Sunny and hot in Verona...

Verona is just as lovely as we had anticipated. After a smooth and easy flight(s), and a taxi ride from the airport that had our ears flattened to the side of our heads, we arrived on Monday around 9:30 a.m. The temperature has been very hot - around 30 Celsius by lunchtime. There was no mistaking the two very white Canadians wandering the city!

We are staying in a sweet little hotel that has been completely renovated from it's former role as a convent. It is within walking distance from the heart of Verona - and walk we have!! Pete's recently purchased pedometer has been broken in well already. Last night we set out to find a recommended restaurant that the woman at the hotel said was easy to find and not too far away. Well, two hours later having still not found it, but having familiarized ourselves with many other spots, we succumbed to eating at a little ristorante just down from our hotel. And boy, did the food taste good at that point!

There are many beautiful historic spots to observe, foods to taste and people to watch. I think one of the two most noteworthy elements that have stood out to us is the sweet scent of orange blossoms that seems to permeate the city and the birds' songs. We were awakened this morning around 3:30 am by their enthusiastic choruses. These are no ordinary birds - they are true Italians! I'm sure if we could have seen them, they would have been gesturing with their wings (or hands if they had some). They certainly don't seem bothered by any of the things that we humans allow to bother us...

And so tomorrow we shall branch out and take the train to Venice for the day. It is apparently only about an hours ride away.

Ciao for now!