Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean,
From forth the fatal loins of these two foes,
A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life;
Perhaps the most famous love story..... told in one of the most beautiful, poetic cities in the world. That of Romeo and Juliet which was set in Verona. This is probably one of my most fondest memories of High School. Reading this play but also having to memorize line for a grade. It still remains one of my favorite stories as well as one of my favorite movies.
While I'm not that far away from Verona, it does take some planning and money to make this day trip. My parents wanted to take advantage of our easy situation so
we I quickly looked things up, planned and purchased tickets. Waking up at 5am is not my idea of fun. Neither is leaving the house at 6am to catch a 7am train. I was so exhausted and a bit stressed out in trying to make sure we got out of the house in time as well as make sure I had everything I needed for Valetntina. Baby #2 was doing some major break-dancing that I was feeling really bad. Luckily, by the time we got on the train, Valentina and I were able to fall back asleep and I was much better after some rest.
The majority of the train ride was spent keeping Valentina entertained with a pen and notepad. She had a great time making sure that we wrote on every page.
Since we went to Verona during the week, it wasn't full of tourists. The weather was perfect and it wasn't crowded. We basically spent the day just walking and soaking in the atmosphere.
Verona's Roman amphitheathre was built in 30AD and is still in use today. Every summer, the city hosts a serious of Operas here and one day I hope to be there!
Thanks to Mr. Rick Steves, We strolled along Corso Porta Borsari which was the main street in Ancient Verona and leads you to Piazza Erbe. This piazza has been the site of market vendors since Roman times. I made sure to get a picture of the Whales Rib that hangs in the Piazza and has been there for 500 years.
Valentina was so good during this trip that we decided to reward her with a balloon. There were several options but this was the nicest one they had which is good because she likes Winnie the Pooh!
One thing that I was going to see before leaving Verona was Juliet's balcony. Now knowing that the actual story of Rome and Juliet is fiction, however several sources state that the story is based on a real life couple. There's also Juliets tomb which we didn't visit so, I'll have to do that next time.
I have never seen so much graffiti before and it was really quite impressive. Lovers names with hearts, written in all sizes and colors are written on the walls of the small passageway leading to the courtyard.
Juliet's balcony. For a small fee (6 euros.. i think) you can tour the museum and step out onto the balcony as well. I read somewhere that for those hardcore romantics can actually get married here but I'm not sure if that's still true.
Legend says that if you rub the breast of the Juliet statue, you will have good luck in your love life. Most of the tourists were just standing near the statue but this gal knew exactly what you're supposed to do!
Love locks and letters are ALL OVER THE PLACE. For 8 euros, you can buy a lock, write your name and place it on a fence, tree... basically anywhere. I almost bought one but decided to wait. I've already told Carlo that we are going to Verona and both of us will place a lock (that we'll bring ourselves) and place it in Juliet's courtyard.
Call me crazy, but I totally love this photo! I just love imagining all of the lovers who came to write their names on the wall.
After lunch we slowly made our way back to the train station. Valentina was exhausted and had a great nap only waking up after smelling some McDonald's french fries.
I will most definitely be going back to fair Verona.. hopefully for more than just a day.
