We picked up the car in Bologna at noon, so it needed to be returned at the same time. Lucca to Bologna is almost two hours. I needed a stress-free change. Modena is renowned for food and fast cars- the supercar capital, and it was only half an hour from the airport. A great choice. We would stay two nights. Done.
We had time before checking in, when we accidentally found ourselves in the university cafeteria … not really but … well we were the only outsiders. This ‘mall’ is on the grounds of UNIMORE University of Moderna and Reggio and Emilia right in the middle of suburbia. The COOP is enormous, and all student needs would be met…almost. Fun is a dimension they have to isolate themselves. John went exploring in the supermarket which would best be referred to at the ‘ubermarket’- or even ‘huge-a-market’. I hung out in the canteen area. Food was cheap, coffee hot and strong and wifi free and fast. What more could we want?
I chose a B&B on the outskirts of town which I thought would be easy. …Wrong!! The internet can be so tricky. The entrance was a rutted road, lined with rubbish and recycling bins filled to overflowing off an exceptionally busy access road into the city. Then there was the massive gate. It was all a little perplexing.
La Corte Dei Sogni B&B is an establishment associated with a quality restaurant and a renowned l’acetaia. We enjoyed a meal at Antica Mokaand having arrived very early by European standards (19:30!) we were eventually joined by a host of guests, which made us feel a little more comfortable. Humans are so gregarious.
The degustation at the Acetaia was both informative and intriguing. Originating from Modena in the Middle Ages the elixir has been regarded as a miracle cure and good for everything from sore throats to labour pains! We were taken into the attic of the Acetaia and our host explained the process from harvesting the particular grapes -Lambrusco or Trebbiano- cooking the must and aging in wooden barrels. Later we were able to taste the various products including the DOP which is aged a minimum of 25 years. The Aceto Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP produced here sells at €120 for 100mL. We decided to leave it to the food aficionados.
We had sampled the food, tasted the Balsamico it was time to take a test drive. John had decided on Lamborghini. He booked a factory tour and a simulator -for me! He had also researched where we would go for lunch….the workmen’s café, of course. Ristorante da Taiadela, located right next to the factory, is a common lunch spot for the factory employees. They specialize in traditional Emilian dishes, mostly pasta and meat- I had the pasta John had veal accompanied by a half litre of red. We were truly sated!
The organised tour was at 14:30. We were directed to a section of the museum and instructed to put all bags, phones etc into a locker. Absolutely no photographs…after all the customer who has paid in excess of €250000 should be the first to take a photo of their bespoke car. Fair enough! We were taken by bus around the corner to the factory floor. 2000 employees work at Lamborghini. Our host related the story of the founder who was initially a tractor builder. He approached Enzo Ferrari with an idea but was spurned. He took on the challenge himself and built an amazing enterprise. It was a fantastic tour which took us through the process of building the car by hand. It lasted an hour but seemed just minutes. We were both enthralled. Then it was time for me to jump into the simulator. All in all, a wonderful experience.
