. This is how I feel after a long day of sightseeing in this lovly city.
i don't know how hot it was midday. I tried to tell myself I was fine but my thermostat definitely did not cope. I was determined to keep hydrated today after definitely feeling the worse for wear yesterday, but it seemed that the more water I drank, the more I sweated. It poured off me! Believe it or not, after 3 or 4 bottles of water and a wonderfully refreshing mixed fruit cup, i still had no need for a toilet. Possibly just as well, as I saw only one public one with a very long queue.
I now realise why my landlady stressed the need to visit the churches - brilliantly cool and a refuge from the heat as well as being amazing buildings. The cathedral was definitely outshone by the largest church in Verona, s. Anastasia, with its massive pillars of Veronese marble. It also outdoes the average art gallery with its incredible paintings and ornately painted ceiling. It is probably one of the most beautiful I have seen, with very little gold yet so many other treasures.
Of course a visit to Romeo and Juliet's homes is a must, though Romeo's is very hard to find and only a very graffitied gate, w hereas Juliet's home with statue and of course famous balcony can be found easily ( simply follow the sea of umbrellas leading the tours! ) I found it really amusing by the statue , how both males and females posing for photos with the statue felt it necessary to grab one or even both of her breasts. Weird!
There were so many gorgeous places to visit and the calm, and again cleanliness, is impressive. How lovely to be in such a busy city with mostly pedestrian areas and virtually no smokers.
I am really looking forward to the opera Carmen and was fascinated to watch the big team calmly working on building the set, presumably for tonight. With only 4 hours to go it looked an impossible task, but I am sure when I take my seat somewhere in this vast arena, all will be in place.
It is really interesting how they simply leave the sets sitting outside the arena for the public to enjoy. I guess they are fairly sure the weather will be fine. Here the Aida set.
Last night the modernised version of Julius Caesar in the ancient Roman Thestre was great. At first I struggled to understand, especially as the play bore little ressemblance to what we had studied in school, but I tuned in and enjoyed it more and more. Was a beautiful balmy evening and fabulous atmosphere. I felt a bit scruffy, as people really wear very glamorous clothes for an outdoor play. Personally I go for functional anti- mosquito, later warm clothing. It will be interesting to see if tonight is the same.
My room is much better than I thought. It seemed a bit dreary when I arrived but that is just because the curtains are closed to keep out the sun. It was really comfortable and we got a great breakfast in the room. Will be good tomorrow as I need to leave early for the wine tour. Looking forward to seeing the hills surrounding Verona, and of course tasting some wines. I am sure I will be hopeless after wine at lunchtime. 😐
So now my buffet anti pasto, part of the E 5.5. for the Aperol Spritz. Enough for my dinner in this heat. Perfect.
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