That’s because I have been walking around all day looking up, up, up!  Raveena is an amazing city of roughly 154,000 and is known mostly for its 1500 year old churches and its West Byzantine mosaics…….absolutely spectacular! It has an amazing history with art that represents Roman, Gothic, Byzantine and medieval periods.   Today, however, it is booming because of a big chemical industry and the discovery of offshore gas deposits but as you walk around downtown you see none of this.   What you do see, however, are hundreds of cyclists as it is known as one of Italy’s best cities for biking.     I am amazed at how relaxed they are on their bikes,  with no helmets, as the drivers around them just seem to not even notice.  I noted many cyclists talking on their phones as they cruised by,  but never did see anyone biking and texting, thank the Lord!   I, however, was not nearly as brave and didn’t even take out a bike that was free at our Hotel Astoria.   Once again the hotel was great and the Italian breakfast that was included was superb.  Also worth mentioning that it was in Raveena that I had my best meal thus far at Ca de Ven(house of wine).  Apparently it’s the most famous restaurant in Ravenna, according to Rick Steeves, and offers regional cuisine in a 16th century warehouse, communal style.   I had the grilled chicken and vegetables and almost licked the plate.    Oh and did I mention wine with that!