Saturday morning Carla, Allie and I took off for a relaxing weekend in Verona, Italy. The home of Romeo and Juliet. There isn't a lot to see in Verona but their is good food, great bars, and the infamous spritz. So of course we had to see what it was all about.
We stayed at a nice home a little outside of the old city. I was having a problem keeping track of my keys so Carla took the room keys and Allie was in charge of the map. Eventually I earned some trust back and took over both at some point during the weekend.
From our hotel we walked to Plaza Era. It was surrounded by restaurants and patios. The weather was beautiful so everyone was sitting outside and walking around. It was also an Italian holiday so there were many tourists just enjoying the sights.
It is truly the city of balconies. I can see why Shakespeare based Romeo and Juliet here.
Roman Amphitheater
In Piazza Delle Erbe is the Arco della Costa, beneath which is a whale's rib suspended. Legend says it will fall on the first "just" person to walk beneath it. In several centuries, it has never fallen, not even on the various popes who have paraded beneath it.
Also in Piazza delle Erbe is a series of permanent markets. They sold everything and anything from traditional masks to fruit cups, which Allie and Carla enjoyed on Sunday.
The spritz...so good. We kept going back for more whenever we needed a break from walking. There was a wonderful wine bar that we sat in at the end of the day, overlooking Piazza delle Erbe that was filled with people mingling over their spritzs.
As we walked through the streets we continually saw men and women dressed in a variety of styles representing past armies. We are still not sure what the purpose was but in one of the squares they were doing a reenactment that we stayed and watched for a short period of time.
Carla and Allie at the theater where outdoor operas are performed. It was under construction when we were there. Not to much to see.
The view of Verona from the other side of the lake.
The walls at the entrance of Juliet's home are covered with notes and messages about love. Those that are really scandalous are stuck to the wall with bubblegum. The city tried to ban these notes and writings on the wall but with little success.
Juliet's balcony
It is said to be good luck to rub Juliet's left breast. The day that we went there was a line to do this so none of us pushed through the crowds.
The Roman Amphitheater
Last stop Sunday afternoon was for a fruit cup that we had been thinking about all weekend long. They looked delicious and Allie and Carla really enjoyed theirs. I had gelato instead. It was tasty as well.
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