Day trip to Ravenna
Trip Start
May 11, 2006
1
3
9
Trip End
May 29, 2006
Ravenna,
Italy
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
I had plans to meet Pam and Gary at their hotel, which is located near the train station. Our plans were to do a day trip together to Ravenna. We all wanted to see the fabulous mosaics. I met them at their hotel about 8:20am, sort of skipping my breakfast at the hotel but I did make a small ham and cheese sandwich for the walk. Our original plans were to take the 9:08am train but we got there a little earlier. As I was purchasing our tickets I noticed an earlier train at 8:45am. We rushed to the platform and got on the train. We had to change in Faenza to another train. Well, when we got to Faenza, the board showed a 10:10am bus to Ravenna, not a train! I was a little disappointed, as we would be arriving later than planned, but it all worked out. We had to wait almost an hour for the bus, and then it was about at 45-minute ride
Wonderful Fresh-made Pasta
. The area along the way to Ravenna is quite lovely with lots of many beautiful homes. I saw a few I wouldn't mind living in. We started our tour first visiting Dante's tomb. Lots of school kids were also on tour. Ravenna is a lovely town with small pedestrian streets. We stopped at the San Francesco church, where we discovered that the crypt of Bishop St. Neone is actually below water. We could see some of the mosaic pavement under the water, as well as gold fish in the water. It was amazing, especially since this place was not in my notes for Ravenna. The church has actually sunk quite a bit, which is why the crypt is now under water.
In the center of town is a wonderful Mercao Coperto Cafeteria on via IV Novembre. It's in a large building and open only until 1 or 2pm. I always enjoy walking around these markets looking at all the meats, cheeses, fish, seafood, fruits, vegetables and pastas. It's certainly a great place to pick up food for a picnic.
We had a delicious lunch at Ristorante Garadela. I had the tortellini, which was stuffed with ricotta cheese, spinach and served with a creamy tomato sauce. We all ordered a primi and secondo. This was a big mistake as this place serves huge portions! I would have been fine with just the tortellini. Both Pam and I ordered the mixed plate of fried calamari, shrimp and zucchini slices. It was excellent and again, a large portion. Gary had grilled salmon. We enjoyed our food sitting outside. The restaurant inside was crowded with customers, who chose to dine in the air-conditioned room. With a liter of wine, water, coperto, service, our meal came to 20 euros each.
The mosaics in Ravenna are incredible! We toured several sights with the combination ticket we purchased: San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. We also visited the Neonian Baptistery and Duomo.
Our feet did ache after a while because of the cobbled stones. We took the 5:35pm train back to Bologna, which was a direct train - no change of train or bus - and parted. It was a very nice day with Pam and Gary. Ravenna is definitely worth an overnight stay or two. There were other things to see, but one day is just not enough. We, at least, saw the main sights of Ravenna.
Back in the room I packed a little, had some of my wine, and then went back to Il Portico for dinner. I had a good dinner. I had the best bufalo mozzarella in the world! It must have been made that every afternoon. My entrée was also good: Bucatini alla' Amatriciana, which has onions bacon in a red sauce. My other dining option was to go back to Mariposa for their lasagna Bolognese - it was fabulous. Next time!
