GLORIA:Robin wanted me to see the Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza, which I had missed because of my accident 6 days previously.It is Europe's oldest surviving permanent indoor theater, officially opened in 1585 with a performance of Sophocles "Oedipus Rex".The stage is built of wood and plaster and painted to look like marble.The illusionary effect of depth to the stage is extraordinary.Palladio began the design for the theater in 1579 when he was 72 years old and at the peak of his career.He died before the building was finished.

The stage set represents the Greek city of Thebes, painted in perspective and with the steep angle that gives the illusion of great length.The ceiling is a false sky with billowing white clouds.It was last replaced in 1914.Many large statues of famous men of the 1500's are seen in niches in the walls, although those portrayed had to pay for their own image.

Not a day of rest but following our stop at Vicenza for the Teatro, we made a leisurely trip to the area of Soave, a heavily fortified 14th century city, noted for their fine dry white wine, made from Garganega grapes.While several climbed the steep streets to visit the hill top castle, others browsed the street market which is apparently held each Sunday.No bargaining here - perhaps because of the language barrier - but it was surprising to see so much Nazi memorabilia, helmets, uniforms, and swords included.At the end of the afternoon a parade of several (community?) bands marched up the street playing their instruments.

We had dinner at the nearby Castle Volbana,climbing many stone steps to dine in the restauranton the top floorwhere we couldviewthis vast rich countryside which had been our "home" for the past week.