Man, what a day! I’m an actuary, right? You know, crunching numbers, calculating risks, all that jazz. But today? Today was a wild ride in Bologna, Italy. Like, who knew this city could throw so much at me?
So, I wake up in my tiny hotel on Via Indipendenza. The sun’s shining, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill. I step out, and bam! The smell of fresh pasta hits me. I’m talking about the real deal, not that boxed stuff. I’m already drooling.
I stroll down to Piazza Maggiore. It’s packed! Tourists everywhere, snapping pics like they’re in a photo shoot. I’m just trying to enjoy my espresso, but these folks are blocking my view of the Basilica di San Petronio. Like, c’mon, people! Move it or lose it!
Then, I decide to check out the Two Towers, you know, Le Due Torri. I’m climbing up, and let me tell you, my legs are screaming. I’m sweating like a sinner in church. But the view? OMG, it’s worth it! Bologna sprawls out like a beautiful mess. Red roofs, terracotta everywhere. I’m feeling all poetic, like I should write a sonnet or something.
But then, I get a text. My boss wants me to run some last-minute calculations for a presentation. Ugh! I’m in Italy, not in my office! I’m about to lose it. I mean, can’t a guy enjoy his vacation? But I pull out my laptop in a café on Via Rizzoli. I’m trying to focus, but the waiter keeps bringing me more espresso. I’m like, “Dude, I’m already jittery!”
After that, I need a break. I wander over to Mercato di Mezzo. Food stalls everywhere! I grab a slice of mortadella, and it’s like a flavor explosion in my mouth. I’m in heaven! But then, I spill some on my shirt. Great. Now I look like a walking disaster.
Next, I decide to hit up the Archiginnasio. It’s this old university, super cool. I’m wandering around, and I see this ancient library. I’m geeking out, but then I trip over my own feet. Classic me, right? I’m on the floor, and everyone’s staring. I laugh it off, but inside, I’m dying.
Then, I meet this local guy, Marco. He’s hilarious! We start chatting about everything—food, football, life. He tells me about the best gelato in town. I’m like, “Dude, I’m in!” We head to Gelateria Gianni, and oh man, the pistachio gelato? Life-changing! I’m practically crying it’s so good.
But then, outta nowhere, it starts pouring. I mean, like, torrential downpour. I’m soaked in seconds. Marco and I duck into a little bar on Via Santo Stefano. We’re laughing, drinking wine, and I’m thinking, “This is what life’s about.”
As the rain eases up, I realize I’ve lost track of time. I gotta get back to my hotel, but I’m feeling all kinds of emotions. Happy, angry, surprised—like a rollercoaster. Bologna, you’ve got my heart racing!
Finally, I make it back, drenched but happy. I flop onto my bed, thinking about all the craziness. I’m an actuary, but today? Today was about living. Bologna, you wild city, you’ve taught me to embrace the unexpected. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!