Andiamo!: Ferrara

10/8-10/9
It was a short train ride. If you've survived a NYC subway, this was a breeze. Ferrara is a cultural city with origins tracing to 753 AD. We visited the cathedral, a castle, museums, a Jewish ghetto, shops and cafés. It is amazing to be in the presence of medieval statues, paintings, tapestries and manuscripts. While I can imagine the possibility of marble existing that long it is beyond me to understand how paper and fabric from the 1400s can retain their integrity and color while I have clothes I purchased last year that are threatening to turn to dust! The city has the highest density of bicycles in the world. And the riders range in age. Its not unusual to see "elderly folks" bobbing and weaving through crazy drivers on cobblestone streets, sometimes even holding a loaf of bread and an umbrella. Never a helmet in sight, even on the children in tow. We had planned to take a bike tour, but didn't expect the 45 degree weather so we cancelled. Sunday mass at the cathedral was very moving. Loved our inn with its skylights and roof top terrace right outside our door. There was a lack of indoor heating. (something about having to wait for the mayor to give the ok to allow the heat to be turned on.) The rain just gave us lots of excuses to stop for yet another espresso. It's a very dog friendly city. Watch your step! The food was great. Sometimes we just had to shut our eyes and swallow, but it was delish. Its not a city to count calories in.