Nomadic Adventures

Sunday, January 25th. 

Today was the first day we did not have any group activities planned and also the last day before classes start. Some of us chose to do the Verona City Pass which includes fifteen attractions in Verona all for fifteen euros; including the Arena, Castelvecchio, Juliet's Balcony, etc. Others went to a Verona soccer game and Lake Garda. 

I highly recommend the Verona City Pass. In one day we explored Verona inside and out! It was a little hectic since there were twelve of us, but it was worth it! Personally I did not want to overlook Verona and take it for granted. Even though we are staying here for the majority of the time during the week we simply go to class and plan to leave out of town for the weekend. There's much more to Verona than just the attractions, but hopefully in time I will get to wander and find more gems within the city. 

We started out at the Arena di Verona which is located in Piazza Bra. The Arena is a Roman amphitheater built in the 1st century and it is the third largest Roman amphitheater. Originally, its purpose was to entertain the people with bloody carnage from gladiators fighting each other. After many hundreds of years being empty, the Arena opened again around the 1900's for the use of the opera. Walking into the Arena was eye-opening. The structure, the marble, the size, etc was astonishing and beyond beautiful. From the top of the Arena you can see Piazza Bra and the life within Verona with its colorful walls and busy streets. 

Next up was Museo di Castelvecchio! I can't say this is my favorite because there are many things about Verona I've fallen in love with, but this museum is definitely at the top! The medieval castle was built in the 14th century and belonged to the Della Scala family whom, at the time, ruled Verona. It wasn't until later that the castle was used as a fort against the French during the late 1700's revolt. Well, Szymon says anyway. The castle is used today as an art gallery featuring medieval and renaissance artworks. We went in as a group and everyone just kind of went their own way. I like to sit back and enjoy the museum slowly and go through everything in depth. Surprisingly so did my friend David! Everyone got ahead of us, but we did not mind since we were enjoying and exploring the artwork along the way. It was interesting to see the different pieces of work and how easy it was to tell from the style of the work the time period it was in. Castelvecchio is a "must go" in Verona! 

And so we are off to Torre dei Lamberti! The tower is located in Piazza Erbe and it is the tallest tower in Verona. Even though the view is absolutely spectacular and breathtaking one must first take 368 adventorous steps to get the top! Once you're at the top you feel as if you were in the center of Verona, mostly because you literally are! Enjoying the view definitely made me feel in absolute zen until it we realize the bell was going to go off soon and started sprinting down the stairs in order to keep our ability to hear. 

Afterwards, the group headed towards the Centro Internazionale di Fotografia aka photography exhibit. Another top of my list in Verona was this gem! I enjoy photographers and their work a lot so I appreciated this exhibit a little more than others. The cool part about this place was underground and in between Roman ruins. Every month the center exhibits a different photographer, in this case it was Tina Modotti. The group continued their fast-paced "go go go" mindset as I stayed behind and explored the exhibition. Definitely worth going! 

Hint: "What's in a name? That which we call a rose.By any other word would smell as sweet."

Answer: Juliet's Balcony! 

Of course we had to take the liberty to visit Juliet's house! How could we not? Ironic enough the guys were not into it at all! Walking into Juliet's house you can find many love notes all over the walls right before entering the actual balcony as it is not allowed to stick them on the walls, but if one wishes to write to Juliet, there is a mailbox available which is supposed to deliver the letters. We went into the house and took some pictures at the balcony. Outside the house you can find a statue of Juliet which is famous as she has one breast covered and another one uncovered. Who knew rubbing Juliet's breast gives you good fortune in love? 

Chiesa di Santa Anastasia was next on the list! This is probably my absolute favorite church in Verona! It is the largest church of Verona and it is a prime example of Gothic architecture that was dominant in the Dominican house of the Catholic church. The interior of the church is absolutely breathtaking. Everywhere you look there is a piece of art and a story behind it. 

Once we started to head back to the Residence it was inevitable to grab some gelatto after a long day of adventures. After walking approximately 12 miles around the city we finally got back home! 

Verona keeps unfolding itself to me as I continue to realize this is my home for the next few months and I couldn't be happier.