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Another eventful day in the life of an Italian traveller :) Todays adventure involved a trip to one of the most romantic cities in the world..Verona, the supposed hometown of the star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. Waking up early to catch a vaporetto to the train station, we got to see the gorgeous waterways of Venice one last time. It's so sad but mystical to think that one day such an amazing city could be completely underwater! Alyssa, Karina, Olivia, Christian, Eric, Adam, Shannon, Austin, Natali, Ana and I boarded the train to Verona. After taking a wrong turn out of the train station, we found ourselves in ghost town. We attributed this to it being Sunday, it being Italian Independence Day, or maybe just it being Verona? As an ominous red balloon blew across the forsaken street void of any people, cars, or open stores, the same thought crossed all of our minds, "Why the heck are we in Verona?" Then, as if crossing a portal as we rounded a corner, we found ourselves in a town square magically full of bustling Italians, a beautiful park, brick buildings, and LIFE! Who knew such luxuries existed in the previously deserted town of Verona?!
The focal point of the square was the mighty looming collosseum, which is the third largest in Italy. Entertainers speckled the streets, including a levetating woman, men dressed as King Tut, and adult babies in strollers. Overcome with joy, we ran into the first open restaurant we spotted, and I got to enjoy my first artichoke pizza.. yummy! Pizza in Italy tends to be less greasy and much thinner than pizza in the United States. Additionally, restaurants charge you for water (sparkling or still), and you are required to pay a sitting fee, but do not have to tip!
Upon leaving, we ran into the fabled whale bone hanging over an arch right outside the main square. Legend has it that the bone will fall on the first person who walks under it that has never told a lie. Unfortunately, (but also fortunately!), the whale bone did not fall on any of us. I dont thin we could have handled that sort of injury. We walked to the famous site of Juliet's balcony, where thousands of starry eyes lovers flock every year. This seems to have been somebody's million dollar idea, since there is no evidence that Juliet ever lived there, or that Juliet even existed. However, it was still a great experience to encounter the balcony where one of the most famous love scenes ever took place, as Romeo called up to Juliet. In honor of the boy back home, I signed the entry wall to Juliet's house, where people write the name of themself and their significant other for good luck in their relationship. You can also purchase a lock at the goft shop to clamp onto the fence signifying your eternal love with your partner. A more recent (and disgusting) trend invlolves sticking a piece of ABC gum to the wall with the name of you and your lover..how romantic. The most interesting part of this visit could have been lining up to take a picture grabbing the statue of Juliet's breast, which is supposedly good luck. Funny how that part of her body was gold because the oils from people's hands clean it, while the rest of the statue was tarnished.
Next, we set out for the Roman Theater (Mia's number one suggestion of what to see in Verona), which was definitely a trek but well worth it. On the way, we ran into the tombs of the powerful Scaligeri family, who once ruled Verona. They changed the law so that they might be varied in the town, while forbidding the presence of any other noble family's towers but their own. Their tombs were elevated symbolizing that they were "above" everybody else... how humble. As we headed towards the theater, we came across a bright blue river whose strong current jutted under a series of flat stone bridges. Beyond the water laid vibrant green hills spotted with houses along the skyline. It was the perfect contrast to the quaintly antique, brick town that laid behind us. Crossing the bridges, we found outselves at the Roman Theater which dates back to the time of Christ. Over the centuries, houses and churches were built over the theater, until they were torn down for the theater's restoration in the nineteenth century. However, the theater still remains the most preserved theater in Italy. Beyond the stone steps overlooking the renovated stage, numerous rooms and stairways, both inside and out, create an architecturally astonishing area. This area has been transformed into a museum, displaying ancient ruins found throughout the town including tombstones and religious pieces. As you climb through the abundance of gateways, each level brings you higher with an even more incredible view. After reaching the top, we were astounded as we got to see both the green hills and small town segregated by the river. It was one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen!
Brought back to reality, we had to run back to the train station to catch the last train to Milan. Although beautiful, being stranded in Verona was not on our bucket list! With a quick stop as Juliet's tomb to attempt to meet up with Natali and Ana whom we had somehow lost earlier in the day (the joys of large group travels), we made it to the train station in the knick of time. After a diverse and amazing weekend of travels, it was such a relief to get back to our humble abode in Milan, greeted by Mia with homemade apple cake from her mom's birthday party. What an amazing weekend of Italian travels!!
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