Michael has been doing a great job sharing our adventures on our blog but I think it’s time you hear from the female perspective.
It’s been five weeks since we first arrived in Italy and we are still thrilled and amazed. We are fortunate to ease into our new Italian life style with the benefit of having the comfort and familiarity of temporarily living in our modest hotel room on the American Army base. A great deal of our time has been consumed with the “in-processing” procedures of filling out forms, getting military I.Ds, Italian driver’s license, house hunting and registering with various government organizations.
We have ventured out into the Italian community visiting our nearby town of Vicenza, navigated the narrow passages and canals of romantic Venice and even traveled to Romeo & Juliet’s home in Verona. Some of Michael’s colleagues at the clinic have generously taken us around to local stores and to some of the surrounding town’s festivals. Over the summer, each town has their sagra or festival, usually showcasing a type of produce or product their town is known for in the community.
It was during these festivals that we felt we were experiencing the true Italy. Imagine walking down a cobblestone stairway to the heart of the small town, the local church bell chimes, letting you know it’s seven o’clock. Rows of tables are neatly set next to a pavilion where you sit after you get your plates of local Italian pasta dishes accompanied with smooth, flavorful wines. The wine is so delicious you are certain that you will never have better. Some of the locals kindly converse with us and we are pleased when one brave young girl practiced her English, making us all laugh and praise her effort. The live band starts to play various Italian pop music and both young and old take the dance floor and move smoothly through their steps with accomplished skill. Michael and I were quite impressed with their abilities. The night was capped off with a small display of fireworks. Lovely.
For those of you who are wisely considering a trip to this extraordinary country you will not be disappointed. For those of you who will ask, “what should we see?” or “what cities should we visit?” be prepared to respond to our question back, - “what types of things do you like to do?” Italy has it all from the arts to museums, to shopping, to fishing, camping and hiking/biking, spas and tranquil villas in the country side. The top four cities that people visit in Italy are: Venice, Rome, Florence and Verona. Be prepared to walk a lot and be patient with queuing in lines and getting service. It will all be worth it.
The city of Verona is only 35 minutes from where we live in Vicenza. Verona is the home of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The story of the star-crossed lovers is fictional but the homes of the Montagues and Capulets exist. The town convincingly displays Romeo’s casa and Juliet’s balcony and tomb that are big tourist attractions. Our visit to Verona was brief but we were able to see their 1st – century arena (smaller in size to Rome’s coliseum), stroll down their “main street” Piazza Bra, take in unique architecture and statues and pass by Romeo’s house and Juliet’s balcony. If you rub the right breast of Juliet’s status in her courtyard you will have lasting luck in love. Yes – we couldn’t resist giving her a little rub.
Next week we move into the home we are renting. It’s a three bedroom duplex in a small town about 15 minutes from the Army base. We hope we are quick studies in our Italian language classes as our lovely landlady speaks very little English. We are fortunate that there are several people available to translate for us if we have any “problemas.”
Once we are settled into our new place – we will gladly continue our exploration of bella Italia.
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2 comments:
Cynthia,
Great to hear from you. I love the embedded photos, very nice touch.
Thank god you stepped in to take over the blog.... haha.
Keep having fun!
- Bob
Loved the pics and hearing the female perspective. You go girl! You both sound like you are having such a blast.
Miss you both!!
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