Funnily enough, because I was so busy exploring other parts of Italy, at the end of the program, I felt that I hadn’t actually explored Bologna that much. So on the very last day I decided to attempt a Bologna speedrun, where I would try to run through a bunch of the attractions on the Bologna Welcome Pass+.
Friday (5/28/24): Since most of my classmates were leaving in the morning/later in the day it was once again a solo adventure. I spent the morning doing some chores, and biking to a climbing store to exchange some stuff. Here’s some pictures of my room. It was honestly way nicer than I was expected; it’s basically just a studio apartment and much nicer than any dorm at rice.
The only thing I would’ve changed is the lack of desk space; but some other ppl got singles with bigger desks so unlucky. But I didn’t get drawn for a double by ChatGPT so I am not complaining!
Unfortunately for me it was a rainy day. But so pain no gain or I guess no rain no pain? idk I just put on my raincoat and went.
PRO TIP the fastest way to walk to the town center is by taking the first set of stairs on the right, going down the smelly long hallway, then coming up and exiting on the right. This saves you about like 5 mins of walking.
So on my speedrun I visited MAMbo (the modern art museum), got a late lunch at Mo Mortadella (italian sausage sandwich street food), randomly found an epic church, and visited Museo Civico Medievale, Palazzo Fava, Collezioni Comunali d’Arte, and the Bologna Archaeological Museum.
I wanted to climb the clock tower since it was included in the pass but apparently you had to book online. I do kinda wish I didn’t have to rush everything on the last day so I had more opportunity to savor everything, but it was still fun nonetheless.
I wasn’t able to do everything included in the pass. Here’s a map for reference; all the “M” markings are things to do included in the Welcome Pass+. All the hearts were places I went to during my time in Bologna.
To end off the day I went climbing at Level 24 one last time (I went a total of 4 times). Would highly recommend. I was able to send most of the blue level boulders and like 4 greens, which I was pretty happy with (I think the blues are V2-3 and greens are V4-5).
Overall it was a bittersweet moment. I was sad that my time here in Bologna was coming to an end. But since I am backpacking across Europe right after iSEED, my journey is only beginning, and I am so incredibly excited. Wish me luck!