The City of Romeo and Juliet

So much has been going on over the past few days that I’ve barely had time to pee, let alone write in my travel blog.

Needless to say, I’m in Verona. I moved into my apartment on Saturday and discovered that I’m not actually living with other international students but with three native Italians. I’ve been mumbling and fumbling over my words ever since but I’m confident that with practice, and remembering the many corrections I’m being given, I’ll eventually learn this danged language. The apartment itself is rather large with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a general living area and a kitchenette. One of my favorite things to do has been to go to the local “fruttivendolo” and pick out FRESH fruits and vegetables for my kitchen creations. I’m still eating like a queen, even though I’m cooking for myself.

Verona is smaller than Rome but bigger than some of the petite Italian towns like Pesaro or Terni. It’s filled with cobblestone streets and all the buildings look pretty old. From a high lookout point (which is quite a hike up some old-school, stone steps) Verona looks like a mini Florence with three tall “duomi”. You can see the river Adige curve around the walled-in parts of the city and it looks like it popped out of a storybook…which I guess it kind of did. Since it’s not tourist season yet, native Italians and students are out in full force. If you walk just outside of one of the main piazzas (there are two: Piazza Erbe and Piazza Bra) you can see college peeps sitting in cafes/bars with BRIGHT ORANGE drinks. This drink is the local specialty and is called “Uno Spritz”. It’s made with compari, proseco, and some kind of mix that gives it it’s neon glow. Most times they’ll also put a slice of blood orange on the side of the glass. È meraviglioso!

Words of the day: “fruttivendolo” meaning “fruit vendor”, “duomo” meaning “tower”, and “meraviglioso” meaning “marvelous” or “wonderful”

Pace, Amore e Spritz,

Geni