Modena - 24 September 2022

As expected, a dark and peaceful night. Could hear trains in the distance at times.

It was always due to rain today, but not until about 5pm - XCWeather got that wrong - started about 2pm!

Tintin drove today, nothing too arduous - about 40 minutes to a car park/bus station on the outskirts of Modena. Think I’m over ranting about the quality of the roads (or lack there of) and the ridiculous speed limits, but we’ll see!

We’d decided it would be nice to have lunch out in Modena, as apparently it’s a real foodie place…

Tintin got the bikes out. Top tip for today - make sure you tighten the handlebars before trying to ride - otherwise you fall off your bike! His iPhone landed very close to going down a drain, and his little mirror is toast - but he’s ok - just dented male ego!

Only about 2 miles to ride in, but took in extensive views of a hospital en route!

Incredibly busy - the most people we’ve seen together in a very long time.

There were at least two weddings taking place too - all seemed quite casual - well apart from the old red Ferrari!

As ever - huge buildings, especially the cathedral and palace.

We decided to just walk at first and find somewhere for lunch. After dismissing a few places, we plumped for a busy place in the Albinelli market. If only our Guernsey markets were so vibrant and full of quality produce that people want to buy!

Tintin had an Aperol spritz (Aperol, Prosecco and soda) - thought it would be bitter, but was really nice, and I had a glass of rosé Lambrusco - good stuff!

To eat, we both had the Tortellino in a cream sauce with, of course, parmigiana.  Because I say what I think and not make everything wonderful - we’ll say it was ok, but I can’t imagine Nona out the back hand rolling and filling the pasta! €37.80.

Over here they charge a ‘coperto’ of 10% - basically a cover charge.

Marco’s wife this morning said we need to try ‘tigelle’ - if you Google it - there’s a wealth of information! In summary they are little dough balls, flattened, cooked, cut in half and served hot with different fillings. We asked a lady in the market (sort of bread/sandwich stall), and she took us to another shop, pointed at some packaged up, and explained in loud Italian all about them. Didn’t understand a word, but got the gist!

I also wanted to try some Arancini, but these need to be eaten hot - and we’d already eaten - will try another time…

Modena’s cathedral began in 1099. Again, beautiful pink Verona marble is everywhere. A really dark cathedral inside, and in my humble opinion wasn’t a patch on cathedrals we’ve seen in the last couple of days.

The only other place I really wanted to see was the Ducal Palace. Construction began in 1634, and today is the headquarters for the Italian military academy. Another huge fantastic building - looked like there was something due to happen outside, but rain put paid to that!

Tintin thought about standing in a bar to have a coffee, as the bars look inviting, however think coffee is mainly drunk in the mornings here?

Good job there seem to be covered arcades in most of these cities, probably more for sun protection, but good for rain too!

Quick cycle back to Dave in the rain for a cuppa.

Back in 2010 we drove through France and into Italy for two weeks holiday. We were in Tintin’s ‘wolf in sheeps clothing’ car - his Subaru at the time. We went from Chamonix, through the Mont Blanc tunnel, through the Aosta valley, went to Stresa, Lake Maggoire, around Lake Como and Bellagio. We went to Verona, Venice, Pisa, visited Maranello to see the Ferrari museum, did balsamic tasting in Modena, stayed on an olive grove in Tuscany, walked the whole length of the Cinque Terre, and popped into Monaco on the way back. In hindsight, we did a lot - no hotels booked, just took our Baedeker guide book and found cheap places to stay. In some ways, we were much more adventurous then. We don’t remember driving being an issue, must be just the size and build quality of Dave which makes such a difference. I do like sleeping in my own bed though and having everything we want with us!

Not sure the weather forecast is the best for the weekend, but hopefully we’ll sort out and plan for going to Florence early next week.