{"id":7613,"date":"2014-02-12T22:47:58","date_gmt":"2014-02-12T22:47:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thesojournseries.com\/bavaria\/?p=7613"},"modified":"2017-05-10T19:43:27","modified_gmt":"2017-05-10T19:43:27","slug":"passion-padua","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.thesojournseries.com\/bavaria\/passion-padua\/","title":{"rendered":"A Passion for Padua"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are in Venice for a few days – as beautiful, addictive and fascinating as it is – at some point it is highly likely that the crowds are going to get to you, and you will find yourself craving some space… \u00a0 And when this finally happens, you could do worse than escape to nearby Padua to breathe for a while… \u00a0 I think it might be the perfect antidote to the hecticness that is one of the most popular places on the tourist map. \u00a0 At only 22 miles away it takes barely 40 minutes to get to from Venice as well (traffic dependent!)…<\/span><\/p>\n

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We arrived early on a Sunday morning, half expecting not all that much to be open – but we followed the sound of chatter through to a piazza, and (once we got a table – it appears to be THE thing to do on a Sunday) joined the locals at a cafe, basking in the warmth of the early morning sun. \u00a0 Add to that a first-class ristretto or two, some gelato sampling for the Small People (taste approved by their mother of course!) and it was a nice way to spend a couple of hours. \u00a0 And as we enjoyed our perch, we marvelled at the sheer agility of some of the parking going on in front of the Basilica – deftly accomplished by people obviously incredibly late for Mass…<\/span><\/p>\n

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Padua is one of those cities that time has been kind to, and has some incredible history to match its perfect buildings – \u00a0the <\/span>Basilica of Saint Anthony <\/a>is in itself reason to visit alone. \u00a0At almost 800 years old it’s an impressive and imposing multi-domed structure, and its Saint just happens to be patron of finding things, and of lost people (and having been known to need a hand with both from time to time, I slightly regret not popping in!)! \u00a0The University here is also of a similar respectable age and of equally impressive dynamics – and with former lecturers such as <\/span>Gallileo<\/a> himself is also pretty infamous .<\/span><\/p>\n

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As the day progressed and the temperature rose, we took solace from the sun in the shade of many an ancient arcade – perfect for both historical wanderings and gourmet exploration…<\/span><\/p>\n

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And as with most University towns, there is some great food on offer here. \u00a0 \u00a0 The name of this next place might not sound that appealing (evoking thoughts of medical ear procedures!?) but should you happen to chance upon a GROM\u00a0Gelateria, I really don’t think you should walk past. \u00a0 There are times that I might slightly exaggerate my fondness for various food stuffs on my little corner of the Internet, but this is one instance when I honestly really do mean that this is the best ice cream I have ever had. \u00a0 If you really really can’t decide which flavour to try (they are all good, I have tried most of them!) I recommend the <\/span>Crema Come Una Volta<\/a>, an exquisite egg custard vanilla ice cream with the slightest hint of lemon. \u00a0A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. \u00a0Don’t share.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Pudding before lunch safely dealt with, a short while later (having worked up further appetite), we decided on La Falconiere <\/a>for our next gastronomical adventure… \u00a0 \u00a0It might not look like much on the outside, but this little restaurant is yet something else I will remember Padua for… \u00a0Not least because the incredibly friendly and jovial host allowed The Small Girl to “help in the kitchen” which had me slightly worried about lunch (and her fingers as she wielded an enormous knife above her head!). \u00a0 \u00a0But all worry was unnecessary, as this delicious lunch was everything that good Italian food can be – simple, honest and delicious, and I would highly recommend it…\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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And there you have it – Padua. \u00a0 It really is worth tearing yourself away from those gondolas for… \u00a0 I will go back when it’s a little more open next time perhaps, but I like to think that if you get a good feeling for a place when everything’s mostly shut, it’s usually a good indicator of how much you will like it when everything’s actually open…<\/span><\/p>\n

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