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June 02, 2014

Verona, Italy (Day 3)

Hi Everybody,

On day 3 we took a coach trip to the bustling town of Verona.

We had a tour guide around this town and Maria was so knowledgeable it was fascinating to listen to her

She took us to many of the tourist spots and also explained the history behind this very old town ... of which she was clearly excited by.

 This is where the Arena and it is older than the Colosseum in Rome ... over two thousand years old

The building is smaller than when it was first built as an earthquake demolished most the top tiers.

Originally it seated 35,000 people but now only holds about 18,000

It is still in use for concerts and operas throughout the season.

It is part of a very large square that has cafes all around the edge where you can stop and relax and it was here that we sampled some of the wonderful Italian ice cream.

It was recommend to us by Jim ... who is the husband of one of my regular  readers ... so thank you Jim it was really good  Mmmm Mmmm !!

No trip to Verona would be complete without the visit to  Juliets' house ... and I have read the stories that the balcony was built to attract the tourists in 1937 .... but I don't care !!

I enjoyed it for what it was and Maria our guide told us the story of Rome and Juliet

She added most emphatically that the story is true ... even if the balcony is not

Romeo and Juliet met and fell in love even though the two families did not get on with each other.

One challenged  Romeo to a dual but to accept it meant either banishment from Verona or death.   So on winning the dual he had to flee.  Before fleeing Romeo and Juliet secretly married and he climbed the wall to the balcony ... spent the night with Juliet and then had to go to save his life.

Later her family wanted to marry her to some one and she couldn't tell them that she was already married to Romeo

She confided in the local priest and he gave her a potion  that he told her would make her sleep as if dead  and then she would recover

He told her would ride to tell Romeo what she had done so that he could come and save her... but the priest didn't go

Romeo heard the story that the young Juliet was dead  and he raced to Verona  and when he found her he  thought  that indeed she had died ... and there he took his own life.

When the potion wore off and Juliet awoke she found the body of  Romeo by her side and she also took her own life as she couldn't live without Romeo ..... she was 14 and he was 16 .... Tragic (Sob!)   OK !! Time to put those hankies away ....  back to reality !!

This is another very old building in Verona.

The difference in the colors of the tower are because one layer is red brick and the other is a Limestone mix

It was done in this way to save money as the red brick was so expensive and there are many others layered in this way.


 This is one mode of transport and NO we did not partake in any bike rides.

Griff cycles a little at home and I can fall off a bike negotiating a corner....

But these bikes are every where and once hired you can leave it at any of the other cycle ranks around the town.

Altogether a wonderful place and a very enjoyable day was spent wandering around.

Then back to the hotel by coach to get ready for dinner ... along with the obligatory Bacardi and Coke on the terrace in the sunshine

More tomorrow ...

Hugs xx



n

16 comments:

  1. Christina,
    Another wonderful day in Italy, what fun, yummy gelato, and a nice Barcardi and Coke...what a great day.

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  2. morning christina, I'm so enjoying your holiday....can't wait for the next episode ! have a nice day x

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  3. I'm really enjoying your holiday Christina and the weather looks a real tonic too!

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  4. Hi Christina
    As i said Yesterday i am re living my holiday so to speak, i am so envious of you at the moment as i think Italy was just about the best Holiday i have ever had , carry on enjoying my lovely .

    Elaine H X

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  5. Morning Christina,
    Love your photos, when we went to Verona we were so lucky as it wasn't very busy, we looked around with ease. A great place to spend a lovely day. Thank for sharing.
    Lydia
    X

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  6. You know what Christina, I feel like I am on this holiday with you, it sounds so amazing....luv Ursula xx

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  7. Hi Christina,
    Jim says glad you enjoyed the ice cream. You're right Verona is a truly magical place & glad you enjoyed it
    Love & best wishes
    Jenny C xxx

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  8. Thanks for today's Italian tour Christina. I can see Sue Wilson's Italian collection being used for a while by you! Pat x

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  9. Another batch of lovely photos. Thanks for sharing.

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  10. Hi Christina,
    Oh I'm so enjoying your wonderfu holiday photos.

    Love Sheila xx

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  11. What a wonderful holiday you have had and such lovely pictures you have taken to kindly share with us all thank you Christina, I am so enjoying them.
    Hugs
    Margaret corgi owner

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  12. Wonderful pictures and journey, cant wait for more.

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  13. Hi Christina. All I can say is 'WOW' Thank you for sharing. Hugs. Jan. xx

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  14. I am enjoying your trip and your stories. Poor Romeo and Juliet. Sooo young.

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  15. Wonderful, thanks for sharing. Dianne

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  16. beautiful pics and such interesting stories, love the different colored buildings!

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