Sunday morning reflections: the quiet side of Modena
Woke up to a chilly but bright morning here in Modena. It's only 4°C outside, but the sunshine streaming through my hotel window made it seem warmer somehow. I've been up since 7:30, enjoying the quiet Sunday morning atmosphere of this small Italian city.
The streets are nearly empty at this hour on a Sunday. I went for a short walk around 8:30, finding most of the city still asleep. There's something special about experiencing a place before it fully wakes up - you get to see the bones of it, the architecture and layout without the distraction of crowds.
I stopped at a small café that was miraculously open and ordered my morning espresso. The barista seemed surprised to see a customer so early, but greeted me with a warm "Buongiorno!" The coffee here is exceptional - intense and flavorful without being bitter. I sat by the window watching the sunlight gradually bring color to the terracotta buildings.
The cathedral in solitude
After coffee, I walked to the Duomo, arriving just as it opened. Being the first visitor of the day meant I had this UNESCO World Heritage site almost entirely to myself. What a difference from yesterday's experience! The morning light filtered through the stained glass, creating pools of color on the stone floor.
I sat in one of the wooden pews and just absorbed the atmosphere. The silence was only broken by the occasional footsteps of the cathedral staff. These quiet moments in historic places are becoming some of my favorite travel experiences.
The Romanesque architecture is so different from the Gothic cathedrals I've seen elsewhere in Europe. There's something more grounded and solid about it - less reaching for the heavens and more firmly rooted in the earth. The carved stone reliefs on the exterior are particularly impressive, telling biblical stories to those who couldn't read.
Weather warnings and planning ahead
Checking the weather forecast has become part of my morning routine. Today shows a yellow warning for snow and ice starting this evening, and tomorrow there's a wind warning too. The temperature is supposed to drop further tonight.
I'm glad I arrived yesterday and got to see the market and explore a bit before this weather sets in. The forecast shows clouds moving in later today, with the current 4°C likely being the warmest it'll get. I'm planning to make the most of the morning sunshine.
My original plan was to visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum today, but I'm wondering if I should prioritize outdoor activities while the weather is clear. The museum would be a perfect activity for tomorrow if the wind picks up as predicted.
Reflections at day 89
Sitting here in my hotel room now, watching the city slowly come to life, I realize I'm approaching the 90-day mark of my journey. Almost a fifth of my 500 days has passed already. The initial excitement and adjustment period has given way to something different - a rhythm that feels sustainable for the long haul.
Italy has been an unexpected gift. I originally planned just a few days in Rome, but I've been drawn deeper into this country, extending my stay to explore Bologna, and now Modena. Each city reveals a different facet of Italian culture, and I'm learning to appreciate the subtle differences between regions that might seem similar to outsiders.
There's a certain confidence that comes with travel experience. I no longer feel the need to see everything or worry about missing out. Instead, I can appreciate whatever each day brings, whether it's a famous museum or just a quiet morning coffee watching local life unfold.
The yellow weather warnings for tonight and tomorrow are a reminder that travel doesn't always go as planned. But after 89 days on the road, I've learned to adapt. There's always something to discover, even if it's not what you originally came for.
I'll head out soon to explore more of Modena before the clouds move in. Maybe find a traditional place for lunch. With 411 days still ahead of me, I'm in no rush. Today is about savoring this moment, in this place, exactly as it is.