A Weekend in Bologna ~ Faces in Phones, Jesus and Leaning Towers

As I was walking off the copious amounts of food from Bolognese cuisine, I did plenty of people watching. The city seems to be made of brick. There are covered promenades, some with frescoes. Cheeses and cured meats are offered in tiny storefronts. It was the home of Europe’s first university in the 11th century, with alumni like Dante Alighieri and Copernicus. Continue reading “A Weekend in Bologna ~ Faces in Phones, Jesus and Leaning Towers”

Trieste ~ People Watching

I moved to this strange border city without a true identity in July. The World Cup was coming to an end, but our classes were just starting. I spent the past two months here studying during the week and people watching during the weekend. I met the winds of “Bora.” I saw the Italian Renaissance piazzas, the Austro-Hungarian facades upon majestic buildings, the ancient Roman ruins sitting beside cafes melting into the local scenery, the ceaseless energy of the Mediterranean Sea lapping the giant stones of the Barcola, the dogs walking their owners before dinner, the fancy dressed Triestinos, the teenage wannabe punks, babies in strollers, pizzas on every corner, Chinese working the cheap stores, Africans hawking random junk, Indians selling flowers, and there I was, among them all. It is my favorite part of traveling…after eating of course! So, here are a few samples of local life.

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Oddly enough, I went with some Indian food for dinner. It was a nice place, full of Indian families with plates scattered about their tables and wonderfully decorated. I ordered samosas and curry chicken and it was all good.

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Vientiane ~ Night Market

Beside the river, red tents are open for business, selling the same silly trinkets, city shirts, and electronics. It’s a buyer’s paradise. Nothing real exciting, but great people watching.

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The little guy tried to walk to me and wrecked face-first. I always make babies cry.

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It’s like Laos’ version of guidos.

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