The city of bicycles (and balloons)

Ferrara is known as the city of bicycles and so when we visited Ambra and Paola there we had to get some too. With all the bike paths (often cobbled ...ouch!) and lovely weather it was the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

The old Jewish ghetto. The city had one of the largest Jewish communities in Italy reaching a peak of over 2,000 inhabitants. 96 were deported during the 2nd WW










Via Volta (archway)








And there was also a balloon festival going on in the skies above the city.








But the fun didn't end there . Ambra also treated us to a special vegetarian lunch of local specailites including farainata (chick pea batter), pumpkin souffles (recipe please) and even a cake without sugar, butter or eggs which still managing to be rather tasty (and probably just as fattening!).

We also had a bit of 'yarn' talk. Rav pals might like to visit her on the community. She does some lovely crocheting too.

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Ambra/amigurumi-penguin

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Ambra/grant-park-pullover

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Ambra/sagrantino-shawl

My idea of bliss.....

Knitting on the beach at Cesenatico.
Seascape stole.












On a near empty beach at the end of the season whilst the rest of the family caught up on sleep.

With a stroll to the port and back.

I even managed to finish this hat made from Noro Kureyon. A wonderful knit, pity it doesn't really suit me !

Medieval maidens

Back in 1077 the local queen, Countess Matilda, brought peace to troubled Europe by inviting the German emperor, Henry IV, to beg pardon of the
Pope of the time, Gregory VII.
Apparently the poor king waited three days in the snow before the pope gave in and let him in!

The village's claim to fame is celebrated on the first Sunday of September (when temperatures are decididly higher) with a medieval pagent.
Lindy and all her friends dressed up for the day and they looked so pretty I thought I'd dedicate this week's bulletin to them.














Silvia














Enza














Sana














Laura

And where did this one creep in???

As they say in Italian L'ABITO NON FA IL MONACO !!!! (Don't judge b y appearances) - our cheeky nextdoor neighbour Pelle disguised as a monk.