Wine tasting in the Valpolicella hills

Carmen is a sensational opera, even for non opera goers like myself. There is so much  well known music and lots of action. Added to this the unbelievable atmosphere of the vast ancient arena where previously the crowds went to enjoy the spectacle of people dying and where now up to 15000 can enjoy not only opera but, as tonight, pop concerts, etc.

I wa told that there are 220 full time employees only working on the sets, which are removed each day to allow for the next performance to be set up.  I was delighted to see the rocks I had watched being moved yesterday afternoon appearing in the third act.

 

Knowing how many people were required to move each stone, made of wood and some sort of paper mache, it is certainly amazing that they can completely change the set in the 20 minute pause!

This was the beautiful opening set

There were 4 acts in all, so 3 pauses to change sets. An exhausting evening for the builders and sonething that so impressed me. I would love to have been able to watch them working, though I must admit it was fascinating watching the very glamorous people from the stalls moving about - some gorgeous clothes and some which looked extremely uncomfortable and unsuitable for the uneven terrain!

Of course, the singing, costumes, orchestra and tiny new moon were all magical, and my seat was brilliant, facing the stage.

It was hard work getting up at 7.30 after getting to bed at 1.30 but I have had a wonderfully restful day, escaping the heat once again, this time heading to the hills of the Valpolicella region with a wine tour. It is 34 degrees today in Verona and around and apparently it has been around 90 percent humidity which explains how uncomfortable one feels. Air- conditioned tour buses, wine cellars, churches and shady courtyards with cool refreshing drinks are the answer to survival😀

It was a super tour with a couple from America ( yet another couple saying it is a question of voting for the person one thinks is second worst as president!), a couple from Canada, myself and Lara our local guide.

 

We had one wine tasting near the mountain village of San Giorgio and then moved to the next valley to Negrar for lunch and more tasting. Believe it or not, I did not drink much at all apart from water. Too hot, especially for red wine. The meal was delicious - a huge fresh mixed salad, then ravioli filled with pear and veges, exceptionally succulent lamb cutlets from the region and then a light dessert. All very filling and tasty. First time I have seen donkey steak on menu. Apparently very common in this area😐  of course, no worse than eating lamb or any other animal, but I didn't fancy the idea.

Have really enjoyed this city despite the heat. 3 days is enough for me in a city and I have really seen almost everything and enjoyed the theatre and an opera. I love the River Adige  , it is such a focal point.

 

Although I do not often visit churches, I have really found them very special here. Today I visited the last of the four special ancient churches, san Zeno, a very beautiful church made particularly striking by the fantastic warm colours of the facade and stairs. Inside, the convent area is a lovely place to sit and stare 

 

And inside, the bronze doors are quite extraordinary, being a combination of work from unknown artists of different periods. Some of the panels are particularly unusual and it leaves it very  much to the imagination what the artists are saying .

So, back to work now, though I will be enjoying the Engadine Valley too from my little hobbit house in Madulain.