BOLOGNA INSIDE Second Edition - IWF Bologna

RELICS OF MAN
Be aware of old wells, especially around decrepit farmhouses or other rural outbuildings
where they might be covered by vegetation. In the woods, unexploded World War II
ordinances are still occasionally found. Do not allow your children to play in old bunkers
or other former military entrenchments. The same goes for canals and waterways in the
Pianura where the water is not safe for bathing or drinking.
POISONOUS INSECTS, SNAKES AND MUSHROOMS
While the girth and length (up to two meters) can make quite an impression, most of the
gray or black snakes you see in the Bolognese countryside are harmless biscia. However,
poisonous vipers also live here, particularly in dry, sandy or rocky areas. Like most snakes,
they are only dangerous when stepped on or otherwise scared or disturbed. While viper
bites are a rare occurrence, the venom is poisonous and requires transport to a medical
facility immediately.
You may come across a scorpion or scorpioncino, as small, black scorpions are called by
locals. Most Bolognese will tell you they are practically harmless, with a bite no worse
than a bee sting. There are also several varieties of yellowjackets, hornets and bees,
including the large calabrone, known to cause severe reactions.
Mushrooms hunting is popular (especially when the famed porcini are in season), but you
must know what you are doing, as there are many extremely poisonous varieties. For the
poison control center, see Chapter 4: Health.
HEALTH (See also Chapter 4)
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
In the case of emergency, dial 118 or go to the hospital nearest you. In addition to the
city hospitals listed in Chapter 4: Health, there are numerous provincial hospitals. Know
which is closest to you.
Bazzano – Ospedale Dossetti
Viale dei Martiri, 10/b
Tel. 051.838811
The train from Marzabotto could be
comfortable, when it wasn’t five minutes (or
an hour) late, or when it wasn’t deragliato.
You could read on the train, unless some
anziano with a loud voice sitting ten seats
away was holding court about his favorite
cold cuts. This happened to me regularly,
so now, even though I am a vegetarian, I can
say that prosciutto is the best, the little
mortadella that you get from the COOP is
OK but not as good as the stuff sliced off the
big ones at the salumeria, and bresaola is
just too lean to be really tasty!
Ann Gagliardi
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