Italy: Rain in Verona, splash of Milan
November 2007, by Gini
Ahhh Verona. We only had a fleeting visit to the town Shakespeare used as his romantic setting for Romeo and Juliet. As we walked to our Hostel, which of course was on hill we got a great view of the city and felt like we were back in France. I guess it was a combination of the river, architecture and small community feel about the place which was quite a contrast to Venice.
We dumped our packs and found a fantastic view and spot for lunch overlooking the city. We explored the city by foot specially around the old town and stumbled across the two main Piazzas which is where the local markets are held. So of course I did a spot of shopping and found my hat! So now I feel like I'm in the 1920s and have a warm head!
As the rain set in we made it to Juliet's balcony and Tom had a feel good moment with Juliet. The entranceway into the courtyard was an interesting journey with graffiti of loved ones messages to each other, strange but made it that much more memorable.
With only a half day to explore the city we kept walking around and found the beautiful pink Roman Amphitheater and park around it where we had some photo fun! Along our walking tour by night we found parts of the old Ramparts which are now part of the modern city that stands today.
After an interesting shower (four shower heads in the one room!) we set off early morning to head to Milan for an international train connection. Once we got to Milan we had a few hours to kill so we put our packs into storage where I broke the 20Kg bag limit! The burden of 5 months on the road honest! and we headed straight for the Duomo Cathedral by metro. Once we worked out their creative tube map we got on the right direction and came up the metro steps to the amazing Duomo. It is
currently being cleaned (for the past 3 years) which made the marble stand out all the more.
It is classed as one of the largest Gothic Cathedrals in Europe and it definitely didn't disappoint. The sculptures covering the towers and spheres went on forever. So much detail it stands out for me as a true piece of architecture art. The inside was huge of course with glowing rose windows but very plain as to be expected. We finished Italy with one last pasta dish each and jumped back on the tube bound for the central station in time for our international train to Bern, the capital of Switzerland.
G
We dumped our packs and found a fantastic view and spot for lunch overlooking the city. We explored the city by foot specially around the old town and stumbled across the two main Piazzas which is where the local markets are held. So of course I did a spot of shopping and found my hat! So now I feel like I'm in the 1920s and have a warm head!
As the rain set in we made it to Juliet's balcony and Tom had a feel good moment with Juliet. The entranceway into the courtyard was an interesting journey with graffiti of loved ones messages to each other, strange but made it that much more memorable.
With only a half day to explore the city we kept walking around and found the beautiful pink Roman Amphitheater and park around it where we had some photo fun! Along our walking tour by night we found parts of the old Ramparts which are now part of the modern city that stands today.
After an interesting shower (four shower heads in the one room!) we set off early morning to head to Milan for an international train connection. Once we got to Milan we had a few hours to kill so we put our packs into storage where I broke the 20Kg bag limit! The burden of 5 months on the road honest! and we headed straight for the Duomo Cathedral by metro. Once we worked out their creative tube map we got on the right direction and came up the metro steps to the amazing Duomo. It is
currently being cleaned (for the past 3 years) which made the marble stand out all the more.
It is classed as one of the largest Gothic Cathedrals in Europe and it definitely didn't disappoint. The sculptures covering the towers and spheres went on forever. So much detail it stands out for me as a true piece of architecture art. The inside was huge of course with glowing rose windows but very plain as to be expected. We finished Italy with one last pasta dish each and jumped back on the tube bound for the central station in time for our international train to Bern, the capital of Switzerland.
G
Pretty Verona and Virginia
Juliet's balconey
Caught in the act!
No we didn't add our love messages honest!
First thing you see when you exit the metro - Milan Duomo Cathedral
