Never a dull moment in Bologna

Barely here for 24 hours, we've already realized that Bologna is a lot like New York--a city that never sleeps!

There are performers of some sort on virtually every corner, like this guy who plays with fire to a very dramatic soundtrack.

There is live jazz (note the real baby grand, upright bass and actual drum set) at the outdoor bars, local rock bands set up on busy corners, and solitary guitarists sitting on sidewalks with their upturned hats collecting a days wage in centessimi.

Today we set out early to do the suggested walking tour of the city and were immediately stopped by a half marathon that was beginning and ending in the Piazza Maggiore, just steps from our front door. We stopped for a capuccino and enjoyed watching thousands of colorful runners pass by our table.