My Trip to Italy

My Trip to Italy

My trip around Italy gave me the chance to try some of its regional cuisine. It was such a whirlwind that it is sometimes hard to separate one place from another in my mind. My time in Bologna, however, is perfectly imprinted in my memory. There, I had a lunch date to eat the most famous of Italian exports — spaghetti Bolognese!

My friend Marco had invited me to Bologna. He always said one day I should visit his home city and eat thewell-known Bolognese dish, but, he added, “as you’ve never tasted it before.” I had no idea what he meant, but about one thing I was sure; I had read in my guidebook that the Bolognese sauce, which includes beef, onions, carrot, celery, tomato paste, meat, milk, salt and pepper, dates back to the 5th century!

After my train pulled into Bologna station, I wandered towards the famous Piazza Maggiore, the very heart of the city. Passing by a shoe shop window display, a pair of elegant shoes caught my eye immediately. “I must try those on,” I thought. They were perfect and this purchase made my day.

After shopping it was time to head for food! I found myself back at the piazza to find Marco had already arrived. We made our way to his grandmother's home for lunch. She was waiting to greet us at the door. I could smell the aroma of home cooking. “I can’t wait for the spaghetti Bolognese," I exclaimed.

Grandma looked confused. “Spaghetti? In Bologna, we never serve spaghetti with Bolognese sauce. We use thick pasta like fettuccine or tagliatelle.” Smiling, Marco said, “I told, you you’d be surprised. Bolognese sauce might be eaten with spaghetti all over the world, but never in Bologna!” I must say, Grandma’s Bolognese was perfect. It had been a lovely day with smart new shoes, great company and delicious food. I could hardly complain!