Amazing May part 4

Verona

After being dazzled by Ravenna we boarded the bus for Verona.  We walked into the Old walled city, and were set free to explore the city.  In the summer this town is crowded with tourists who come for the open-air opera that is performed in an old Roman arena.  Arlene, Dave and I walked along the main street filled with upscale shops.

 

city Wall                                                        Arena

      

Here are the new Italian styles for next year.

 

We found a little market, but found the prices a bit expensive,  Dave left us because we were moving too slow. After wandering around we got lost.   We were pretty hungry by this time.  We found a little shop selling a sandwich which was like a Hero.  We bought one and wandered about until we found our way back to our meeting place.  We sat on a park bench and devoured our sandwiches.  Our leaders appeared and we set off for our Hotel.

Saturday morning we met  our guide Andrea.  He talked very fast and gave us a lot of information.  He told us the usual stories of the gruesome activities that took place in the arena in  Roman times.  The gladiators here were not allowed to use helmets so the spectators could see the agony on their faces.

Shakespeare made this city popular by using it as the setting for “Romeo and Juliet” The towns people have capitalized on this, on a street that was supposedly owned by the Capulet's they have set up a shrine to the pair.

   

Juliet’s balcony                             The popular thing to do is to touch Juliet’s breast??

    

The people of Verona are proud that “ Dante” came here to live after being driven out of Florence.  He wrote his poems in Italian for the common people, he hoped it would unit the country. That was not a popular thing to do.   The citizens of Verona  refused to have his bones returned to Florence.

This church was interesting. We interred the basement and found the pillars covered with old and faded frescos.  After wandering around a bit we made our way up stairs and found the main church.   I think the new church was built on top of the old church.   I think we came in the back door.   

 

We drove to Venice and boarded the ship for our cruise.

As we left the dock we were able to see the city of Venice, the canals and bridges.

It looked like a very  fascinating city.  I am happy that we  had time to visit when we returned.  That night we  were happy to take time to enjoy  dinner and to watch the show.