Verona.

Yesterday, on top of everything we've already done, we  had an afternoon off so we decided to take the train up to Verona.  A couple of us had seen the film, "Letters to Juliet" before we left for Italy and they just had to see Verona!  So, I tagged along.  Well, you can only imagine what a fiasco it was getting there!  They had the Fast Ticket machines there just like in the US so we didn't have to wait in the incredibly long line to get our tickets.  However, it wouldn't let us purchase all of our round trip tickets at once and there were 11 of us!  Needless to say, I ended up telling the rest of the group to go on ahead and jump on the train and Jon and I got left behind...

We decided we needed to capture this moment with a picture!

Luckily, there was an express train that would get us to Verona 20 minutes after our friends arrived there.  It was a bit more money, but the trip was not going to be worth it if we couldn't get there as soon as possible!  So, we purchased the tickets and waited patiently for the next train to show up.  It was actually a very nice train!  It was much nicer than what you would expect from Amtrak for sure!  After a little craziness, we arrived in Verona.  

It is a very small city and we pretty much saw everything in about 3 hours but it was a perfect trip for the afternoon.  Pictured above is the Arena di Verona.  There is one very similar in Rome.  Perhaps you've heard of it? ;)  While in Verona, we made our way through the streets to Juliet's house (of course!)  The tunnel leading into the courtyard was decorated with love notes and letters.  I, of course, left one...

We also got to view Juliet's balcony from the famous balcony scene in the play.

Apparently, it is a known fact in Verona, that if you touch the uncovered breast of Juliet's statue, that you will receive good luck.  Well, I don't know about you, but I can always use a little extra luck!

And finally, before a nice dinner by the Arena, we visited Romeo's dwelling.  It wasn't quite as exciting as Juliet's dwelling but at least we can say we've been there!

Overall it was an amazing week and I can't believe that I have 3 more left!  This experience is nothing I could have ever dreamed of! 

-Jenna