The End of the Journey: Bergamo

The new Bergamo is indeed a city of one-way streets. To get to our B&B I had to drive in a narrowing spiral, until we zeroed in on the right street where I happily parked right under a “no parking” sign without realizing it until the next morning (no attention of the road authorities was attracted though).

The B&B Abelia was neat and clean, staffed by slightly over energetic people who were helpful and kind though: we were happy to accept their offer to drive us to the foot of the cable car which would take us to the old “upper” city and their advice for a place to eat there was useful, indeed: away from the tourist street was tucked in a cozy restaurant with a big outer terrace, packed with locals – always a good sign. Pizza – average, prices – acceptable, service – friendly and quick, which was useful because the last cable car back down was scheduled only minutes later than we had paid and left.

Surely enough, a half hour walk back to the B&B was due. Evening Bergamo is quiet and mostly pleasant. “Mostly” definitely does not include the piazza della Liberta where I had a double shock: from the appaling ugliness of the Auditorium building and then, immediately, when I discovered that I am standing on top of an abyss without realizing it: flimsy steel grills are covering some gigantic wells, at least 10 meters in diameter and what looked like 10 storeys down. I freaked out quickly and quite seriously, I have to say to my shame. Even the approach to our street around what looked like either abandoned factory or a prison (graffiti-covered walls with barb wires on top, dark grim buildings inside) wasn’t able to shake me further.

But all well that ends well which also goes for the rest of the trip. “Smooth” was the word for how everything went: pack, drive, refuel car, airport, car rental place, shuttle, check-in, flight – check-check-check… Farewell, bella Italia!