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 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

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

Piazza Delle Erbe, Verona

El Bacarin, Verona

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.

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.

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.

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 my Italian is good enough.

In four days. . . Isabella