After three days in Bologna we headed off for a change, a 25 minute train journey had us stepping onto the platform in Modena, home of balsamic vinegar, Enzo Ferrari, Luciano Pavarotti and some fantastic places to visit. We had a rough idea to visit the Duomo and then have a wander around, just enjoying the place. Its a lovely little town, with enough to do for a day and if you add in the Ferrari museum or a vinegar tour as well, then you’ll be kept busy. For us we followed our nose and headed around from street to street, site to site and took our time. We started out leaving the train station and heading to the main square, Piazza Roma and the Palazzo Ducale di Modena (the huge military academy). We first headed into Chiesa do San Domenico before having a second breakfast of a cappuccino and a pastry. Next we headed down to Piazza Grande for the Duomo, the view from the Piazza is of the rear and side of the Duomo, with the front to the western side. We spent a while in this Romanesque cathedral, built in 1184 with a tall tower and a fascinating crypt holding the remains of Modena’s Saint Geminianus. After that we needed lunch, so wandered until we found a place we liked, Linda tried her best Italian only to be baffled by the reply! These learn a language videos are fine for the speaking part, but forget to add on potential replies! Undeterred we headed off for the fabulous Mercato Albinelli (the market), we’d skirted past on our search for lunch but I wanted to return as I’d spied something. We again looped around the stalls, looking at meats, cheese, jars, cafes and everything foodie, but there was one stall, a balsamic stall that I wanted to look at and as we approached the stools were empty. The young lad asked of I wanted to try a bit, oh yes please. The first spoon was just a cooking balsamic (the best I’ve every tasted), the second a glaze for meat or veggies (a step up in quality), then the 10 year old, stunning sticky sweet vinegar, use this for the Sunday dinner he said. Then the 25 year old, the young lad describing the process of barrels reducing in size as they go. Finally the 50 year old, the spoon still coated with the thick vinegar after I’d tried it, a stunning product. We bought two small bottles, cheaper than I could buy most balsamic back in the UK and can understand the efforts that goes into the making, similar to that of whisky here. I was very happy at this point, but had one further task to hand, a leather belt, or three to be precise, presents for my boys. The shop we chose was superb, and the owner measured me and cut my choice of belt to fit me with an extra hole. From there we headed back in the direction of the train station, passing two weddings as we went. For the second wedding we sat in a bar, as the guests lined the steps for 30 minutes, waiting for the bride and groom to emerge. Confetti everywhere as they came into the bright sunlight, driving off in a Mini Cooper! So a lovely day out, 6 euros on the train return to get there and some lovely gifts for us to take home.