Florence to Bologna - October 1

This morning there was free time before our departure for Bologna. Some took advantage of it to get in some additional shopping, while other went to see "The David" (the original) located at the Accademia. The lines of people at the entrance were very long but since we had made on line reservations, we were able to get in fairly closely to our appointed time. The line for those without reservations was a couple of blocks long.
At 12:15 the two minivans pulled up, we loaded luggage and were shortly on our way to the Florence train station. We arrived in plenty of time to make the train, but these things are never late so we didn't want to take a chance. But this time it was late. Some issue involving the tracks between Rome and Florence caused the train to be rerouted and arrive 45 minutes late.

Freccerossa High Speed Train

Once on board it was only about a 40 minutes ride from Florence to Bologna. We arrive in the newly opened subterranean platform of Bologna Centrale.
Amy was waiting on the platform for us to help guide us through the new terminal, but we got separated and ended up at ground level on the wrong side of the terminal. After some frustrating escalator rides we finally made our way to the main entrance where Amy had eight "Blu cars" waiting to take us to the Hotel Novecento located in the old part of the city.


After check in she gave everyone an overview orientation of the central part of the city starting with the Piazza Magiore, to the old towers and through the food market. Then everyone met in the hotel where the management offered us welcome drinks and snacks.





Dinner tonight was at La Mela and Amy and Andrew joined us. Then it was off to well needed rest before tomorrow's walking tour.
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