We're in Italy

Our flight to Bologna was mid afternoon so we decided to explore the southern bank of the Douro river. This is the location where most of the big port makers welcome you on tours. Vicki pulled me through this area down to the marina near the river mouth. It was a worthwhile trip as it took us slightly outside the tourist bubble. Local fishmen fixing nets and restauranteurs with fish in ice bins and charcoal barbeques on the go. We also stumbled on to a Lavadouro publico which is a communal laundry area. 

We arrived mid evening at our Bolonga accommodation. Ryanair provided an efficient transfer but both Vicki and I think they specialise in making you uncomfortable. Everything is awkward angles, hard surfaces and confronting colours. No drama's of course on a short hop.

Bologna is rather nice. We should maybe have given it an extra day. Anyway we're in Florence which is very over the top. The Italians so far have been very welcoming of us. I think I may still have a hangover from my trip here as a youngster where I didn't leave with a universally positive regard for the locals.

Our room in Florence is next to the Ponte Vecchio. The river has a pea soup look to it. Not sure if that's why no one's doing manus.

Leaning towers of Bologna. This is due to subsidence. The young receptionist at our hotel said it was due to bombing on September 11 during the second world war. To be fair to her, further research tells me Bolongna was heavily bombed by the Brits in that war.

The reception area at our Bologna hotel was very grand, slightly overstating the reality

Last supper in Porto. The bridge in the background was designed by one of Eiffel's understudies. I think you can see the influence.

Fishing boats