Italian journeys

Views from my balcony

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 […]

Verona, the city of love and beauty

/> 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).

Immersion in the language of love

<div ” class=”separator” style=”clear: both; text-align: center;”>L 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 […]

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 […]

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. 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 […]

Four days and counting…

Departure is imminent; only four days before I board my flight for bell’Italia. Packing is underway, the to-do list is shrinking and the freezer is filling up with meals for the loved ones I am leaving behind. It’s not a relaxed time however: as always I am anxious about the unforeseen, the unknown and whether […]

Preparing for another Italian adventure

Hello and welcome to my travel journal. In about four weeks I leave for bell’Italia on another adventure. My destination this time is the beautiful city of Verona, a major city in the Veneto region of italy. For now, I am in preparation mode: flights, insurance, essential items, cooking for those left behind and getting […]