2 weeks ago we were sat by the pool watching this kids going up and down, round and round , laughing and splashing, and I noticed that for once in a very long time we didn’t have a care in the world – we well and truly were in holiday mode and felt so far away and disconnected from anything in our normal, average and (at times) very difficult life.
Whilst we had a “wish list” of places we wanted to see our time was our own and we had no agenda to which we were bound – it was fab! So when we decided on the weds to go to Verona instead of the Thursday, thats exactly what we did, we didn’t have to call or text anyone, didn’t have to move mountains or let people down, we had a flexible timetable and we did what we wanted when we wanted – I can’t believe 2 weeks ago we were in Verona in the hot sun, surrounded by beauty and now we’re lucky to even see a sunbeam!
Verona is of course famous for its Shakespearean connections which is exciting. I absolutely LOVE history and seeing historic sights around the world, I love beautiful cities and love being with the fam, throw in the bribe of an ice cream and it was the perfect combo for us all (how cute is the pic Ethan took? I laugh every time I see it)
Nathan has been before with his family and was surprisingly excited to show me round and be “in such a Romantic place together”, it really was lovely. Of course the highlight was seeing Juliette’s house/Balcony, the love letters, the names covering the walls – love was everywhere, passion and a desire for people to know they had found their Romeo (or Juliette). It really is amazing to see how one man’s imagination can influence thousands and provoke so much action from others. I was amazed at the que to touch her statue in a hope for some good luck. It was such a small place but so much was happening and there was such an atmosphere – I loved it.
Ethan and Megs loved to see the padlocks and we chatted about that and Ethan asked me “why are there all these writings on the wall mummy?” I explained to him that it was everyone who loved each other and he expressed his love to me!
I felt extremely blessed to have Nath and our little family in my life. I was happy that our lives were what they were because we were together and enjoying a lovely day. Nathan isn’t naturally romantic, I don’t mind as hes amazing in so many other ways, but there was something about Verona that made us feel the love.
I couldn’t believe such a beautiful place had only taken us about 50 mins from where we were staying at Lake Garda to drive to. We took the back roads, as in Italy the motorways (or Autostrade) require you to pay a toll and as well as avoiding that we wanted to see the lovely sights. Once there we got a little lost but eventually found centre parking in a lovely car park that cost only 3euros for the afternoon. a 10 minute walk over the river and we were in the city – it was perfect and such a barg. It cost more to go to the toilet than to park!
Aside from the obvious Juliette attractions, Verona also has an impressive outdoor arena where many operas and performances take place and we briefly saw the castle too. Again things we would have loved to have seen and explore more of if the kids were up for it but unfortunately they weren’t because the day we went (which was supposed to be wet) turned out to be 32c, and so after visiting Juliette’s house the kids were pretty cranky with walking in the heat (the reason we never actually went inside). They loved the fountain in the Square and took a paddle as well as enjoying an ice cream, they also enjoyed seeing the public drinking fountains and Ethan may have splashed a few tourists in the process of expressing glee over it! But I was happy, as I am over here to walk around a beautiful city and appreciate the architecture and little shops, market stalls and see people enjoying the world around them. So what we didnt see almost seems insignificant as we did see was wonderful and so I guess we can say we have no regrets!
I think it only took a day or 2 to be back home and drop back to reality, to feel the difficulties and stresses that often surround us but I love to look back on these special days we spent together, strengthening our relationships and making memories, talking of future goals and plans all hopes and experiences to make life a little easier and richer.
It looks so beautiful!Looks like you really enjoyed it.Lovely to get away and spend time as a family isn’t it x #bestandworst
Yes it is – I love to get away from every day life now and then and have an adventure! It was beautiful! Thank you for stopping by x
Wow, what a great trip! Verona looks amazing and you got to see ‘THE’ balcony! My hubby isn’t a natural romantic either so I’m wondering whether a trip to Verona might bring it out in him! Ha Ha! 🙂 x #BestAndWorst
DO IT Michelle haha you can pick some really good deals you know! hahah I hope you do soon..thanks for stopping by and hope to hear from you again soon x
What a gorgeous place. I found that padlock picture fascinating too. YOur little ones did a fab job wandering around with you and taking it all in. It’s the best feeling being on holiday and not having an worries or housework!! Hope you have settled back into normality now. Thanks so much for linking up to #bestandworst and see you again soon! xx
Sarah it was so gorgeous and yes its so nice to be out of the day to day things and do something different x
Oh this looks beautiful I have always wanted to visit Verona and see all of the Love Locks, such a gorgeous idea, I’m not surprised you were feeling the love 🙂 Thanks for linking up to the #bestandworst and hope to see you again next week 🙂
It was lovely – I hope one day you get to go. I think I like places like that because its where so many have come to spread love when we often only hear of the bad and hatred! x