We departed the Lake Como region for Verona aboard our traveling classroom, Miss
Heidebloem. On a bus with 48
seats, our 26 member group (counting guide Karin) had
plenty of room to spread around and be at ease. The seats were very comfortable, as all who
napped can testify.
Our Heidebloem Driver, Juan, went above and beyond to make our time in Miss Heidebloem pleasurable. He kept a
well-stocked cooler full of water, soda and beer available for us, which was convenient
and saved us a bit of coin compared to buying drinks from city
vendors. Juan helped make our travels go
smoothly, getting us easily packed on and off the bus, stopping every few hours for a stretch and bathroom break,
and keeping the bus spotless. It was so nice to not worry about getting
lost or finding a parking place or the hotel.
We were able to use our time to listen to and laugh with Karin, enjoy
Italian music (although Dean Martin and Mob Hits don't really count), nap, trade life
stories, read the guide book, or just watch all the Italian castles go by.
Our guide Karin, part teacher and part entertainer, helped research the latest
Rick Steve’s Guide Book for Italy.
She prepared us for Verona (and every other new location) with the history and significance of the
area, often using amusing stories that made it all come to life. Why wasn’t history in
school like this? After orienting us to the local scene and how to get around, we were well informed as to the
highlights of the town and how best to use our time. Karin was always available
for questions and special requests.
There are a lot of paintings and sculptures of lions in Italy (especially in
Venice). It was in Verona that we saw our first one. The open book it holds
signifies the statue was made in a time of peace. Venice, a relatively new city,
had no historical religious significance or patronage "back in the day." So,
according to legend, a group of Venetians stole remains of apostle St. Mark from
Alexandria, hid them in a basket of pork to ward off any Muslims who might try
to interfere, and spirited them back to Venice. St. Mark was promptly appointed
as patron saint of Venice and his symbol, the winged lion (Ezekiel 1:10 depicts
Mark as a winged lion), was adopted as its logo. Venice's influence, and hence the
winged lion, spread widely.
On our way to "Juliet's house," we walked under an archway where a whale bone was
suspended. Karin informed us that legend has it that the bone will fall down if
someone who has never lied passes beneath. Um, it was still there after we
passed by...
Romeo and Juliet... This is
"Juliet’s house," with the requisite balcony (even though, if memory serves, the original story
mentioned only a window, not a balcony). It is Verona after all. The alleyway to get to Juliet’s house is covered with
couples' notes declaring love everlasting. They are stuck up with chewing gum and such. Our note is next to that bright yellow one...
Use your mouse and see if you can find it!
Torre del Lamberti, the first of our many climbs. Towers, Alpine hills, domes, walls, you name it, if it was climbable and we had time, we climbed!
Scaling these heights gave us great views of ingenious roof-top gardens, a good
understanding of the lay of the towns and surrounding areas, magnificent vistas... and great thighs!
It seems that most Italians like to live and eat and shop outdoors. The huge umbrellas provide convenient shelter from both rain and sun.
Wrap your mind around this: Very modern, high-fashion shops surrounding an ancient Roman colosseum. Modern life goes merrily about its business, set on a 2000 year-old stage...
Click below to hear a Mob Hit and watch lively Verona (2:09)
