First, for you Shakespeare fans, yes, this is the Verona where William Shakespeare placed Romeo and Juliet. However, it is known that he never visited Verona, and maybe even Italy. But, whatever. An entrepreneurial chap decided to build/identify a balcony in Verona and proclaim it 'Juliet's Balcony'. He is a rich man today! A travel writer calls it 'fluff covered with touristic fairy-dust'. Pictures below.
However, we are certain that Rome was here. Hence the Roman Arena. Built around 30AD to house 25,000 people to watch other people and animals die. Now, it has been retrofitted for concerts and opera.
Great cathedrals here allowing the Middle Ages to bow in with some extravagance of their own. Saint Anastasia was our favorite. It would rank in the top five of the Basilica we have visited.
Day 14 is our final day in Italy. A quick check of another cathedral and castle in Verona, then a two train trip back to Milan for our flight back to the US tomorrow.
A few thoughts. First, as I have mentioned, we visited two 'cultural' countries. Austria/Germany and Italy. Northern Italy IS German and will always be. As you head south, Italy takes over and is as firmly entrenched. But, all seem to get along well. With hundreds of years of history and culture, a geographic/political border does not erase or erode traditions.
Also, the northern part of Italy sees few tourists. At least those that speak English. For whatever reason, the guidebooks ignore this great part of Europe. I think the people who live there are not disappointed.
Finally, visiting this part of the world by bike is perfect. One couldn't walk over 200 miles in 8 days, and traveling by car or bus will only allow you to see the 'destinations' not experience the 'journey'.
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| Here is Gloria on Juliet's Balcony |
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| Scot and I with Juliet. To our right are the 'love letters' left by many, tradition is to attach them by gum! Gloria told me that tradition also states that if you hold on to Juliet's breast you will have good luck. I hope that Gloria was telling me the truth. |
However, we are certain that Rome was here. Hence the Roman Arena. Built around 30AD to house 25,000 people to watch other people and animals die. Now, it has been retrofitted for concerts and opera.
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| This section is all that is left of the outer wall. Yes, it does lean a bit. |
Great cathedrals here allowing the Middle Ages to bow in with some extravagance of their own. Saint Anastasia was our favorite. It would rank in the top five of the Basilica we have visited.
Day 14 is our final day in Italy. A quick check of another cathedral and castle in Verona, then a two train trip back to Milan for our flight back to the US tomorrow.
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| This 'Madonna Nursing Jesus' is a rare painting to be found in a museum for two reasons. First, not many paintings were commisioned of Jesus nursing. Second, it is such a bad painting, I am not sure how it got into a museum!! To me, it looks like Jesus is finally on a bottle and Mary is very relieved. |
A few thoughts. First, as I have mentioned, we visited two 'cultural' countries. Austria/Germany and Italy. Northern Italy IS German and will always be. As you head south, Italy takes over and is as firmly entrenched. But, all seem to get along well. With hundreds of years of history and culture, a geographic/political border does not erase or erode traditions.
Also, the northern part of Italy sees few tourists. At least those that speak English. For whatever reason, the guidebooks ignore this great part of Europe. I think the people who live there are not disappointed.
Finally, visiting this part of the world by bike is perfect. One couldn't walk over 200 miles in 8 days, and traveling by car or bus will only allow you to see the 'destinations' not experience the 'journey'.
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