Italy: Verona, a love story

Of course I visited Juliet's house in Verona

 

 

 

After countless trips Home to Italy I finally had an opportunity to visit Verona.

It was winter so I did not attend the famous opera in the amphitheater but I walked as much of the city in 2 days as possible

 

 

 

 The city is not difficult to navigate (a map would help) and on the second day I found the main pedestrian street that went from a large out door market to the library (I thought I might find wifi here).  Off to the left was a small entry that took me to what might be the most visited house in town.

 

 

 

 

 

 We all know about the locks of love found on bridges throughout Italy.  The idea is taken to the next level at Juliet's home.    There is an entire store selling all size locks and other memorabilia.  Notice the locks come in 3 sizes: sm, med, lg..............if you 'love' only buys a small lock does that mean he does not love you a lot?

 

There is a special metal grid that allows visitors to install their locks..............at some point them must cut the old locks off..............call the metal man.

 

But you can ALSO leave you love message on you used gum........I have not seen this before.  It was very unusual.    

 

If you don't chew gum then you can leave Juliet a letter in a private mail box.   I would love to read those messages.

 The court yard is small and there were two 'guards' or part of the police force to keep everyone from defacing the walls.    They designated the two walls at the alley entrance for messages.  I could read a few of these but next time I shall try to translate more of them.

 

 

I had to wait over 5 minutes to take a photo of the house without someone on the balcony.  For a fee you can enter the house and stand on the balcony........mostly young girls were taking part in this love activity 

 

On my way back to the center of the city I passed one of the many cafes that were packed on this Sunday.    I had to smile at the foursome  having lunch.   I asked the owner 'what is lui (he) having"?

The girlfriend did not think I was funny.............

And what will you have for lunch?

Having done very little research I arrived at the airport on a weekend when everything was closed.  A kind young woman working in the lobby told me where to look for the bus to the city center but more important was where to buy a ticket  The tourist office was closed at 5 pm so no maps, no money exchange, no information...............NEVER DO THIS UNLESS YOU ARE more courageous than I am.