A Passionate Life

Discovering the extraordinary in the ordinary

Autumn in the Veneto

Immersion in the language of love

Piazza Delle Erbe
Piazza Delle Erbe, Verona

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El Bacarin, Verona
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The first day of school! First, breakfast with my host Ludovica, a gracious Italian woman who insists on speaking only Italian with me. In Classe, the language school is around the corner, less than a minute’s walk. I am the only student in my class, fortuitous as I have four hours of undivided attention from my teachers – there are two – the first for grammar instruction and then a session for conversation. Fantastic young women! An amazing, intense day, listening to and speaking only Italian. My brain could not function very well by the time it was over.

In the afternoon, a walk to Piazza Della Erbe to clear my head and then to a little osteria off the main tourist route for an aperitivo to toast my beautiful friends the Zamberlan sisters.

Cin cin …Isabella

A gothic church with surprises

The church of Sant’Anastasia is situated in one of the oldest areas of verona, near  the Ponte Pietra. It is a beautiful example of Italian gothic architecture.

Designed by Domenican friars,construction began in 1290AD, continuing until the 16th century. It is the largest church in Verona and although the facade was never completed, the interior is beautiful.

It is an art gallery of the best kind, with soaring pillars in red Veronese marble, frescoes and works of art by Italian Masters such as Pisanello and Niccolò Giolfino.

Interior La chiesa Di Sant'Anastasia, Verona

I found refuge here from the rain and discovered an impressive art gallery – from floor to roof – including stained glass windows and sculpture…truly beautiful!
Ciao…Isabella

My Veronese neighbourhood

Verona is truly a city of beauty, exactly as one imagines Italian cities to be: cobblestone streets, old palazzi, beautiful churches, monuments and piazze.

Piazza Bra, Verona
Piazza Bra, Verona Italy
Via Sant'Anastasia, Verona
Via Sant’Anastasia, Verona

My home away from home is in the centre, about 50 steps from the Arena, a roman amphitheater completed in 30AD which seated 25,000 people and was famous for the ludi (shows and gladiator games) it is still in use today for concerts and the opera.

My room at Palazzo Gelmi is beautiful and my host, gracious. Ventured only as far as Piazza Bra – a square where Italians gather to chat around 6 pm in the evenings – and to the river which is about 5 minutes on foot.