Friday 23rd October

Started to rain in the night and didn’t stop all day, which takes the edge off sightseeing. Back into Bologna to try and complete the Tourists Office suggested “half-day” itinerary, by the end of which we were slightly churched out.

We had to post a picture of the 1566 Neptune’s Fountain; it’s just a bit wrong... I tried to get Anne to adopt a similar pose so I could take her picture in front of it, but she refused for some reason.

We both liked the overall feel of the city, which may be due to its compact centre, the fact that it isn’t trying to attract tourists, or the large student population which lends a certain vitality to the place.

We stocked up on block of parmesan cheese, some slices of prosciutto ham and a tub of tortellini from the shop our guide recommended, and lunch consisted of superb take-away slices of pizza from a place next to the two leaning towers (Le Due Torri). Only 1.50 Euros a slice!

Back at the campsite we found two slightly bedraggled British backpackers seeking shelter near the amenities block as there had been no letup in the rain. They had arrived from Venice, which had suffered some flooding due to the rubbish weather, and their two person tent was waterlogged so they had de-camped to drier ground. We had been looking longingly at the warm, dry camper vans, but now I don’t think we can really complain as our awning and roof tent provided sterling service.