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Immersion in the language of love

Piazza Delle Erbe, 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.

Su di me

Su di me
Ciao e benvenuti alla mia blog. Mi chiamo Isabella, una comunicazione professionista dal Australia. Ho una passione per brava comunicazione e ogni cosa italiano. Sono una studentessa d’Italiano e il mio scopo e’ scioltezza. Ho visitato Italia diverse volte e adoro la gente, la bellezza e storica dello paese straordinario.

Il diario
Questo diario e’ su i miei viaggi nella regione di Veneto. Sarò a Verona, la città di bellezza e amore per fare un corso di lingua ma anche continuare il mio ricerco su il soggetto di cibo italiano e pratiche culinarie come espressioni di identità nazionale.

Nello diario piacerebbe dividere le mie esperienze della vita in Italia (anche se per un periodo corto), attaccano le foto e parlo su la gente, lingua e cultura di questo paese che adoro.

Spero che venite alle mie avventure nella Veneto!

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

Two weeks to flight from the antipodes

Since my last post, life has been hectic. The language school in Verona has been selected and accommodation in the city of love and beauty has been booked. In addition, coming to grips with blogging – widgets, sidebars, themes and plug-ins – has been rather stressful. Finally, I have decided to go with what I have set up so far. However, perfection is in my sights and I expect to improve on this in the days to come.

In the meantime, I have an Italian entrance test (maximum 2 hours) to complete which looks scary, number one son is arriving from Melbourne for a visit, number one daughter is moving house and requires assistance and a hundred and one items on my list to do before my flight out of here.

Til next time…Isabella