Brescia: Misadventures in Transporation

 Buon giorno,

My trip back was smooth, but betting to Brescia was a bit fraught. I wanted to take day trips, and finally the weather cooperated. It was a bit chilly, and it rained when I was on the bus but otherwise it was dry and sunny.

Brecia was recommended as a day trip from Verona because it's easy to get to (Ha!) and had a pleasant historic center.  Trains are frequent. I'd already got my city bus tickets and scouted out the bus stop. I set out early. A bus came along that listed the station as a stop. I got on. Bad choice. It did take me to the train station--eventually--but I got a tour of the Veronese suburbs. Then the driver stopped and messed around with the bus controls and took a break and had a snack. When we resumed the journey we went back the way we came. I was thinking I'd better get off when the next stop was the station.

Then we were met by the transportation police who were checking I.D.s and tickets. Of course, I had a ticket . . . . I just couldn't find it!  I showed her my passport. I think because I was a foreigner, she figured I was telling the truth about the ticket, and actually she was the one who spotted it. One of her collegues had a machine that showed I'd validated it. She teased me a little (which I deserved) and told me to keep the ticket in my pocket next time. This I did.

Then I was confused in the train station. I tried to use a machine to buy a ticket. It wanted a lot of personal information, but rejected my email address. Then I got in line at the ticket office. Someone told me that I had to take a number. I found the machine and got a number. A kindly Italian woman who spoke no English, took me by the arm and lead me to the line. It moved quickly. I got a ticket and off to the train.

It was an express to Milano calling at Brescia. I found a nice window seat and enjoyed looking at the lush green Italian countryside.  The conductor came around. Uh oh. My ticket was not valid on this fancy express train. He was actually pretty nice about it, but I had to get off at the next stop and wait. Fortunately not for long.  The pleb train was packed and I had to stand, but that was all right. The trip wasn't long.

Brescia is nicely sign posted, so I walked to the town center Piazza di Vittoria. I also snooted around a nearby market, but it was mostly clothes and household wares. Brescia's center is very pleasant, but there wasn't a lot to keep me there, so I took the metro back to the station.

And here I am at home.  While at the train station we were informed of a train strike, But I can get to my next destination by bus. I won't like this but Imma do it.

Ciao for now

Verona in Some Pelting Rain

                                                         

Buon giorno,

Only one photo today--a view from Porta Nuova that I crossing going to and from the National Archaeological Museum of Verona. I happen to enjoy looking at Prehistoric remains, but I realize this is not for everyone.

When I set out it was pouring and chilly. I found my target and then my umbrella malfunctioned. I couldn't close it!  The nice men at the museum assured me that it was fine to leave it open as I visited the museum. I left my bags in a locker and proceeded upstairs.

Now it happens that this area with its rivers valleys and proximity to the Alps, has been a favored spot for human habitation starting with the Neanderthals. They co-existed with Homo Sapiens for a while. At any rate the collection is rich and varied from the Mousterian right up until Roman occupation.

The artifacts are well exhibited, and I appreciated the informative placards explaining what was in the cases. One thing I found especially fascinating was the rocks painted with ochre or engraved with figures of animals.

When I emerged it was still raining hard, and it was cold. I came home and managed to close my umbrella. Whew! If I couldn't close it, I would not be able to pack it. I made myself a cup of tea and turned oin the bike race.

Yes, amici, it's Il Giro d'Italia--a crucial stage with a steep long climb to finish. I do not know how the riders manage to get themselves up hills, I'd be hard pressed to climb on foot.  The crummy weather also is infesting the South of Italy where the race is now. Slippery roads are dangerous roads.  But the stage may do much to establish the eventual winner.

Pil, you understand that most people regard your passion for European road cycling as bizaare.

I do understand, and I don't care.  Jonas Vingegaard may be on the verge of winning All Three Grand Tours. But apart from the actual race, a helicopter flies around showing us the gorgeous Italian countryside plus any historic spots the race is near.  This encourages tourism. Some of us do not need such encouragement. 

Dinner is linguine with pesto. So simple and yet so divine. When the hot pasta hits the pesto the scent of the basil rises. Oooh!

Ciao for now.

Out and About in Verona

 

Buon giorno,

I had planned to go on a day trip, but the forecast was for bad weather, so I didn'tt. As it happened all we got was a little light rain, and I could have gone without a problem. I had prepared, too. I went to a Tabachi for bus tickets. The man spoke little English. That's ok. I speak very little Italian, but I managed to make my wants understood. The man laughed a little and told me my Italian was enough, He said this in Italian, and I understood.  I also scouted out the nearest bus stop. Oh well. There's always tomorrow.

I had one more church on my inclusive ticket so I made may way to San Fermo. The martyrs Fermo and Rustico were killed on the banks of the Adige, and a church dedicated to them was built in the Fourth Century. That church is long gone, but I visited the Benedictine Monastery (later run by the Franciscans) built in the Tenth and Eleventh Centuries. If you ever find yourself in Verona, do not miss these churches. Everyone of them is magnificent, and you will find yourself enraptured by the beauty and history.

San Fermo comes in two parts. There's a lower church which is pure Romanesque. Like other churches in Verona it displays remarkably well preserved frescos.

Climb the stairs to the upper church, which was advertised as Gothic. It's not. It's in the Renaissance Style with some Baroque add ons, and it is gorgeous. As with the other churches I opted for the audio guide and found it very helpful and informative.

The skies had cleared when I emerged, so I strolled around seeing parts of the historic center I had not seen before. Verona is so beautiful that just walking around is a pleasure.

But I also had a goal. I determined to return to that fun food store to obtain goodies. This I did. I came away with some more pasta--some for me and some for a non-blog reader. I also got some goal cheese--a big old hunk, and a local sausage. As these all featured first class ingredients, it cost me, but when I'm on a trip indulgence is my middle name.

And speaking of indulgence, I supplemented my usual apero of olives and almonds with Bresaola. This is cured beef from the Valtellina on the borders of Switzerland. If it exists in the United States, it's hard to find and expensive. That's why I'm eating it here and now.

For dinner I broke into the bag of short pasta, shell-like shape called lunache. This is made exclusively from wheat grown in the Veneto and is made according to traditional methods including using a bronze extruder. I've dressed it with some jarred sauce I got from the store--Amatriciana--which is from Central Italy. Italians use much less sauce on pasta than Americans typically do. I used the Italian way, and it's very good.  I'm using high quality pasta, so I need to let it shine through.

Ciao for now

San Zeno: A Romanesque Marvel

 

Buon giorno,

The basilica of San Zeno is a good ways away from the heart of the historic center, and I found it completely worth the trip.  For example I passed the Castelvecchio and had to keep going for quite a while winding through some smaller streets. Because I'd got the combined ticket at the Duomo, I was able to get in without paying anything extra and received an informative audioguide.

But first some history--you knew it was coming. Zeno apparently was a North African who lived in the Fourth Century. We don't know how he ended up in Verona, but it seems he took monastic vows there.  Eventually he was elected bishop of the city and was instrumental in converting Arians back to orthodox Catholicism. He is the patron saint of the City of Verona, and the people built a fitting tribute to his service and virtues.

I don't understand why the churches in Verona are not more famous. They are wonderful and feature not just the red veronese mable, but a lot of very well preserved frescos as well.  San Zeno is no exception. Yes, it's a pretty long walk out, but if you have any interest in Medieval Architecture or Art, it is worth the trip.

Here's the Romanesque nave. Note the round arches, heavy looking supporting pillars, and the interesting wood ceiling.

I confess, I love the Romanesque, and most of the Medieval churches mix styles. In San Zeno the only Gothic "contamination" is a rose window added in the Fourteenth Century. The rest is pure, and the design of the church is harmonious and substantial. The decoration, of course, comes from many periods, and there's a notable Renaissance altarpiece by Mantegna.

                                    The apse and the high altar with the famous altarpiece.

In other news, bad weather has hit Il Giro d'Italia. The Tour of Italy is a major bike race and the riders are in the mountains being soaked, and the roads are slippery and visibility is limited. Rider safety needs to take priority! The race has already seen some devastating crashes.

Pil, you and those bike races. You have no idea how obnoxious this is.

I'm well aware--I just don't care.

Also that market I loved on Piazza Bra. It was a special and temporary exhibition featuring regional products, which explains everything, but now I'm kicking myself for not taking more advantage of it.

Ciao for now

Up and Down Again

 Buon giorno,

I don't know which weather forecast to believe. They contradict each other. Rain was in the forecast for today, but it turned out sunny and warm, which was fine with me since I was out and about.

Occupying a commanding position on a hill across the Adige is Castel San Pietro.  It looks really cool, but unfortunately it is not open to tourists. Nevertheless, a stroll through town leaving the historic center for a more real neighborhood, will take the visitor, i.e. me, to the Porta Pietra. You can enjoy the view above.

It is possible to climb to the Castel, and many younger and fitter people do that. I took the funicular and got a discount for being old. I get a huge kick out of riding funiculars, but this one was pretty short. At the top is a cafe and viewpoint. I was also grateful to find a free toilet, since I was determined to walk down.

I expected scenic paths. What I got was a zillion stairs. This reminded me of my adventure in Naples some years ago. My knees have never forgiven me. But this was all right. I took it slowly and eventually arrived at street level.

My next target was the Roman Theatre.

But Pil, you saw this already.

No. I visited the amphitheatre, which is enclosed. A Greek--or in this case Roman--theatre is open on one side. Confusion about this is common, but I taught Art History, so I have no excuse. I stopped on the street to consult my map, and a very kind older woman decided to help me. I actually understood what she said to me in Italian, but she quickly switched to English. It's these little acts of kindness that make traveling so fulfilling.

Once at the theatre, which was just down the street,  I got a discount for being old once again, but this sight was difficult for me and not that interesting. I made my way back stopping at some gourmet food stores to snoot around.

I hoped to get some foccacia at the market, but when I arrived at Piazza Bra, no market was to be found!  I can try again some other day. It would probably help if I googled which days it operated.

Because I enjoy limoncello, and I can get the exact same brand I had in Sicily at my local Trader Joe's, I decided I needed to try the Northern Italian version from Lago de Garda. It's called Limoncino. Let's have a sip. Hmmm. It's good. There is a distinct different from limoncello, but I can't put my finger on it. I think my fellow citizens would like this if it were available in the USA. I'd never heard of it though.

Ciao for now.

Ecclesiastical Splendor

 

Buon giorno,

To be frank, I am OLD, and I have been touristing pretty hard the last few days. I'm tired, so I gave myself a slightly easier, but satisfying day visiting a couple of old churches because it's Monday and all the other museums are closed.

Old churches sounds dull, Pil.

I'm afraid I did not advertise the targets correctly. Magnificent. Marvelous. Jaw Dropping Wonders is more like it. And I'll confess that I did not realize Verona held such treasures, but once I thought about it, it made sense. The city has been important and wealthy for a long time. So my advice is to ignore those crazy kids Romeo and Juliet and focus on some real history and art.

Rain is once again in the forecast. When I was out it was dry and just a little cool. I went to the grocery store and found that my room was being done when I returned. I actually appreciate this.  I get out early, and I get back early. Did I mention I'm old?  

Anyway I set out for the Duomo and promptly got lost. Il Duomo is the Cathedral of the City, i.e. the seat of the bishop, and this one is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin. This means she was taken from the tomb and arose into heaven. I do not panic at being lost having experienced this more times than I can count. I knew the general direction. I had a map. I kept going, and arrived.

You can see the facade of the cathedral and its Romanesque and Gothic elements.

The churches charge admission, and this time I see the sense of it. The money goes for the maintenance of the building, and the visitor gets an audio guide. I got a discount for being old.  If you ask me Il Duomo is a MUST SEE in Verona. I was overwhelmed by its splendor, and I have seen a LOT of incredible churches. What we have here is a Romanesque foundation with some Gothic elements and a lot of Renaissance and Baroque decoration. Verona's true art treasures are in her churches. I saw wonderful frescos and moving paintings and sculptures. The decoration is not quite horror vacui, but it comes close. 

Then I strolled down to Santa Anastasia. Its nave is the largest in Verona, and the church is remarkably uniform and harmonious in design. It makes great use of red Verona marble for example in the pavement and columns. It is also packed with art treasures. Hello, Titian! A very informative audio guide is provided.

I ended up feeling overwhelmed and yet satisfied. I made my way slowly home though the throngs of school groups and guided tours.

Ciao for now

Un Giardino Molto Bello

 

Buon giorno,

Rain was in the forecast for the afternoon, but it arrived early. No worries.  I always carry an umbrella, and it's warm.  It was also dry when I set out for Il Giardino Giusti. I left the historic center for a more real people neighborhood and crossed the Adige. I easily found my target and obtained a ticket.  

The garden is the main attraction, but there are also period rooms--my favorite!  The Giusti Family were wool merchants from Tuscany and originally used the land for textile production.  In the Sixteenth Century Agostino Guisti, having achieved a noble status, required a palazzo to reflect it. The family and its subsequent members were people of taste as well as wealth, and I think the palazzo and garden are my favorite sight in Verona so far. I'll let the photos tell the tale.

                                            

It was even more gorgeous in person.

Apero consists of meaty green olives--described as dolce, which I guess means not too salty? and the usual almonds and Prosecco. For anyone interested good Prosecco is easily obtained in the United States. Look for a DOP designation. It should not be expensive. If you come across a pricey Prosecco, leave it on the shelf and keep looking.  I also obtained some prosciutto de San Daniele. OK not from the Veneto, but the ultimate in Parma style ham. You can find this in the United States, but it's expensive.

Dinner is ravioli with ricotta and herbs, dressed with garlic and doused with olive oil. It's good, especially when accompanied with Prosecco.

Ciao for now