we are now. At least one of us always looks deranged. Lovely photo.
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Thanks, Anabel. Taking selfies usually made me laugh or feel absolutely ridiculous. Though mostly it was hilarious being cheesy.
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What wonderful memories, Suzanne 💕
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They are and it’s what keeps me going remembering how fortunate I was. Thanks, Cathy xx
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Bologna is lovely and I can imagine how grateful you were for those porticos in the hot sun! Travelling in the future will feel different but I’m sure it’s the right thing to plan to do, with Les’s encouragement backing you up.
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My main priority will be to keep playing basketball and nurture my support team of friends and family. Then hopefully travel with some or by myself is high on the agenda.
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Lovely collection of photos from a memorable trip. We spent a brief time in Bologna, so I recall those porticos well. I’ll bet in this age of climate upheaval, they are especially appreciated. I’m glad Les is encouraging you to continue your travels.
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Thanks, Eilene. Even during his bad days he thinks of others. We are so thankful that we travelled and spent quality time together.
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Beautiful city, beautiful memories. x
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Thanks Mel, we thought it was a beautiful part of Italy.
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Your photos are precious, Suzanne. Not really rejects if they bring back memories. 🙂
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They are, Diane and yes perhaps I need to be more creative regarding my title. I have written this blurb with each post – “These photographs were saved on a USB drive years ago when my blog was called Globalhousesitterx2, or even earlier in our travel history. They were set aside not because the subject matter was unworthy, but simply because I had enough content to write about at the time.” Not a good week and I didn’t notice until now that I hadn’t included “Photo” on the title.
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No worries. It’s all good stuff.
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