Our goal was to find a place for lunch, but we found so much more. Walking down the alleyway, Mindy and I spotted a cellist performing on the corner by a little indoor marketplace. Knowing Mary, we figured she’d love to eat near here. We came back to the group with our findings, and Mary immediately sniffed out the cello music like we’d anticipated. The music was magical, and our whole group stopped to listen. The man was dressed well as he played songs from The Lord of the Rings. The gathering we made pulled more in, and the man got more and more money. He deserved it. I think all the girls in the group had a little crush on the slightly older cellist before we walked away.

Afterwards, we went into the marketplace that had fresh pasta, pizza, sandwiches, and everything else you could want. The place was filled with chattering Italians, and my tortelloni was filled with spinach and mozzarella. We sat outside enjoying the weather, our perfectly made pasta, and the cello music in the distance.

Afterwards, it was Tower Time. I began climbing the tower with a stomach full of food, exerting all the nutrients I had just consumed. Halfway up, I pause and ask, “Is now a good time to mention I don’t like heights?” I’m not a fan, but every other time in my life that I’ve been scared of something and pushed through I’ve never regretted it (aside from a small jet skiing incident in the ocean). I continue up the steps, holding my dress and watching the stairs so that I don’t fall down. A lot of steps and breaths later, I’m at the top with an incredible 360 degree view of Bologna. It was magical.

I ended my night in Bologna with a great meal with great friends, reflecting on all the events of the trip and seeing how it’s brought us all together. I feel like there’s something beautiful in Bologna, something I only saw a glimmer of. While I wish I could’ve experienced more, all it means it I have to go back some day to find out what else Bologna has to offer.