My new career!

It was a tense moment, requiring nerves of steel and the ability to make a snap decision! I saw the smoke, I heard the sirens- I positioned myself to get the best shot- whaddya think? Am I ready for a new career as a news reporter?!

But the real story was- just how did they get that horse on top of the fire engine?

La Porta Borsari, Verona

Like many Italian cities, you can wander down any street in Verona, browsing the shops and cafes- and suddenly, there's a beautiful surprise right in front of you; which is how I found myself at La Porta Borsari. It was built in 1 A.D. as part of the original Roman city walls. This is all that remains today, but look how well it's been integrated into life in 2011.

The City of Madonnas

A New Career beckons in Verona

I saw this guy wheeling his bike along the road outside where we were staying, and was intrigued. So I followed him, and found him setting up on the bridge at Castelvecchio. His whole display was made from recycled objects. His costume was a red sheet fastened with a belt made from discarded bottle tops and later he donned a mask made of old Cd's! Then he would engage in playful fencing (with a plastic sword) with any youngster around, and all for any contributions you cared to give.

I rather liked the look of it. I think I could do that! The bridge.

Below- An innovative merry-go-round, made from the bases of plastic bottled and powered by wind.

This was my second visit to Verona and I don't want to repeat the photos I posted on here last year (they're under 'Older Posts'). So this year I'll attempt to take some shots that are a bit more 'day-to-day', in the hope that I can share with you the experience of being there.

But first- well, it's such a beautiful city. I can't resist some landscape pictures. Just to set the scene, as it were.

The first one (below) was taken from the top of Verona Arena, overlooking Piazza Bra. I had to climb up- the crane was busy lifting set scenery.

The Piazza is lined with restaurants, most of which stay open 'til the small hours, so you can see the opera and then, when it's over at midnight, enjoy a meal- probably followed by indigestion. Castelvecchio bridge (below), in the late afternoon. The Germans blew the middle of this bridge apart during WW11, but the Italians rescued the rubble from the River Adige and rebuilt it. Castelvecchio at night; a very pleasant place to enjoy an evening libation.
Below- 2 taken from across the river. And high up. Where the bus goes. Had enough climbing after the Arena.

Finally- an early morning picture (below).

Verona.

If you've been wondering where I've been....well, I went to Verona for 3 weeks. I know, I'm a lucky blighter. And it's been a fabulous trip- but I couldn't find an Internet connection. Well, that's not strictly true: the place where I was staying did offer 15 minutes free wi-fi a day, but after that you'd to pay 5 euros an hour, and frankly, I'm too cheap. I mean, that's the price of a Spritz Aperol! A girl has to get her priorities right, no?