Bologna, hotel d’Italia
Wedny May 20th
My Dear Constance
There was great confusion at the Station at Genoa the evening we departed. The start was delayed for nearly an hour after the appointed time and we were obliged to get into a 2d class carriage as we could not get places in any other. Fortunately our companions were quiet and civil. We started about ¼ past 7, and took about 3 hours ¼ to perform the journey, instead of 2 hours as stated in the time tables we had 4 engines, 2 before & 2 behind. The scenery seemed fine but could only be imperfectly discerned at night. There were several Tunnels, some prodigiously long, At Alessandria we stopped at the Hotel de l’Univers people very civil, hotel pretty good. on Tuesday we came here, the railroad is good & the train went fast – taking about 5 hours & a half from Alessandria to here. The vast and fertile plain of Lombardy is rather monotonous. A great religious fête is going on at Bologna, the picture of the Virgin, said to be painted by St Luke has been brought down from the Church on the summit of the hill 3 miles from the city and placed on the high altar of the Cathedral – The faithful are flocking to it in crowds – We leave tomorrow for Pistoja. Letters & newspapers to be forwarded to Poste Restante Lucca Baths.
Ela has taken a great fancy to this town.
Adieu. Your affte
Henry