Borgo degli Ulivi is an enclosed hilltop residence in a setting of olive trees, vineyards and woodland, a tranquil retreat from which to explore surrounding villages and the splendorous city of Bologna - home to many treasures including "the oldest university in continuous operation in the world" (Wiki). The "Borgo" rests above the township of Crespellano, which offers supermarkets, chemists and other services. Many will know of Parma ham and Parmigiano cheese, and be aware of the ancient vinticultural heritage of Emilia Romagna, but I don't think we had understood how fundamental a role food and wine have in this region. Visting restaurants in the environs of Crespellano is a highly recommendable way of enjoying this deep-rooted and bounteous tradition. The most participatory of our culinary experiences was a visit by sisters Monika and Barbara to teach us how to make pasta with basic ingredients and rolling pins - a great learning experience not only in pasta production, our teachers being highly knowledgeable in all aspects of regional food culture. Our hosts, Alessandro and Angela and their two sons, Francesco and Giorgio, were very friendly and ready to offer advice. The pool has a fantastic view and is a great place to relax. One easily solvable quibble in my glowing account is that a more accurate description of just one feature of the smaller of the two flats would have been appreciated. Its two bedrooms connect, one only reachable by passing through the other.