Hi, I am Patricia Eagan.  I began traveling to Italy several years ago and instantly fell under its spell.  The warmth of the people first drew me back and of course the variety of food and wine were temptresses that kept calling me to various regions. Recently retired I am live in Bologna in the spring and fall experiencing what it is like to live in and not just visit a country foreign to you.  I will be sharing my experiences as well as providing information about this wonderful region of Italy and my travels elsewhere in Europe. That is one of the perks of living here, easy travel to other countries.

As a former history and archaeology student for years, traversing the roads where the Caesars once marched and the Renaissance of the modern world took root kept me coming back for more.

But it was Bologna and the Emilia Romagna region that allowed me to sample life amongst Italians without the hordes of tourists and the hawking of vendors.  This region boasts some of the best foods in Italy; Prosciutto di Parma, balsamic from Modena, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese as well as the creations of Bologna such as lasagna and tortelloni.

The train quickly carries you to the many towns along the old Roman Via Emilia making exploration easy.  With the new high speed trains departing Bologna frequently other areas are a quick trip as well, Florence in 35 minutes, Venice in an hour and Rome in 2 hours.  Bologna also boasts a recently updated airport that provides inexpensive flights to many areas within Italy as well as the rest of Europe.

Although a large city in population, full of University students, it has the feel of a small community which allows you to easily feel at home. Join me as I make Bologna my home.