My B-Towns - Bloomington and Bologna

The saying "Home Is Where The Heart Is" really holds true for many people. But recently having traveled 4,700 miles from Bloomington, I've had to make a new home for myself in Bologna, Italy. And I must say, both are putting up and excellent fight on winning over my heart. So I've decided to go old-fashioned and compare and contrast the two cities that have been such a huge part of my life.

Location

Bloomington:

Alright, I'm not going to lie, we all know the truth of the matter: The Midwest Sucks. Recently with Indiana being crowned meth capital of the US, I'm going to have to say there's really very few redeeming aspects about Indiana. However it's the state that I grew up in, and within reference to the State, Bloomington is quite close to Brown County State Park, Lake Monroe, and only about an hour and a half drive to Indianapolis. So the location could be worse (*cough cough* Purdue *cough cough*).

Bologna:

Located in the Northern part of the boot of Italy (the Knee region) and very close to both Milan, Florence, and Venice. Known for it's food, it's University, and it's communism. I've very recently started appreciating it's architecture for it's little designs that truly make it unique. Bologna, in general, has far more to offer historically than anything in the midwest ever will. Within the walls there are buildings older than I will ever be, and more traditions than I could ever understand. However, culturally, it is less diverse in population than Bloomington which includes students from around the country ranging differing economic status, gender, race, and background. Not to say it's lacking in culture in any way, students from around Italy and around the world bring a diverse range of people to the city.

Food

American/Ethnic:

Bloomington may be the most ethnically diverse place in Indiana in respect to their cuisine. 3rd Street alone is known for it's wide range of possibilities, and that's saying something for the middle of no where Indiana. I personally can say TurkuazCafe is my favorite place to go for a special occassion - and they don't break the bank. As far as american food, they have a grilled cheese food truck. Need I say more?

Mother Bears - By and far one of if not the most popular place to get food in Bloomington, and my favorite place to get a solid pizza.

Italian/Ethnic:

I apologize to all my fellow Hoosiers, but coming to Bologna I have realized how, in general, American food is lacking. Most italian dishes, contrary to American, are simple and pride themselves on their ingredients to bring out the flavor instead of using complex flavors to bring out the food. Bologna is famously known for two dishes: Tagliatelle al Ragu and Tortellini in Brodo. Both I can say with absolute certainty are nothing like anything offered in America. Their ethnic food is of the same calibur, and I have eaten at Indian, Chinese, and Greek food in Italy (promise not to tell my program!). I'm in the firm belief you have not tasted the real potential of food until you have tasted Italian food. Most, if not all, Italian restaurants by food grown and distributed locally - and you can honestly taste the difference. Osteria Dell'Orsa - My favorite place to eat so far. Ironically enough, called the "Bear's Tavern"

Architecture

Bloomington:

Known for it's infamous limestone buildings and pristine Arboretum, Indiana University probably spends most of our tuition on how it looks (lowblow, but again probably true). Honestly, the first time I landed on IU's campus was in the early fall, arguably the prettiest time of year on campus, and it took my heart completely. I'd never seen a place so beautiful and well taken care of, and it was in Dunn Woods where I decided that was the place for me (I guess we know why they spend so much money now).

Bologna:

Okay, in Bloomington's defense... it hasn't had a billion years to perfect it's look. With Bologna's portici and towers and churches, you really can't mask the wonder and beauty that Italy brings someone on a brisk spring morning. The architecture changes depending on the area, but for the most part it is a modern take on the old world that Italy offers to the weary traveler. You can sit on the steps of any building and look out to a pleasing sight.

University

Bloomington:

I don't really have to tell people how American universities work, seeing as most people reading this will most likely be FROM America. But let me just say right now, we have a lot more freedom to learn about what we wish and how we learn it. My favorite thing? SCHEDULING IN ADVANCE. It might seem overwhelming at times, because you schedule for classes a month or more before your current semester ends, but honestly there's a sense of peace after it's over.

Bologna:

The University of Bologna was made a f**ckton time ago. At one point in time I knew the actual date (sorry Dante) but it's been around for like 1,000 years or so. That being said, since their commencement they have grown larger and spread out throughout Bologna, while the original grounds are in the North East corner of the city. Strangely enough, the university system in Bologna (and in all of Italy) is pretty different than that of American life. Italian universities have a stricter curriculum and tend to an earlier specialization - some starting as early as high school. Students are not allowed to pursue more than one major, and minors do not exist. Because of this, students have fewer courses to personally choose from, as the university establishes the majority of them. The also have very little homework, as the majority of their grade is determined from a final exam. The benefit of this is that almost everyone graduates on time and knows what courses they're taking (*except for exchange students because they're allowed to take any course from any department they wish).

Night Life

Bloomington:

Where to begin? America kind of reigns supreme at having a crazy time at the bars and house parties. Bloomington especially, there's a reason it's a top favorite in the country, and Little 500 definitely helps. Kirkwood is most especially known for bringing out the rowdy in American college students, but I've been to plenty a house party (thank you frisbee team) that have gone above and beyond my expectations of a good time.

Bologna:

Surprisingly, there's a wide range of night life in Bloomington. Via Zamboni (think american bar) and Via Pratello (think pub/tavern style) are my personal favorites, with random bars and clubs thrown in here and there like "Millenium" and "Quba" that offer a lot in potential night life. Most italians actually prefer a steady buzz before getting properly tispy (drunk is pretty inappropriate), but I've definitely gotten pretty happy off of their cheap-as-hell wine (we're talking 2 euros for a bottle at a supermarket - 4 for a glass in the tavern). Plus open-bottle is legal in Italy, and I've seen people darty-ing on the train.

**P.S. Mom: I promise I don't drink that much ;)