Driving in this city is less than ideal and parking is even worse. Within a few months of living here, I already "bend the BMW" as the Italians say. So last year I walked everywhere because I had a two year old in a stroller. (If you have ever tried to shop with a two year old on the loose, you understand why I needed that stroller.) Even when my two year old needed stitches, we walked to the emergency room. It is a few blocks from my house and there is no parking at the hospital.
This year, however, I have joined all the other Ferrese and I go by bike.
Ferrara is the city of bicycles. The number of people biking here is among the highest in Europe. I'm not talking about Sunday afternoon leisurely bike rides. No, this is a way to get from A to B. It is common to see 80 year old women loaded down with shopping bags, whizzing past you on a bike. I often see people smoking a cigarette and talking on the phone pedaling down the street. People eat gelato while riding, teenage boys ride with their girlfriend on the bar in front and kiss while they ride down the street, people ride with their dogs in the basket. I've even seen a waiter in an apron biking while balancing a tray of espresso. This all used to amuse me, but after living here so long, it all seems quite normal.
Outside of the train station:
When I take the kids to school...
Saturday morning in centro...
On the way to dinner with my husband...
Sempre a bicicletta. (Always by bike). It is actually faster than driving but I'll be honest, the biggest advantage is that I can wear heels again.
YAAAYYY! A bicycle post with lots of pictures!! I love this! Great post, Lauren! I have never dreamed of riding a bike with heels on. Quite different here in America! Very cool!
ReplyDeleteOh how I've missed your postings! So glad to check again and find a new insight into life in Italy.
ReplyDeleteDo Italians lock up their bikes when they are inside a store? I didn't see any locks on all the bikes at the train station but maybe there were.
Grandma is so worried about those four inch heels on a bicycle. She is sure that they will get caught in the wheel's spokes. I told her that you were careful even though your oldest says, "She starts out a little wobbly." :>)
ReplyDeleteI love your comments! Grazie!
ReplyDeleteRiding with heels is no different that riding in running shoes. You don't use that part of your foot.
All the bikes are ALWAYS locked. Bike theft is the biggest crime in this little city!