The 7.56 am train from Venice to Bolgnga was excellent; packed with university students on their way to Padua, Ferrara and the like - a regionale; none of your intercity prices thanks!
Bologna streets are a feast for the eye - if you are into architecture made mainly of brick.
The duomo is plain inside, compared to the usual Italian basilica, but the height of the building is emphasised by the simplicity of the structure. The main piazza is amazing and reminded us of Florence and Sienna - a huge piazza; castlelike buildings and loads of bits and pieces which are essential to give the impression that Renaissance Italy is still with us.
Yes, there were loads of tourist groups; it gets easier to ignor them even if they are loud-mouthed Americans. Why do they always behave in such a crass way? Posted answers to the Department of US Education and Training must be in written in large block capitals using a black crayon on a single sheet of A4, ruled pale blue or green paper; words of more than two syllables are not acceptable ... ;)
We wandered about for hours just looking at the architecture which is so complex and interesting that it compensated for the frantic traffic and milling crowds. A visit to McDonnald's provided a much needed loo stop - always a good way of finding clean facilities.
Train back to Venice was less packed and a 42 vaporetto got us home in time for a feast of pasta and insalata. A 11 hour day in all - door to door; we were molto stanco.
It's better to travel than arrive ... then again ...