Here and There Blog

Around the university area, and the tucked in along shop doors in the city.  Almost all the shop doors had art. This was one of the few that wasn't covered in graffiti.  Political statement about global warning/toxic fumes. Right by the University.    Part of a larger mural at the university.  Along the concrete street divider.

Walking and going into the buildings in the historic part of Bologna takes about 5 hours, including a lunch and a gelato stop. The city is small and compact and while I'm sure there is more to see, I'm happy with my day here. This is a place where you have to look up. So much art is on ceilings, sculptures on buildings, and towers to see that you'll miss out if only looking at eye level,    Even an average building can showcase artful entrance. With the Due Torri closed for restoration, we walked to the top of a church. (Also undergoing restoration) Nice view looking out of the city center.  Even walking along the side walk, there are columns and art. Always look up!

Don't let the sun fool you, it's a cold day in Italy! These were taken from the terrace of our hotel, located in Bologna's historic district. Good location and everything is walking distance. We spent a couple hours wandering around some of the churches and plazas. Now time for lunch!    The homes are all piled and layered in close quarters.  

I'm sitting in the SAS lounge at the Copenhagen airport, surfing the net while I wait for the flight to Bologna, Italy. I realize that after a combined 5 weeks in Denmark from Oct. 1 to today, I've spent more nights here than I have in my own house this year. Co-workers looked at my passport and remarked that I'm not a resident of anywhere. Odd comment but they have a point. I sometimes feel like I'm a resident of United airlines but only for a moment. Today, I'm off to experience Bologna and later this week go to Slovenia and get a few hours in Venice before finally going home for the holidays. I'm glad I had the opportunity to spend so much time in Denmark and get a glimpse into life here. It's different, California is better.  That's all. Home is good. Travel is good. Spending the rest of the week trying to avoid Doctor Who spoilers is not so good.  Next post from Bologna!

Jelling is the home to two large rune stones that were erected sometime around the year 1000. King Harald Bluetooth built the Jelling Stones as a way to give his parents a Christian burial, even though they were the last of the old religion in Denmark. Harald converted to Chritianity and brought the religion to Denmark, and has been credited with giving Denmark it's name. Harald did a lot! The runic writing on the Jelling Stones is the first written mention of the name Denmark and the picture of Christ is the oldest picture known in the northern countries. I didn't realize the northern countries were able to hold on so long to their own religions.  One of the burial mounds. The church was originally built by Harald to show his expression of the new religion. Of course, it burnt down, as did two later churches. The current church was built on the foundations of the previous buildings. The cemetery is still in use today.

The Horsens Abbey Church as it stands today has been reconstructed over the years from the original 12th century Franciscan monastery. I couldn't find a marker for who is buried there but it looks like friars, deacons, and famous patrons. The site also commemorates the Nazi Resistance movement in the 1940's.    The marker for the Nazi resistance movement. The Danish resistance started in Horsens.  

Sculptures you don't normally see. Below "Deer at the Spring" done for the 500th anniversary of Horsens.  Haven't found out about this one yet.  Wall painting as part of an artist takeover to create art in the city.  Not art but I liked the building.  Tucked away in a private courtyard.