31st October 2015 - Giardini Margherita and a stroll around Bologna

The big kids and I walked to the shops armed only with a large tote bag and a day pack and somehow underestimated just how much food and fluids we were going to buy.  In the absence of any kind of transport other than "Shank's Pony" we struggled home with kgs more than we'd normally carry!  I so appreciate that mostly we have had access to transport or a car for big grocery shops.  There are many who never do.  Those with families must shop every day or get their groceries delivered.

As it was such a lovely day again, we opted to go for a walk in the Giardini Margherita at the northern end of the old part of Bologna.  On weekends, when Via dell'Independenza is closed to traffic, it is very lovely to stroll through the old town.  Already by 3 PM, the shadows were long and there was a definite chill to the air.

The Giardini Margherita are near the Porta Castiglione, a 13th Century gate which was rebuilt in 15th Century.  The walls are no longer there and neither is the Savena Canal, which formerly crossed the city.  The gardens themselves were all autumn colours with families enjoying their Saturday afternoon.  Luke found a couple of friends and enjoyed playing on the playground.

Walking back through the old town we quickened our step past the riot police by the van full!  We were not sure what they were there for but didn't stick around to find out!  Back in Piazza Maggiore, the crowds were milling with a few in Halloween costumes so may be there are celebrations there tonight!  People and dogs, street musicians and selfie stick sellers swelled the crowd and created a great atmosphere.

Back to the station to discover that some of the trains don't run on Saturdays.  Finally we got home and after dinner all sat to watch Moonraker which was filmed at Versailles and Venice and other places of our interest!

No photos today as the SD card in my camera became faulty and as the USB port in my now rather shabby camera no longer works, I cannot transfer the photos!  Just imagine the lovely autumn in the park and the old Porta Casteglione!