Exploring Modena, Italy - city of the flâneur (4K)

A three-day visit to Modena in the north of Italy where I lived for a period of time at the beginning of the millennium. Modena is one of the great food cities of the world, famous for its Balsamic Vinegar but also known as the home of Ferrari, Lambourghini, and Ducati. It is sometimes called The Mink City as it was the wealthiest city in Italy. Its Duomo, the Cathedral of San Geminiano, and the Ghirlandina tower are UNESCO world heritage sites.
Includes readings from my unpublished book about my time living in Modena - The Mink City Journals, and The Cadogan Guide to Bologna & Emilia-Romagna.
Dinner was at La Smorfia and Osteria Ruggera
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________________________________________________________________
Music:
Fortress Europe by Dan Bodan
Hallowed Days by Chasms
Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 by Liszt
Nevada City by Huma-Huma
Pachabelly by Huma-Huma
King of Peace by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommon...)
Artist: www.twinmusicom...
Unknown Longing by Asher Fulero
Bellissimo by Doug Maxwell
Waiting by Andrew Langdon
Eureka by Huma-Huma

[@shesaidyesnoyes]

As a Modenese living abroad, a big THANKS for this video. You made me see a lot of places in which I grew up. And you made me cry... Isn't life funny? I'm a modenese who spent many years in London, and you seem to be a Londoner who lived in Modena... Please keep up the good job with the nice videos... If you make emotional the people as you did with me, your channel will easily be one of the best on KZbin. ❤

[@bfcyouthelement1986]

Don’t usually do this but your channel is brilliant. I love stumbling across these “small” channels. Production quality and music are brilliant. Keep it up mate 👍🏼

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks so much Braemar

[@KimGen712]

Another lovely video. Your music choices are always spot on!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Kimberly

[@abog.jenniferrivera822]

I lived there from 2003 to 2004 as an exchange student. Thank you for making this video! It brought me back so many memories.

[@littleacornslandscapes2935]

Not your normal type of walk John, but so very good to watch. The music and the editing were immense. Wishing you a very prosperous 2020 !

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks indeed Little Acorns - wishing you a great New Year as well

[@RossRoams]

Another great video, Modena looks awesome. Fabulous narration as usual. This really separates you from other vloggers who don't talk much (like me 😊). Keep up the great work..!!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks for that Ross, very kind

[@Nuwerra]

A wonderful glimpse of Modena, thank you for sharing.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for watching Noor

[@louis_66]

Love the snowstorm - how beautiful - the black umbrellas.

[@aujay]

The great thing about only finding you this year (2023), is that there are so many amazing episodes still to watch ! Cheers Jay Melbourne, Australia

[@lesliegprice6652]

You are a right globe trotter !! Italy is such a beautiful place,nice to see blue skies and dry weather, enjoy the rest of your holiday, safe trip back, see you on the next walk wherever that is .....Bless

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Leslie - hope you have a great winter break

[@alexthomson7465]

What a joy to watch ! An absolutely gorgeous place! I went to Bologna a few years back and loved it. Didn't have time to visit Modena but this has shown me what a lovely place it is! Thanks Jogn

[@Bid361]

I greatly enjoy your walks around London and as an expat who has lived in Modena for many years I also appreciated this nostalgic walk around. You managed to capture its essence perfectly 😊

[@BaronMichaelDeBlone1066]

A bit of a classic for me is this one John. I am a foodie, Italian being my favourite cuisine but the only thing I knew about Modenese food before I watched this video was its famous Balsamic vinegar which I use myself from time to time. To think how much Tortelloni I have eaten, oh dear. I like it with Minestrone as well. Fascinating stuff. I make my own cider vinegar and white wine vinegar but not had any success with any red (yet). I imagine that you can live very cheaply in Italy cooking your own food but I know from watching your other videos that you love eating out. Those pizzas looked interesting and a half. I was in heaven during that market section and would no doubt go bonkers and over do it if I ever went in there. Wonderful architecture and town planning. It would be difficult to not feel a sense of romance in Italy especially when it is snowing.

[@Mick_Holland]

Working my way at random through some of your back catalogue, John. This is a beautiful film.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Mick

[@bethmcdonagh1680]

I'm a Londoner who recently moved to Bologna, and was watching some of your London videos, feeling nostalgic about home. Then came across this video about my neighbouring city, thank you for the lovely film and host of recommendations, I think I'll visit Modena soon!

[@jamesrobertstclair]

This is wonderful. I’ll be visiting Modena, and Italy, for the first time later this month and this video makes me excited about being there. Thanks for your work!

[@tomgirldouble3249]

Am looking forward to this my treat for this evening, hectic few days with my man in hospital, hopefully home tomorrow. Happy new year to you and your family John XX 💕😋

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Hope your partner is on the mend tomgirl

[@tomgirldouble3249]

John Rogers thank you John, yes he is but he has to give up smoking, not easy...but totally necessary. I haven’t smoked for years. 😔

[@spoodis]

I spent some beautiful time in Modena this past summer--I was entranced watcing this quite lovely and introspective film--bravo to John Rogers!

[@nogu3iravini]

Spent three weeks at Modena about four years ago. I have good memories of that place, since it was the first city I've been to outside my country. I just loved getting lost on those streets. One thing that really triggered me was to remind the silence of the streets by the night, just like at your video. I would go for long walks at night and could just hear people footsteps. No talking, no music, no cars. That's very unique.

[@davidfarrell7373]

Reflective and as always immersive. Fantastic John. Thanks.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks David

[@humble4533]

Thank you for sharing a very personal journey which was interesing and wonderfully filmed. Again I appreciate all your efforts. I wish you and your family a happy healthy and prosperous new year and look forward to future videos

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks Humble and a Happy New Year to you

[@humble4533]

Thank you John

[@gramhilleard943]

Thank you John, I really enjoy these travels, it's like walking along, chatting with an old friend. I saw this particular one before going to Modena and was capitivated by your humility and the fact that you didn't indulge in the cliche 'Foodie' side that so many other do!

[@rosswebster7877]

Buongiorno John and thanks for this unexpected Italian treat! I had no idea there was so much to Modena, from its rich history to its epic looking food! A Happy New Year to you and your family!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks Ross and very glad you enjoyed the video - a very Happy New Year to you and yours

[@thewalkingman777]

There's a real beauty in how you see and experience the world, John. So much heart goes into everywhere you go, be it around the corner in Marsh Lane fields or over in Modena. What shines through is that everywhere has a story and everywhere matters to you. Your enthusiasm for places is completely egalitarian. Ps - the bit in the snowstorm at the end was like a Lowry painting!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks so much for that Jingly Pockets, that’s a wonderful sentiment to pass on and is greatly appreciated

[@edzeppelin]

Thank you for the informative and entertaining video. I'll be visiting Modena and other spots, in the Spring. your work here has got my juices flowing....👌

[@dcbreg6440]

Really enjoyed the video John. We were in Bologna the week before Christmas & so about the same time as you appeared to be in Modena. It was a first time visit for us as I wanted to go there for two reasons, the food & the opera. Your "vid" was a great find & so Modena is now on our list as well as the opera hose. Modena looked very relaxed compared to Bologna where about 3 in 10 persons appeared to be towing a suitcase. Once again John, thank you for sharing.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks dcb - yes Modena is distinctly more relaxed than Bologna, the contrast really struck me this time. Hope you enjoy your trip to Modena when you get there, it's a wonderful City

[@oldschool5037]

Think it’s the first time I’ve watched one of your videos and it’s made me feel hungry 😋 thx great video again John happy new year.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Matt

[@petersiegfriedkrug]

I like the alternation of single views and then again the large views. The video is very elaborately done. Thank you very much.

[@tomgirldouble3249]

That was lovely John. So nice for you to meet your old Landlady, and to enjoy such a memorable visit. Strange, but I always think of Italy as being hot! Loved the snowstorm at the end. A happy new year to you and your famil , I'm sure I've wished you this before...sorry to repeat myself if I have 😊😁

[@JohnRogersWalks]

So glad you enjoyed it tomgirl - it was a really special trip for me. A very happy new year to you as well

[@Baphomet-J.-Moon-Fetus]

What a lovely, lovely video John. Exactly the kind of cosy magical escapism I needed on the last night of the year - Thank you for sharing Modena :) A pity about your favourite restaurant. The menu sounded rather more delicious than the conciliatory pizza, even as an ex-carnivore. I hope you remembered the Italian for 'Topic' ;) See you on your next walk - wherever that may be..!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks so much Paul. I really must learn the Italian for 'Topic' - I did buy a sack of biscuits that I worked through back at the apartment

[@timbuthfer]

Your choice of music is sublime John. Your videos are works of art. Really enjoyed vicariously journeying through your memories of Modena with you. A beautiful city, now on my list. Loved your turn of phrase, "visiting memories left annotated on the streets". Would love to buy you a beer sometime in the Byrds leytonstone.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks very much Tim - please do come and say hello if you see me around Leytonstone, I mostly haunt the Red Lion but certainly more than happy to pop into the Byrds

[@LegoExotics]

Grazie! Thank you so much for this video. My grilfriend and I went to Modena for the last three years in September. To see "her" in the snow is totally different, espescially with the x-mas lights... really considering to go there in the the winter. PS: we always enjoyed to have dinner at "La Smorfia". Best food from the best hosts in the best city. :D

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thank you for watching. It's such a beautiful city, and becomes even more atmospheric in the winter. It was a real pleasure to make this video

[@christopherross609]

I love your films John. Watched many in London before we visited and now we are in Moderna . Peace and love and keep up the great,warm,sincere caring work that you do . Very much appreciated.❤️

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks Christopher

[@katcankan7129]

This was a real treat, complete with maps, thank you John. That part of Italy is beautiful. 30:17 lt maybe Neptune with his trident, the Roman god of freshwater & the sea.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Kat - hoped you see the maps. Thanks for the note on Neptune, sounds like a good call

[@katcankan7129]

@@JohnRogersWalks 😊

[@voxley19]

Fantastic- makes you want to take the next plane over to Italy to see Modena.

[@kdean9537]

Beautiful John! Thank you for sharing your wonderful story...really enjoyed the video. All the best for a Healthy, Safe & Happy New Year to you and your family! ....take care

[@CyclingSteve]

Thanks John, I loved that, you've got me dreaming of travelling. Hungarian Rhapsody No 2 peeking through in places being all playful. 😃

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Steve - that piece of music just seemed to fit the mood perfectly

[@CyclingSteve]

@@JohnRogersWalks I used it myself back in November on a video, cycling rather than walking I'm sorry to say, it did feature the Lea for a minute at the beginning. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZS3i4mFmK6ebM0

[@bigguy64]

Marvelous film. Thanks so much for the glimpses of Modena and also into your early life. I should imagine I would do much the same revisiting South London. Happy New Year Mate.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks very much Boyd - a Happy New Year!

[@TimothyHalkowski]

Fantastic! Thanks for sharing this!

[@user-nw2si7hu3u]

This makes me homesick. As a Modenese I say thank you for this lovely tribute to a great city!!

[@shesaidyesnoyes]

Puoi dirlo forte, amico!

[@toddboothbee1361]

Even as child my ambition was to become a flaneur, though I didn’t have the word for it. It seems the most natural state of being, though I’ve never been rich enough to be one more than rarely, and then only very part-time. Thanks for being a brilliant travel companion and master of narrative; thanks for making it possible for me to be a flaneur for a bit every week or so. I find it heartening that you seem to respect and miss your younger self and his life.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for sharing that Todd - much appreciated

[@g.t.36]

Great video John. Interesting

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks G. T.

[@DaveFord]

That was a nice surprise. Thank you.

[@darrenscaysbrook6038]

Great video John, really enjoyed it. Thank you. Happy new year.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks Darren, and a happy new year to you

[@janhenkins]

Brilliantly done, John!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Jan

[@briangordon3790]

I really enjoyed this John, the 40 minutes flew bye.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Brian

[@lindaruljancich8291]

What a beautiful city - really loved this video - I could feel your nostalgia for your previous time spent there Linda Melbourne Australia

[@bazangelopoulos]

Great, Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks Baz - a Happy New Year to you too

[@brainspace3133]

Great doco John. Really well done.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks

[@sianiswack633]

a beautiful return . With regard to the Italian involvement in WWII, I had many questions, some of which were answered by the wartime, and post-war diaries of Iris Origo.

[@harpocrate3811]

Beautiful place to live, really enjoyed watching this.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

many thanks

[@domenicodiniro413]

Thank you . Missing it so much.

[@dougmorris2134]

Hi John, that was one fantastic video, the night time scenes were magical. Best wishes from Oxfordshire.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks very much Doug

[@robertbarling5601]

Hi John. Thank you once again for a brilliant video. I have to admit that I am biased though as my son in law Alfredo is Italian. At the moment he, my daughter Kim and my grandson Alessio are in Perugia for Christmas and New Year. I am impressed by your knowledge and experience of Italy as it is not an easy language to learn. Best wishes, Bob.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for that Bob, my Italian did slowly start to return towards the end of the trip. I've never been to Perugia but I hear it's beautiful

[@robertbarling5601]

@@JohnRogersWalks Perugia is indeed beautiful and is well worth visiting if you get the chance.

[@janicebryant1424]

I love watching your video's but this was a real treat.

[@kenpickett9317]

This is great 👍 and a nice change of direction. Looks like you’ve lost a few lbs too! Happy new year from down under.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Happy New Year to you Ken

[@mihaelaradu2738]

Beautiful video🥰

[@stevegee7593]

An interesting video. Sometimes it is not possible to revisit the past, because places change and we ourselves have changed.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Very true Steve

[@davidhallard7427]

Beautiful film John.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks David

[@syedadeelhussain2691]

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU SIR!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Happy New Year Syed

[@syedadeelhussain2691]

@@JohnRogersWalks thx

[@markjameson-w3i]

Thank you John.I have been planning a visit to Bologna and your trip down memory lane has inspired me to want more than a side trip toModena.I'd really appreciate a link to that apartment.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Hope you have a great time

[@leobluesy]

Great video....... back for the last bit later... Regards...Leo

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Leo

[@TimBradford]

Lovely film, John.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks so much Tim - hope you're well. I stumbled across my copy of A London Country Diary today, lovely book

[@angelahalliwell2931]

Just watched your amazing video so enjoyable and I loved your editing and delivery. The apartment was fab too, have you got the details ? can't wait to visit next week. x

[@4thEyeVision]

Wow what a lovely place 😊

[@matteomolinari4888]

Hi, I m from Modena. At minute 6:09, that stone is the place where people were tortured and killed.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for that info Matteo - that stone has a much more sinister past than I thought

[@matteomolinari4888]

@@JohnRogersWalks If you want next time I suggest you to visit a Ferrari in Maranello or Pagani in San Cesario and also The Appennino Tosco-Emiliano if you want beautiful landscapes

[@mitchellpierce3316]

great youtube presentation. Thank you

[@tomcook7676]

John, please publish a small book about this visit with photographs!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Wonderful idea Tom - I did think that I'd write up this trip and merge with the material I wrote back them to make a new book, but I like the idea of making it a photo book

[@tomcook7676]

@@JohnRogersWalks I will be waiting, I enjoy watching your videos. My own journeys have become local, and intense. Getting to know my own backyard, then possibly venture three-day trips as you have done.

[@djrudog1158]

Thank you,very enjoyable 👏

[@eissa.al-abdullah]

Great city. And i do really love to go there some day!

[@matteo.milizia]

Hi John! Great video, as usual! By the way, from Wikipedia: "Cristoforo" comes from the late Greek name Χριστοφορος (Christophoros); is composed of Χριστός (Christós, "Christ") and φέρω (phérō, "to carry"), and therefore means "bearer of Christ", "he who carries Christ".

[@mariana4059]

What a treat! Really loved this walk, John - and perfect for the festive season, too. Also enjoyed the contrasts: London vs Modena, communism vs Fascism, historic inner city vs edgelands and beyond, memory of past vs present. And fantastic music choices.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Mariana

[@iviedbymightymt]

36:46 S. Cristoforo I assume is short for San Cristoforo (Italian for Saint Christopher)

[@shamz123pozzhsxk]

I’m from Modena and used to live there

[@anthonykennedy5324]

Just beautiful.

[@mykolakanyuk]

Great place. Good to see you traveling back in time.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

It was such a great experience going back, an impulsive decision that paid off

[@mykolakanyuk]

John Rogers I hope I'll be able to visit East London some time again in the future, where I ve lived 20 years ago.

[@AlexMolinariitalia]

And you didn't show Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati factory's/museum, and the countryside, Modena is small but full of history, is very alive on Saturday. Thankyou to show me Modena with an English cool voice😊

[@george474747]

When John called Pavarotti Modena's most famous son, I did stop and think 'what about Enzo Ferrari?'

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks for watching Alex - hope I can come back to Modena in the near future

[@GarlicInYourEye]

John, thank you for making this excellent video, I will be in Italy for 2 weeks during March and was considering spending some time in this area, definitely planning to do so after watching this. What was the name of the restaurant that you were attempting to go to Modena that was closed? Looking forward to watching more content from you, very good stuff! Cheers!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

My pleasure Nick, it was such a pleasure to go back to this beautiful city, defintely worth a visit. The restaurant was Trattoria Tagliatella and from reading comments online at the time looks like booking in advance is essential. Hope you have a great time in Italy

[@dhdeamele9826]

Next time hope to see you in antalya, Turkey. i like London loop. : D

[@MeTheRob]

Is that on the Docklands Light Railway ?

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I'd love to go there

[@themechanicdrredewaan5916]

Hi, I really enjoyed the time watching. Please let me know the info about the place you stayed at. Grazie

[@alexfernandohuenten1374]

Awesome

[@Mouxbar]

Coo, this isn't the Lea Bridge Road is it! The bucket in the cathedral was the cause of the War of The Bucket. Yes, a war. Over a bucket.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

No, although parts of it are not so disimiliar to Lea Bridge Road. They were always having a go at Bologna and vice versa, I think the Bolognese stole something from Modena as well

[@serenarouges]

La mia città ❤️

[@PB-mo1fs]

The noise of memory.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Ah yes the perfect phrase from Mr Kötting

[@madincraft4418]

Two thumbs up

[@wainerguerra435]

Ritorno al passato, memoria, dolce memoria.......

[@jordanbollen9877]

mate, I was in Modena in late January, and stayed in that EXACT AirBNB. How did you find the neighbours? ;)

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Ha that’s funny Jordan, what a great apartment, I think I know what you mean, the loud TV? I found it entertaining

[@هانيجاي]

Thank u from Morocco

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for watching Amjad

[@davelucraft5825]

Lovely city, particularly at night, but like most places now not free from the curse of graffiti artists.

[@Ghanadiaries]

I saw my favorite store,due piu per.

[@joemoschetta1541]

proud to be italian

[@13eugubino459]

Modena makes a bit of a difference from summoning up enthusiasm about a dirty culvert in the vicinity of Barking Creek , but it is much more difficult for outsiders to settle here.

[@Giovannibattilani]

Hi from Modena🥳

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Hi Giovanni - hope I can visit Modena again this December- wishing you all the best from London

[@lameduck3630]

Did you have a job when you worked there?

[@JohnRogersWalks]

yes, teaching English, the school is in the video

[@paulr7496]

This is all very lovely but what we really want to know is....'What do the Italian pylons look like?'

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Ha, and I did see some from the train, will post on Instagram if I can find in the footage

[@MeTheRob]

And what is the Italian for 'edgelands' ?

[@jimimased1894]

the imagination to guide the wandering feet

[@unchattytwit]

How come you slagged Chingford for being in the 1950's? Middle class trendy prejudice? Just kidding - lovely vid. : cold and wet but romantic.God, just realised how similar you look to Nick P in that photo on your bike.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Wonderful comment, now have to share this with Nick P so he can add his comment

[@dolumdoli7621]

I see mutina not modena

[@robertoorsi5771]

Mussolini took power with a golpe named fascist revolution or Marcia su Roma with the support of the king. Like the situation in maidan Kiev in 2014, when a few people directed by Victoria Nuland take power in Ukraine. This is a very strange alliance between jewish ukrainians and neonazi ukrainians with american money.