Verona

The first major Italian city we explored was Verona. Known as piccola Roma (little Rome) - Verona was important during the Imperial days and is home to the third largest stone ampitheater in the Roman empire. However, this picturesque town is best known for the romantic tragedy inspired by its historical feuding families.

"Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene...
From forth the fatal loins of these two foes
A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life;
Whose misadventured piteous overthrows
Do with their death bury their parents' strife."

from Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet - Act 1 Prologue

Verona was only a two hour drive from Caleb and Jordan's house. The time we spent traveling to and from each city was fun though, thanks to good conversation, delicious Italian breakfast pastries, and picturesque vistas to look at out the car windows! This part of Italy was beautiful in winter time, but I imagine it's stunning in the summer when everything is green and the vineyards are full of growth. All of the houses are painted either white or bright, warm colors which stand out against the green landscape. The hills were dotted with little towns surrounding a church and bell tower. This already stunning scenery was crowned with a glimpse of the snow-capped Alps in the distance. Unbelievable!

I think the thing that struck James and I most about Italy is how much its people care about aesthetics. From the most humble house or shop to the grandest cathedral - everything is built to be beautiful and eye-catching. There was such a richness of detail in all we saw that I had a hard time pulling the camera away from my face and taking things in with my own eyes. This effect was enhanced nicely by all of the Christmas decorations strung up in the walk ways and in shop windows. What an experience!

Our first stop within the city walls was - of course - Juliet's balcony. If it weren't for the story - this particular courtyard probably wouldn't have been anything special. People often feel this tourist trap is a little anti-climactic. But we spent the seven euro it cost to stand on the balcony anyway. When in (little) Rome, right?

Us with Juliet

The balcony

We went back at the end of the day to see it lit up. I think it's a nice effect...

I think my favorite part of Juliet's courtyard is seeing all of the messages and signatures left behind by hundreds of lovers through the years. The graffiti is so thick in places that its become a truly artistic mural.

After we'd had our fill of the star-crossed lovers' haunt, we proceeded to one of the town's beautiful squares to meet our friends Dave and Lynn Gertiser for lunch. They were also stationed with us in Phoenix so this was an exciting reunion indeed. While we waited for our table, I walked around and took pictures of the fountains and architecture.

Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of the restaurant where we ate - but it was delicious. Each of us ordered something different and then passed our plates around, sampling the different soups and pastas. I couldn't resist getting some authentic, Italian spaghetti. SO good!

After lunch, we went to the main square to see the amphitheater. Inside the tunnels, they had a little temporary museum set up displaying nativity scenes from several different countries. After looking at those, James and I went inside the colosseum and got a sense of what an event back then must have been like. The architecture was very impressive, considering how old it is.

View of the city from the back edge of the amphitheater. The colors were

James' tribute to Gladiator

We were accosted by some centurions in the square. haha

After that, we just wandered the streets with our friends, doing some final pre-Christmas window shopping and taking lots of pictures. There was so much to look at that we could have spent twice as much time there as we did. But even so - the few hours we were in that city left a definite impression on me. Europe is magical.

Jordan and Caleb

Dave and Lynn

Us - but you should know that by now. ;^)

The girls.

As we left the city, the street lamps and Christmas lights were beginning to come on, which gave everything a special glow. As we walked back across one of many bridges to find our car, I snapped a few pictures of the city lights reflecting in the river. Bellissimo!