June 25: Day Trip to Verona

Next to Roma, Verona is the second best preserved city sporting ruins over 800 years old. Above is The Arena, the only functioning ampitheatre, is the world's third largest ampitheater to survive from antiquity. Much of the outer ring was damaged in the earthquake of 1117 A.D., but the inner circle is intact. Every summer, Opera session is in fulll swing hosting six or seven operas. Formal attire is required. I guess that means we won't be seeing a show.

A view coming into the Piazza Bra. The Bra gate was the main entrance into town at the end of the 13th century, the time the story of Romeo and Juliet is believed to have taken place. This was also the way that Romeo is presumed to have left the town when he was banished and exclaimed his famous words written by Shakespeare.

The Arena

A walk down a little street on the way to Juliet's house. This was on Brittany's bucket list, to see the town where Romeo and Juliet lived. Shakespeare's play is based on a true star-crossed lovers' story. Even Dante confirmed the truth of the Montigues and Capulets in the beginning of the 14th century in his reference to them in his "Divine Comedy", giving credence to the story.

If you couldn't find it, the sign pointed the way. Can you feel the anticipation?

A bell tower in Piazza delle Erbe. Every square has a church and every square has a bell tower. And most all of them work.

Here it is. The infamous Juliet's balcony.