Discovering the extraordinary in the ordinary
Although most shops are shut on Sundays in Verona, sometimes, when there is a big event on in the city, they are open and it seems that everyone and their dogs are out and about. The picture is of Via Mazzini, a (usually) beautiful pedestrian shopping zone. It was unbearable, and I found a quick escape route to the river Adige which is very close. The comparison is amazing!
A day to remember our special friends and loved ones. For you Dina, la mia amica del cuore, you are always in my heart.
love …Isabella
A beautiful day for an excursion to Isola della Scala, located on the fertile plains close to Verona. It is often called “Citta del Riso” (city of rice) because it is surrounded by rice fields. Isola della Scala has been a centre for rice production in the Veneto since the 17th century and has also become the market garden of the Veneto with it’s fruit and vegetable production due to natural springs and fertile soil.
We went to the rice fields which belong to the Azienda Agricola del Vo. The photo is of my schoolmates in front of their beautiful villa which has huge grounds and a lawn big enough for a game of Aussie Rules! Rice harvesting was in full swing when we arrived.
First though, we we’re almost eaten alive by mosquitoes (zanzare, in Italian) on our walk to se the natural springs, with it’s crystal clear water. It is also home to the pesky carp which we Aussies have come to detest.
After posing for photos in the rice fields with the huge harvester at our heels, we visited an historic mill for a look at rice processing in times past. A staple in the Veronese diet for centuries, the rice produced here is commonly used to make risotto. So, we were off to the rice festival to taste the many different risotto dishes made with amazing ingredients, including wine and cinnamon.
Buon appetito…Isabella
The Zucchero concert, from high up in the unnumbered seats under the stars in the amphitheatre, was amazing. The atmosphere, fantastic with everyone (including me) singing and dancing along to the music.
Enjoy the show…Isabella
Palazzo Gelmi—my home until the weekend —is an old building above a restaurant. It is in the centre of Verona, very close to the famous Arena di Verona.
The amphitheatre was built in the first century. In roman times, it was used to stage gladiator games, hunts with animals such as lions, and other spectacular events. It could seat more than 30,000 people.
These days it is used for operatic performances in the summer as well as concerts and stage shows and can seat around 15,000 people.
My room is beautiful, very spacious, with antique furniture but also with all the modern amenities that we travelers deem necessary…una bella camera da letto! From my balcony you will see the arena which is alongside Piazza Bra, and the view to the east is a quiet street with palazzi, which at night, until around bedtime, becomes a shortcut for scooters…rumeroso!
Enjoy the view…Isabella
A guided tour of the medieval buildings in Verona by my teacher Giacomo who knows the history of the city very well. Had an interesting show and tell afternoon with him (all in Italian).
/>