Scenes from Verona

 

For our last adventure in this part of Italy, we got up early and traveled by train to Verona. The hour plus train ride provided views of the lush, green landscape and a respite from the heat. It was already almost 90 when we boarded the train at 9 am. The trains here are quiet, smooth and provide a tranquil experience. It has been so easy to get from point A to point B, via the railways.

Our destination, Verona, allowed us to do the tourist stop at Juliet's balcony. Apparently this casa was the inspiration for Romeo and Juliet. We have learned that the original story was not written by Shakespeare's but an Italian bloke, whom Shakespeare later took and made it was we know of today. The house was the setting for the original film so it was interesting to see some of the pieces. The house itself was the most fascinating part. Build over five hundred years ago, we got a glimpse of what the upper class's residences resembled. 

Because it was so hot and we were very hungry, it took a minute for us to settle and ground (aka grumpy moments had by all). But once we re-centered (i.e. ate and had lots of water), we found that just walking the alleys, streets and plazas provided us with another exceptional day. There is so much to see here. We could do tours and visit all the 'must see' sites. We have done quite a bit of that. Yet we have found that just walking and gazing, stopping in places that are intriguing, are providing us with the most special moments.

Of course, with two teenagers, shopping is involved in many outings. There was a Brandy Melville in Verona, which was a mandatory stop. The girls picked up a few items and while I am not a fan, I did find the building it was housed in quite charming.

As we made our way back to the train station, the handbags we saw in the shops kept calling our names. Amara and I already found some in Venice. Havana wanted a new bag but had not set her eyes upon 'the one' bag that called her name. She did so in Verona. While shopping is, well shopping, she will have the memories of where she got it and I hope it will transport her back to this lovely city and her time there.

We ended the day with, what else, gelato. We found a small shop, on a quiet street. We could see them making it it, which was interesting. Here in Italy, I have loved the small sizes (and small prices) of the gelato. We don't need much. But the refreshing lemon, raspberry and chocolate flavors we picked sure hit the spot of a the scorching day.

The train ride home found some of us taking a much needed nap! We made it back to Pauda, took the tram and then while walking, we found our way to the most awesome bookstore. We stocked up on reading material for the plane home and then back in our cozy place, we settled in for the night. We got around to packing, having a light dinner in our flat, enjoyed a visit from Vincenzo and the girls had some screen time. Our last full day was another charming day in Italy.