Things to do

Have a feeling that your Italian is much too academic?  You should have no trouble enriching your vocabulary at the one of the local football matches. You are sure to learn the latest and greatest of insults, and songs directed towards the referees and the opposite team.  As I tend to support Lazio, a holdover from my days in the Ciociaria, I was particularly amused by the Lazio Ultras chant of "tortellini e pompini" against the Bologna fans. 

Luckily a buddy of mine was a member of the BFC Ultras, so we had no trouble fitting in.  Who are the Ultras you ask? Why those are the crazy bastards who throw road flares onto the field.  Just remember two simple words Forza Bologna and you should come out just fine.  Despite the sometimes pernicious atmosphere, a Sunday spent at the stadium is usually a good time.  

Among other trade shows, Bologna holds one of the largest automobile and motorcycle showings in Europe.  Here you will be able see the new models of Italian makes such as Ferarri, Maserati, Ducati, and Alfa Romeo just to name a few, as well as concept cars and other foreign models.  Provided you had a valid driver's license they would test drive some models.  I for for one was able to be taken on a ride on a simulated rally course in the Subaru WRX. Motor Show is a week long and usually takes place in the second week of December.

   When it comes to go out, Bologna abounds with options.  Friday and Saturday evenings (weeknights too depending on what you study) usually begin with an aperitif at one of the local bars.  As my ballotta tended to frequent the more chic places.  After an aperitif, it was usually out to a restaurant or home for dinner.  From there it was off to the a club to dance or the pubs, depending on your mood and company.  Eating out in Bologna tended to be pretty expensive so most students tended to organize dinner parties on the weekends.  One restaurant I highly recommend however, is L'Osteria Broccaindosso, on Via Broccaindosso.  It serves up hearty rustic cuisine in more than sufficient portions.  There's no menu and the prices aren't labeled, but you're sure to be satisfied. Most of my favorite places are listed here.

Bologna has numerous civic festivals and student sponsored events. When the weather is nice, people flock to the Giardini Margherita for a pickup game of basketball or to beat on bongos in a drum circle, what ever your fancy may be.  If you have access to a car or a scooter going up to the colli, the hills surrounding Bologna can be a great place for a picnic.  Public holidays are also interesting affairs.  At New Years they burn a giant effigy in the main piazza.  Watch out for the fireworks and glass bottles being thrown out of windows. On Sundays the entire population takes to the streets for their afternoon passeggiata. Be sure to look for Beppe Lagrigilia in Piazza Maggiore. 

There are also many concerts that come directly to Bologna or to the surrounding area.  At the numerous venues I was fortunate enough to see Italian acts like Articolo 31 and Carmen Consoli, as well as internationally known groups such as the Cranberries and Morcheeba.  Look for the  MTV day concert that takes place at Parco Nord in the fall, as well as frequent free concerts in Piazza Otto Agosto.  In June there is the three day rock festival Heniken Jammin' Fest at the nearby Autodromo di Imola.  

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