"Verona, a beautiful, beautiful city " a Verona Travel Page by mapakettle

Getting off the train in Verona, was a bit of a let down to me. The pictures I'd seen, and the stories I'd heard, didn't prepare me for the dull, overcast sky, amid the horrible threat of rain.

Such a dumb thing to worry about, because I know from past experience, I drip-dry. A little shake here, a little shrug there, and all my wrinkles disappear, just like a perma-press shirt. (well, maybe not all my wrinkles).

Anyway, I trailed along behind Ma Kettle, moaning and groaning, finding fault with everything, a real grump that morning. She had control of the map, and I felt like a prize bull being led out to pasture.

Suddenly, the clouds parted, the air became warmer, and Mr. Sun stuck his head out, and I swear he told me to 'suck it up'. So I did what I was told. Life became full of joy, and Verona quickly became everything people said.

Verona is wonderful. The river, the bridges, the walk ways, the Piazza Bra, everything appears to have been developed with the pedestrian in mind, which, in a sense, it was.

We walked for miles, sampled gelato, tasted the wine, had an espresso, drank a beer, and searched for a bathroom. Not once did we experience the 'look' from innkeepers that tourists get when looking for a moment of solitude. (I realize you should purchase something as a type of entry fee, but that rather defeats the whole purpose).

Young teens were everywhere, basking in the same sun we were, and enjoying the company that only opposite sexes can offer one another.

Everyone seemed to be in love, and high on life.

Verona has a vitality of its own, you can tell by the laughter coming from small groups gathered about the tables outside the numerous 'bars' surrounding the piazzas ..... everyone well mannered, and happy.

I have always judged a city from first impressions, given it a grade as such, and make adjustments each time I return.

Verona receives an immediate 'A' from Pa Kettle. I have never enjoyed walking a city FIRST time, as much as I have here. You can stroll for hours in the sun, along the River Adige, with no purpose other than serenity, and have no fear of getting lost. (no beggars, no touristy gimmicks). Each bridge is constructed in a unique manner, so they may serve as 'road signs', almost like a 'YOU ARE HERE' map found at sites in North America.

By all means, climb the stairs to the left of the Roman Theatre to the fortress Castello San Pietro for a fantastic view of the city. This will help to hone your navigational skills when you return to the centre. It looks like quite a hike, but Ma Kettle and I made it, so you should be able to with no problem. The picture to your right was taken from there.

I'm already looking forward to our return. Second time around and I should be able to relieve Ma of the map, and shed my leash.