Fair Verona

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Verona was on the map long before Shakespeare decided to write that story about those famous teenyboppers, Romeo and Juliet. While Romeo and Juliet have made Verona world famous, in my opinion the city has a lot more to offer than the supposed house of the Capulets.

Verona is located about 120 ks from Venice and about an hour/hour and a half depending on your train connection. Kennedy and I woke up at 6:30 to catch the early triain, but of course we missed it by 10 seconds . Luckily we caught the next one and sat beside this delightful family from Wales most of the way there. I have to say we have met some really cool people on this trip.

The train station is an easy 20 minute walk from the city center, where a Roman arena from the first century is located. There was a beautiful park right in front of the Arena, so I plopped down on a bench and ate some pizza before we went into the arena. The arena was quite cool, even though they were setting up for the upcoming Opera season which starts in the summer. After scaling the arena, we headed to the Giradino Giusti across the river. The Giradino is a garden set up cira the 1500s full of flowers, fountains, waist high hedge mazes, statues, and a very friendly guard cat. The only thing was that it was a fair hike from everything else, though afterwards we recharged with some gelati.
After a little confusion we finally found Caso di Giuletta (Juliet’s House) I don’t know why this is considered the Capulets house when they actually never lived there, but I am sure the Verona tourism board isn’t complaining. Anyway I wasn’t that impressed, it was packed with tourists. We didn’t go into the house, just stayed in the courtyard where you could see the balcony as well as the statue of Juliet. (Read the picture caption for an explanation or why Kennedy looks like she is molesting Juliet. There is a reason.)

Besides the arena the highlight of Verona for me was the Torre del Lanertini, a tower that you can go up and get some amazing views of the city. Verona really is quite a pretty city, and it felt so much more like a “real” city compared to the tourist hordes of Venice.

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Photos

My Picnic Spot
The park infront of the the Roman arena

The Arena
The arches that surrounded the arena

Taking another Break
Climbing the arena was quite a lot of work, they were not designed for short legs!

The Gardens
I personally wouldn't mind having a garden like this in my backyard.

Romeo, Oh Romeo!
The balcony at the Capulet's place

Kennedy and Juliet
Legend has it if you touch Juliet's right breast you will have luck in love.

A Bird's Eye View
Verona from the top of the town's bell tower

Comments

[Cliff]

Hey Jodi
Hey Jodi.... As others have said, I too am traveling the world through you. I remember learning about some of the places you're visiting in my Art class at UNCG. Who knew I actually learned something?? :) Take care and be safe. -Cliff

[Sara]

What a beautiful city. You have had many adventures since you left! Will you write a memoir about your travels? When you get home, we would love to catch up with you and hear about the interesting times you have had. Love to you... Sara

[JOHN HENRY]

EASY
AS ALWAYS ANOTHER GOOD BLOG,, AND YOU DO LOOK LIKE YOU ARE TAKEING IT EASY,,,COME ON HOME J HENRY

[JOHN HENRY]

ME
I CANNOT WAIT TILL YOU GET HOME ,WANT TO SEE ALL YOUR PHOTO,,AND LETS GO OUT TO EAT MISS YA JH