VERONA- Known for Romeo and Juliet and "The Arena" we decided to take a day trip and figure out the way to the train station as well as the trains themselves. We left at 9 this morning to catch the 11am train which was a more express train that stopped in Verona and then continued on to Milan. The Vaporetti boats that we took were quite easy to catch and we arrived early at the train station. We ended up all being put on 1 ticket because it was cheaper, but meant all 14 of us had to sit together. Luckily it was early so we found an empty car and staked out our spots.
The ride was no hassle at all, about 1 and 1/2 hours it pretty much flew by. The countryside was not especially scenic, we actually passed a number of factories, but as we approached Verona it became prettier and we could see the mountains in the distance. We arrived about 12:30, but ended up taking a pretty roundabout way into the center of town, at which point we were all quite hungry.
We stopped at a caffe called Casablanca and grabbed panini and sat outside in the beautiful 50-something degree weather. The fun all started, though, when someone had to use the bathroom and we found out it was basically a porcelain covered, flushing hole in the ground. It even had treads where your feet go. Guess you can cross that one of the list of never have I ever's...
After lunch, we trekked to the real center of town, which we entered by way of beautiful medieval gates and structures. We then found our way to Juliet's house, where we found the wall of letters attached by chewing gum (not nearly as clean and beautiful as that new movie coming out) as well as Juliet's tower. A few of us payed the 4,50 to go up into the tower and see the house that the family, whom the Capulets were based on, lived in. It was kind of bare compared to a normal museum, but they did have a number of Romeo and Juliet artifacts from different movies. Once we regrouped we headed for the Arena.
The Arena was a mini-Colosseum which we entered for another 4,50. It was definitely worth it though. Some of the boys got balloon swords outside and had a fight in the Colosseum, while the rest of us explored the gigantic marvel. At one point, 2 italian men were taking pictures on a balcony and then offered to take a picture of us. We agreed and thanked them, but then they each wanted a picture with us. It was kind of funny, especially since none of us speak that much Italian, but we agreed. I heard one joke to the other that he was going to send the picture back to his wife.
After the Arena we wandered a bit, and then headed for the train station: a much quicker trip than the way we went before. We arrived in time for a 5:30 train that got us in about 7:30. We split up and 1/2 went out for dinner while the rest of us came back to the island and grabbed a cafeteria dinner before vegging in the room. It has been a very eventful day, but fun too. Arrividerci Verona! Until we meet again.
<3 Allie
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