I am posting this blog about a month after I wrote it (and so these observations are from March), as well as the photos! I am excited to show the changes as we are finally getting through April, and into May.

As I’m sitting, my “roots” encounter dry earth, pigeons, cigarette butts, and fresh daises growing out of the ground. Sitting, I am wondering when the pond will fill up with the water. I love how, even in this paved-over city, daises find a way to push their way out of the ground.

Bologna’s water actually has a very interesting history. It has canals, hidden under the city, that were paved over in the 60’s. It was meant to be for health reasons, but now with climate change is has become a bit of an issue. They’re planning to start uncovering them next year. The canals, as well as much of Bologna’s water source, comes from the Casalecchio Dam on the Reno river.

I wasn’t able to find my university’s energy source, but Italy in general runs on a mix of petroleum, natural gas, coal, and renewables. I know Bologna has a plan to increase the share of renewables.

Bologna, generally, is a city of contradictions. It has good public transport, a good pedestrian structure, and strict enforcement of waste separation, yet it is still so car centric, and the air quality is often very bad. I am glad the canals will start to be uncovered – I think it will restore some of the lost beauty of this city. I just wish I was here to see it!