By Suzie Grace (aka ZQ Taylor)
Verona is a city for lovers of the lentamente dolce vita, the slow, sweet life. Here is where time untethers and souls re-ignite.
As with Shakespeare’s unmatched literary language, Verona beckons sweethearts and visitors alike to forgo names and just live in the moment. Stopping to smell the roses is just part of our day.
Live your lentamente dolce vita with strolls amid ancient gardens, castles and piazzas. Linger over chilled vino and hushed conversations at the endless outside cafes and osterias.
Along your adventures, pause un memento, per favore, to sip shots of espresso served from children’s tea-party-sized cups (demitasse). Pace yourself long into the evening because there is no such thing as bad food in Verona. A slice of pizza here, a plate of formaggio, melone and prosciutto there. And, of course, gelato, true Italian ice cream, is made from local ingredients and served on any corner in the historic center.
I am traveling with my husband, Bill. During the first leg of our Italian summer journey, Verona has been a marvelous hostess. She conducts a daily orchestra of humming cicadas, flourishing flowers and baking bread.
So far, during our Veronese days, we have meandered winding cobblestone streets only to discover more secret passageways. On our first night, under a clear sky of stars, we attended the opera Barber of Seville held in Verona’s magnificent Roman amphitheater.
CastelVecchio is another must-do, an elaborate castle, along with two amazing churches with medieval beginnings, each dedicated to the patron saints of Verona — Saint Anastasia and Saint Zeno (check out the bronze doors constructed in the 11thcentury.) A little Italian goes a long way: just speaking a few words brightens the faces of locals who wish to help us explore. New friends, especially Luisa and her dog, Blue, have made us feel at home.
Next up, the Lombardy lakes and mountains. Ciao, miei amici!
