Exploring Veronetta and a Walk in the Park

Buon giorno,

So it's Monday and a lot of tourist sites are closed. Moreover, there's a train strike, so I decided what I needed--given the weather is nice--is a good long walk, and I found a park to take it in.  I learned that the section of the city north of the Adige is called Veronetta and the hills bore walls that protected the city. I made my way there and took the funicular up.

I ran into a friendly Austrian couple and their handsome beagle. They were from Vienna, and I was happy to praise their city and very grateful no one seems to resent my being from the United States.

Once up the hill I found signs directing me to Il Parco del Muro or the Park of the Wall. It was up hill and the path was rough. Not really a place for an old lady, but I did stroll around. 

                                                

I came down again and followed the road down through several switchbacks,  I had no idea where I was, but I have been in this situation before, and I've found the best thing is to keep going. I figured if I kept going down, eventually I'd come to the river, and so it proved. In fact I fetched up beside the funicular entrance.

I crossed the Adige on the Ponte Pietra, which I learned was a Roman bridge that has been lovingly maintained. Foot and bike traffic only.  I made my way back to the center of town. On my way out, I'd passed a souvenir shop that featured something I wished to give to a non-blog reader.  It look some searching around to find the place again, but I did and made my purchase.  One of the pleasures of travel is sharing with others.

                                                                

Of course I passed many outdoor cafes and restaurants where people were enjoying their Aperol Spritzes. Europeans generally have a bite when they drink, and the bite of choice for apero is--potato chips. Really. I have been told before that I'm making this up, but my eyes don't lie. They are crisp and salty, so good?

But all that walking! I felt I'd earned some gelato and went to get it. I frequent a place where there is almost always a line. This is good sign. Once again I had chocolate, amarena, and nocchiola.  Ooh. Heaven comes close to Earth. But that's a lot of sugar, so I'm going to have to stop now.

But I was worn out, so I took my gelato home.

But I'm still having dinner, which today is risotto milanese in the microwave, and it's come out remarkably good. OK not as good as fresh made, but still--all right.

Ciao for now