After yesterday’s full day of feasting, I woke up today ready to do a bit more exploring than fooding. (But don’t worry, there will still be food!) Today was planned to be yet another day of rain, and so I figured that it might be a good reason to get out of the city and do a little day trip. I had been hoping that I might have the time to sneak away to Ravenna, and luckily this turned out to be the perfect opportunity.
I planned to get an early-ish start, since Ravenna is about 1 1/2 hours by train from Bologna. But to be honest, it was a bit of a struggle to get moving since I found myself in a serious food coma this morning. But after a little more relaxed morning, I headed out for a cappuccino and a croissant (see, already some food!) on my way to the train station.
So why Ravenna? What is in Ravenna? How did I decide on Ravenna? Well, Ravenna is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to some of the most beautiful and glittery mosaics that can be found in 5 different churches and buildings throughout the town. Some say that this small Italian town has the most beautiful mosaics in the world, and so I was very excited for the opportunity to see them in person.
Since I was on a little bit of a schedule (there are limited trains on Sundays) I made my way directly to the ticket office to start my tour. I worked in the order that was suggested on the ticket, starting with the largest church, and weaving my way around the city back towards the train station.
When you walk in, it is simply breathtaking. Glittering, pristinely delicate and patterned mosaics adorning the entire church.
The mosaics were absolutely beautiful, there is no other way to describe them. And everyone basically takes the same stance in front of the mosaics: head tilted up, and jaw dropped to the floor. You just stand there and take it all in. You could easily spend hours just standing and staring at the same part of the mosaic, and still continue to notice different nuances and intricate patterns.
As I noticed that my time was escaping me quicker than I would have liked, I moved onwards, visiting the remaining sites with the same awestruck feeling at each stop.
With almost no time left, I noticed a sandwich shop where I was able to quickly grab a piadina (local homemade bread stuffed with almost anything you want) and a glass of wine to go (I love you Italy!).
As I left the shop, I bit into my warm, homemade piadina, and tasted something so delicious and simple. Something that could truly only be found in Italy. Although Italians definitely have a knack for the over the top, they equally have a knack for simplicity – mozzarella, arugula and prosciutto stuffed into a warm bread pocket. That was definitely the perfect way to end my adventure in Ravenna.
And so now here I am, back on the train, and once again watching the rain pour down. I am feeling so lucky to have missed the showers today, and so blessed to be enjoying this Italian adventure. Life is good.