Who Pays the Price?

When I arrived in Bologna, one of my first cultural experiences was on the city’s bus system. After getting on a local bus and quickly realizing I was headed in the wrong direction, I lugged my bags off and wondered whether anyone would scream at me about the fare I never paid.  But no one …

PR for Marketing and for You

Something touched upon in our meeting with Edelman (HP’s relationship with Edelman’s Spanish office) is how the public relations function fits into the promotional puzzle of larger, MBA-driven organizations. One might be surprised to find that PR is, to many in the business world (particularly B2C), the last –albeit essential- step in the marketing process. …

The Exposure Disclosure

For all the talk about social media’s utility, its champions’ chatter on the proven role of selective exposure in public affairs appears muted. As far as public affairs advocates are concerned, a campaign full of social-media tactics will inevitably win over the hearts and minds of some of those on the other side of most any issue,…or …

Graffiti in Bologna

Nearly everywhere I go and look in this ancient city of Bologna, graffiti is sprayed across the walls of parks and monuments, to the insides of busses and even the outside of my apartment. Most of the time, these graffiti are words in Italian; other times, works of art, and occasionally, one might even notice …

The Sweeter Side of Italy

Gelato, the Italian-born but world-renowned creamy and flavorful ice cream, is more than just a dessert in Italy; it is an important component of the country’s social culture. Maybe it’s only because I have an excessively large sweet tooth and am jealously well aware of every tasty looking cone or cup in view, but it …

My Fantastic First Class Voyage on Lufthansa

The anticipation for my two-week trip to Bologna, Italy had been building at a steady pace as I came closer to my June 4th departure day. This trip had been a culmination of sorts. As a longtime and loyal American Express cardholder, I racked up enough points in their membership rewards program to qualify for …

A (Simple) Recipe for Success

  Despite my deep appreciation for good food, I can attest confidently that in just a few short days in the regional capital of Emilia-Romagna, the following is positively true: Bologna is a foodie’s paradise. Ristorànte, trattoria, ostería, bars, and cafés throughout the city feed the hungry and satisfy the palate, leaving patrons with a …

Historical Architecture & Aesthetic Environment

I was appreciating the interior of Trattoria Belle Arti, and it got me thinking: in an American restaurant, exposed-brick domed ceilings would be unexpected, amazing, and an expensive design decision; here in Bologna, it’s a standard feature of the local buildings and is likely how the space was when the pizzeria moved in. I’m curious …