The reason why this place is known to only the most adventurous tourists (and of course the Bolognese people) is because it's tucked away in a little side street not far from Il Due Torri. In fact, it's situated in the once notorious Jewish ghetto.
But if you're lucky enough to stumble across this exciting establishment, you won't be disappointed.Dissapointment might occur though. Indeed, it's not unusual for ever spare seat to be completely occupied by 9pm every night. And for good reason. The spritz served at this place are some of the best that I have tasted in Bologna. The appertivi are also excellent if you're looking for a light bite to end the day.
The reason for the popularity of Camera A Sud is due to the homely feel of the place. The furniture is airy and clean, every wall hosts the work of a local artist, the bar even has a mini library towards the back of the venue! Every friday evening there is a live music set and the drinks list on the blackboard changes everyday, for the main reason that Camera A Sud personally selects its wine from the wine producers directly!
Camera A Sud is a real Bolognese gem, oozing culture and fine taste. Don't miss out!
Camera A Sud
Website: http://www.cameraasud.net/
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 12pm-1am
Sunday- 5pm-1am
VIA VALDONICA 5,
40126 BOLOGNA (IT)
T. +39 051 0951448
Wednesday 30 November 2011
Thursday 24 November 2011
I won't be 'chatting' anytime soon in Italian
I've discovered my least favourite Italian word and, unfortunately, is a word I know that I will be using at various points in conversations. The word 'to chat' in Italian is 'chiacchierare'. A mouthful and a half of words, right? SI! Just try rolling that one off your tongue!
Wednesday 23 November 2011
Will you invest in some Burlusconi love?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/22/silvio-berlusconi-love-songs-cd
Funny, I never had Berlusconi down as a musical prodigy. Nor was I aware that he was a "a one-time cruise ship crooner".
I guess the tide has been against him one too many times.
Funny, I never had Berlusconi down as a musical prodigy. Nor was I aware that he was a "a one-time cruise ship crooner".
I guess the tide has been against him one too many times.
Tuesday 22 November 2011
Vanity is Contagious. Fact.
Material things shouldn't give me so much pleasure. I'm normally as worldly as they come. And yet, Italian goodies in the form of bags and shoes fill me with envy and greed.
Italian women are as vain as they come. They will carry out the school run dressed up to the nines in their highest heels, perfectly tailored trousers and Luis Vuitton bags, and will never be seen without a good face of make-up. In such pressurising circumstances, one can't help but feel the urge to better one's own appearance. A bit of eyeliner, good shoes and a well-made bag make you as Italian as you could hope to be.
So, given this little bit of context, you won't be surprised that my discussion of my trip to Venice won't include descriptions of the beautiful landscape, the magnificent gondolas or the wealth of art boasted by the city. Nope. What it includes is my fascination with the number of little side streets that host an abundance of shops that sell the most beautiful, Italian-made, leather bags.
Of course, Italy is filled with little side streets that host an abundance of shops that sell the most beautiful, italian-made, leather bags, but Venice's collection of shops interests me because of how reasonably priced they are compared to everything else in the city. Let's put this into perspective. It cost me FIVE euros for a cappucino (normally around 1euro40 in Bologna). It costs around 100 euros for a gondola ride. It's 16 euros to get into the Biennial. And yet, a beautiful bag will set you back just 45 euros. A bag that I can guarantee, had I found it back in the uk, would have cost me at least double. CAn you guess what I spent my money on whilst in Venice?
I have put this in the context of the vanity of the Italian female population because I'm not one to shun a trip to an art gallery. In fact, on the train back to Bologna at the end of my trip to Venice, I sat staring out into the foggy night and mulling over my decision to admire the Biennial solely from the outside and instead spend my money on a, albeit beautiful, bag. My only explanation is that vanity is contagious when you live in a style-obsessed country such as Italy. You don't want to be the one who doesn't have good style, you want to be as stylish as the Italian woman walking past you with her immaculate hair and little pooch-in-a-bag (yes, most of the little doggies here ARE carried in handbags). So, don't judge me and my new-found love for good leather bags or boots. It's just another way to fit in here.
Italian women are as vain as they come. They will carry out the school run dressed up to the nines in their highest heels, perfectly tailored trousers and Luis Vuitton bags, and will never be seen without a good face of make-up. In such pressurising circumstances, one can't help but feel the urge to better one's own appearance. A bit of eyeliner, good shoes and a well-made bag make you as Italian as you could hope to be.
So, given this little bit of context, you won't be surprised that my discussion of my trip to Venice won't include descriptions of the beautiful landscape, the magnificent gondolas or the wealth of art boasted by the city. Nope. What it includes is my fascination with the number of little side streets that host an abundance of shops that sell the most beautiful, Italian-made, leather bags.
Of course, Italy is filled with little side streets that host an abundance of shops that sell the most beautiful, italian-made, leather bags, but Venice's collection of shops interests me because of how reasonably priced they are compared to everything else in the city. Let's put this into perspective. It cost me FIVE euros for a cappucino (normally around 1euro40 in Bologna). It costs around 100 euros for a gondola ride. It's 16 euros to get into the Biennial. And yet, a beautiful bag will set you back just 45 euros. A bag that I can guarantee, had I found it back in the uk, would have cost me at least double. CAn you guess what I spent my money on whilst in Venice?
I have put this in the context of the vanity of the Italian female population because I'm not one to shun a trip to an art gallery. In fact, on the train back to Bologna at the end of my trip to Venice, I sat staring out into the foggy night and mulling over my decision to admire the Biennial solely from the outside and instead spend my money on a, albeit beautiful, bag. My only explanation is that vanity is contagious when you live in a style-obsessed country such as Italy. You don't want to be the one who doesn't have good style, you want to be as stylish as the Italian woman walking past you with her immaculate hair and little pooch-in-a-bag (yes, most of the little doggies here ARE carried in handbags). So, don't judge me and my new-found love for good leather bags or boots. It's just another way to fit in here.
Sunday 13 November 2011
LEGGERI PER FORZA
Leggeri Per Forza is an amateur theatre company based in Bologna. Amateurs they may be, but they do put on a good show, mainly because they refuse to take themselves too seriously. In their own words: 'metterci in scena ci deverte' (essentially, 'we put on performances for fun') . What better reason to put on a show just for the sake of putting on a show.
I was lucky enough to be able to work with the company in their latest production; a scene from Friedrich Schiller's nineteenth-century play, Willhem Tell. I didn't quite make the cut for a role in the play, but they were kind enough to give me the role of light and sound technician for the production. It was a pretty cool experience. Working behind the scenes of the production made me appreciate the efforts of all those behind, as well as on, stage.
Leggeri Per Forza had been enrolled in the Festival Internazionale di Regia, which took place in Padova, North Italy. All the participants were required to enact a scene from Schiller's play. Similar to past ventures of the company, the competition was entered for fun.
Theatre groups such as Leggeri Per Forza demonstrate the rich cultural diversity that Bologna is home to. They also demonstrate that art will always be about having fun and enjoying the company of fellow artists. Of course, everyone loves their share of praise now and again, but it's nice to see so many actors taking a lead just for the fun of it.
Buon fortuna con tutte le vostre produzioni future
(I hope I got that right!)
http://sites.google.com/site/leggeriperforza
I was lucky enough to be able to work with the company in their latest production; a scene from Friedrich Schiller's nineteenth-century play, Willhem Tell. I didn't quite make the cut for a role in the play, but they were kind enough to give me the role of light and sound technician for the production. It was a pretty cool experience. Working behind the scenes of the production made me appreciate the efforts of all those behind, as well as on, stage.
Leggeri Per Forza had been enrolled in the Festival Internazionale di Regia, which took place in Padova, North Italy. All the participants were required to enact a scene from Schiller's play. Similar to past ventures of the company, the competition was entered for fun.
Theatre groups such as Leggeri Per Forza demonstrate the rich cultural diversity that Bologna is home to. They also demonstrate that art will always be about having fun and enjoying the company of fellow artists. Of course, everyone loves their share of praise now and again, but it's nice to see so many actors taking a lead just for the fun of it.
Buon fortuna con tutte le vostre produzioni future
(I hope I got that right!)
http://sites.google.com/site/leggeriperforza
Friday 11 November 2011
LA ONO ARTE CONTEMPORANEA
LA ONO ARTE CONTEMPORANEA is what reminds me that Bologna belongs not just to Italy, but to the world.
The latest exhibition at this gallery of contemporary art in the centre of Bologna is entitled
la ono arte contemporanea
Via Santa Margherita, 10 - 40123 Bologna - Italy
Tel/Fax +39 051.262465
The latest exhibition at this gallery of contemporary art in the centre of Bologna is entitled
la ono arte contemporanea
Via Santa Margherita, 10 - 40123 Bologna - Italy
Tel/Fax +39 051.262465
Thursday 10 November 2011
Why don't Italians get fat?
It's a question that puzzles us all. Bologna itself has been nicknamed 'la grassa' (the fat one) because of its cuisine. Simply put: CARBS! How can Italians eat so many carbs and still stay so slim?
Well, I think I've figured it out. I think part of it has to do with some special gene that makes their metabolisms work at an enviably speed. Part of it also has to do with the fact that, in Bologna at least, Italians walk or cycle almost everywhere. It's the fastest way around given the confusing road plans that makes getting to the street opposite mean driving through half the city first.
The other part has to do with their attitude towards food. Whilst many tourists come to Italy mainly to indulge, and I do mean in the most gluttonous way possible, Italians eat incredible food everyday of their lives. And because of this easy access to pizza, pasta and dolce delights, they indulge in very small quantities. After all, true Italian pizza will still be available tomorrow. So, yes the Italian do love a good carb fest, but they also know how to enjoy food in healthy quantities. This is something that I've finally come to understand. I'm here for an entire year; there's no need to eat everything in sight at the count of 3.
Another reason for the Italians' healthy attitude towards food is due to the important part that food plays in Italian culture. I've mentioned in previous blogs that dinner is an important time of day for Italians. Dinner preparations can take hours, as can the whole affair of dining. For this reason, food is eaten slowly, in small quantities, and often without 'second helpings'. Fast food isn't the done thing in Italy. Food is too important to be fast.
So, you may come to Italy with the intention of eating your way through the country and leaving with an extra few pounds as a souvenir of the experience, but the people that live here know how good their food is and enjoy it in guilt-free quanitites.
But, of course, secretly I do think it's all to do with their amazing metabolisms.
Well, I think I've figured it out. I think part of it has to do with some special gene that makes their metabolisms work at an enviably speed. Part of it also has to do with the fact that, in Bologna at least, Italians walk or cycle almost everywhere. It's the fastest way around given the confusing road plans that makes getting to the street opposite mean driving through half the city first.
The other part has to do with their attitude towards food. Whilst many tourists come to Italy mainly to indulge, and I do mean in the most gluttonous way possible, Italians eat incredible food everyday of their lives. And because of this easy access to pizza, pasta and dolce delights, they indulge in very small quantities. After all, true Italian pizza will still be available tomorrow. So, yes the Italian do love a good carb fest, but they also know how to enjoy food in healthy quantities. This is something that I've finally come to understand. I'm here for an entire year; there's no need to eat everything in sight at the count of 3.
Another reason for the Italians' healthy attitude towards food is due to the important part that food plays in Italian culture. I've mentioned in previous blogs that dinner is an important time of day for Italians. Dinner preparations can take hours, as can the whole affair of dining. For this reason, food is eaten slowly, in small quantities, and often without 'second helpings'. Fast food isn't the done thing in Italy. Food is too important to be fast.
So, you may come to Italy with the intention of eating your way through the country and leaving with an extra few pounds as a souvenir of the experience, but the people that live here know how good their food is and enjoy it in guilt-free quanitites.
But, of course, secretly I do think it's all to do with their amazing metabolisms.
Wednesday 9 November 2011
Springtime in November?!
This is definitely not what I would classify as a typical winter's day: clear skies, highs of 17°C, nice breeze. I'm beginning to look forward to springtime already! Oh the joys of global warming!
Monday 7 November 2011
CIOCCOSHOW 2011!
I think this has just made my day- the Bologna Chocolate Fair! The 16th to 20th November is going to make la vita italiano even more dolce! With handmade chocolates on offer from both within Italy and around the world, this event is going to be given major priority in my diary!
Also, on a side-note: I love the defacement of Neptune with chocolate smothering and the wistful PR efforts to test our willpower against temptation on the Cioccoshow website: Cioccolato e gola (uno dei 7 peccati capitali)...chocolate and gluttony (one of the seven deadly sins).
I think just this once temptation is justified...
http://www.cioccoshow.it/index.php
Also, on a side-note: I love the defacement of Neptune with chocolate smothering and the wistful PR efforts to test our willpower against temptation on the Cioccoshow website: Cioccolato e gola (uno dei 7 peccati capitali)...chocolate and gluttony (one of the seven deadly sins).
I think just this once temptation is justified...
http://www.cioccoshow.it/index.php
VINO BAR
Situated just off Via Degli Orefici, this bar is just a walk away from the central Piazza Maggiore. It's one of those places that you really can say transforms itself at night. I can guarantee that you won't find it in broad daylight- all that you'll see is yet another shuttered establishment. However, if you're lucky enough to stumble across it between 7pm and 10.30pm, you'll see the place heaving with people. This bar is so busy that people take their glasses (or bottles) of vino and stand on the street outside.I don't actually think this place has a real name. All that is visible is a small sign stating 'VINO'. The smallness of the sign perfectly compliments the modest interior; wooden chairs and long tables that are always guaranteed to be occupied. There is a little stage area at the back that frequently hosts live local bands. I never quite get there on time to bag a table, but it's always more fun to stand out on the road with fellow drinkers.
The reason why this tucked away little bar attracts so many loyal customers is because of the quality and inexpensiveness of the vino. A glass of prosecco will set you back only 2euros and with not one taste of cheapness to go with it!
This place is definitely one of Bologna's hidden gems and deserves a visit!
Thursday 3 November 2011
Trekking Urbano
Ok, so this did take place last weekend but I have only just t found a spare moment to blog about it. But I completed my first ever trek (anywhere)!
My first experience of trekking included an over-excited old man who was on a one-man mission (I think he forgot he was meant to be a guide for the most part) to uncover the path that could be utilised should Bologna decide to construct a subway system. It took me about half an hour to link this with the theme of the trek: in mezzo scorre il fiume (the river runs through it). Apparently, it's a feasible idea to construct a subway system following the paths of the rivers in Bologna. I still don't understand why Bologna needs a subway system- the city is too small to justify hopping on a train to get from one side to the other!
The tour began in the town of Cassalechio, a bus journey out of main Bologna, where we were shown some wonderful streams and waterfalls in secluded parts of the town. Il Parco fluviale Riva Reno Romainville had a beautiful riverbed with an abundance of white-washed rocks. Above this was suspended a eerily-modern white bridge that made me think more of San Francisco than medieval Bologna. The walk over the bridge reminded me of being on a ferry on a particularly windy day. Or just being blind drunk.
Anyway, the tour was a successful one and I can know tell you the location of many pretty riverbeds in and around Bologna, as well as many reasons why Bologna does not have a subway system- for good reasons.
Trekking Urbano was carried out from 29 to 31 October and it was completely free to participate. Not bad. Not bad at all. It takes place every year and it definitely a good way to see a different side to Bologna.
http://www.trekkingurbanobologna.it/
My first experience of trekking included an over-excited old man who was on a one-man mission (I think he forgot he was meant to be a guide for the most part) to uncover the path that could be utilised should Bologna decide to construct a subway system. It took me about half an hour to link this with the theme of the trek: in mezzo scorre il fiume (the river runs through it). Apparently, it's a feasible idea to construct a subway system following the paths of the rivers in Bologna. I still don't understand why Bologna needs a subway system- the city is too small to justify hopping on a train to get from one side to the other!
The tour began in the town of Cassalechio, a bus journey out of main Bologna, where we were shown some wonderful streams and waterfalls in secluded parts of the town. Il Parco fluviale Riva Reno Romainville had a beautiful riverbed with an abundance of white-washed rocks. Above this was suspended a eerily-modern white bridge that made me think more of San Francisco than medieval Bologna. The walk over the bridge reminded me of being on a ferry on a particularly windy day. Or just being blind drunk.
Anyway, the tour was a successful one and I can know tell you the location of many pretty riverbeds in and around Bologna, as well as many reasons why Bologna does not have a subway system- for good reasons.
Trekking Urbano was carried out from 29 to 31 October and it was completely free to participate. Not bad. Not bad at all. It takes place every year and it definitely a good way to see a different side to Bologna.
http://www.trekkingurbanobologna.it/
Wednesday 2 November 2011
GELATOS!
Of course, being in Italy for a month now I've had a good few gelatos. I have now come to the decision (and this took me a while to reach) that my favourite Gelateria in Bologna is...drum roll please! GELATERIA GIANNI. I warn you though- it will take you a good few minutes to choose a flavour. The flavours are endless! Lucky for you all- Bologna has two branches of Gelateria Gianni- one on the corner of the popular Via Zamboni and the other tucked away on Via Monte Grappa. Personally, I prefer the latter just because of the quieter location. But by all means give them both a go!
http://www.gelateriagianni.com/
http://www.gelateriagianni.com/
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