16 September '05, Friday.
Pulling into the campground about 2:30 we ran to the bus stop to catch the 3:11 bus to Verona. After waiting another 40 minutes for the bus to arrive, we finally were on our way. Unfortunately the bus was tied up behind an accident. Arriving in the middle of town, we headed off to the "old town" area. Following a small map from the campground and one we had in Rick Steves guide book we entered through one of the city gates and directly into the Piazza Bra (one of the plaza's). Directly in front of us stood the Roman Arena, which dates back to the 1st century. The Romans used this arena to seat and entertain over 25000 spectators to Roman gladiator battles, medieval executions, and modern plays. Today, the "spectators" are entertained by a popular opera festival and other music preformances throughout the year. Unfortunately we just missed being able to enjoy one of the operas. The season for the festival ended at the first of the month. What we were able to do, is enjoy splitting a pizza and salad while sitting across the plaza from the arena. Verona has a lot to see, but we are just going to have to be content with Rick Steves "walking tour", and even with that, it is going to be shortened. One of the highlites of having a snack or meal at one of the sidewalk cafes is watching the people. The closer we get to evening time, the towns people come out for their evening "stroll", and they are dressed to kill...this is a passion with the Italians. I do have to say, that I just don't understand the young ladies wanting to wear their 3 and 4 inch high healed shoes...ouch !!! Then onto the Piazza Erbe, which has been described as "the photographers delight". Ok, but I guess I just didn't see it that way. It was nice with all the old architecture and the beautifully painted buildings, but we have seen so much of that same quality in and out of Italy. I guess I just didn't get the feel for Verona as most others seem to get, so I'm going to leave it to their stories which you will have to search for. We did get to the Piazza dei Signori where there is a whale's rib hanging over the passageway. The story, is if you have never told a lie, then the whale's rib will fall from the chain onto your head as you walk under. Obviously it didn't work... Oh yes, there is another story that comes from here...I think it comes from the 15th century...this area including Verona was ruled by the Scaligeri family. The Scaligeri family were to Verona as the Medici family were to Florence. The story goes that the Scaligeri family got rich making ladders, but money can't buy culture. When Marco Polo returned from Asia boasting of the wealthy Kublai Khan, the Scaligeris wanted to be associated with this powerful Khan by name. But misunderstanding "Kan" as "Cane" (Dog), one Scaligeri changed his name to Can Grande (Big Dog) and another to Can Signore (Lord Dog). We did see their tombs, and the dog's heads peer over the family shields which have a ladder in the center of the shield. My feet were getting tired and I've had enough for the day, so back to catch the 2nd to last bus back to the campground and call it a day. Tomorrow...Vicenza
Pulling into the campground about 2:30 we ran to the bus stop to catch the 3:11 bus to Verona. After waiting another 40 minutes for the bus to arrive, we finally were on our way. Unfortunately the bus was tied up behind an accident. Arriving in the middle of town, we headed off to the "old town" area. Following a small map from the campground and one we had in Rick Steves guide book we entered through one of the city gates and directly into the Piazza Bra (one of the plaza's). Directly in front of us stood the Roman Arena, which dates back to the 1st century. The Romans used this arena to seat and entertain over 25000 spectators to Roman gladiator battles, medieval executions, and modern plays. Today, the "spectators" are entertained by a popular opera festival and other music preformances throughout the year. Unfortunately we just missed being able to enjoy one of the operas. The season for the festival ended at the first of the month. What we were able to do, is enjoy splitting a pizza and salad while sitting across the plaza from the arena. Verona has a lot to see, but we are just going to have to be content with Rick Steves "walking tour", and even with that, it is going to be shortened. One of the highlites of having a snack or meal at one of the sidewalk cafes is watching the people. The closer we get to evening time, the towns people come out for their evening "stroll", and they are dressed to kill...this is a passion with the Italians. I do have to say, that I just don't understand the young ladies wanting to wear their 3 and 4 inch high healed shoes...ouch !!! Then onto the Piazza Erbe, which has been described as "the photographers delight". Ok, but I guess I just didn't see it that way. It was nice with all the old architecture and the beautifully painted buildings, but we have seen so much of that same quality in and out of Italy. I guess I just didn't get the feel for Verona as most others seem to get, so I'm going to leave it to their stories which you will have to search for. We did get to the Piazza dei Signori where there is a whale's rib hanging over the passageway. The story, is if you have never told a lie, then the whale's rib will fall from the chain onto your head as you walk under. Obviously it didn't work... Oh yes, there is another story that comes from here...I think it comes from the 15th century...this area including Verona was ruled by the Scaligeri family. The Scaligeri family were to Verona as the Medici family were to Florence. The story goes that the Scaligeri family got rich making ladders, but money can't buy culture. When Marco Polo returned from Asia boasting of the wealthy Kublai Khan, the Scaligeris wanted to be associated with this powerful Khan by name. But misunderstanding "Kan" as "Cane" (Dog), one Scaligeri changed his name to Can Grande (Big Dog) and another to Can Signore (Lord Dog). We did see their tombs, and the dog's heads peer over the family shields which have a ladder in the center of the shield. My feet were getting tired and I've had enough for the day, so back to catch the 2nd to last bus back to the campground and call it a day. Tomorrow...Vicenza