Weekend Trip- Verona Part II- Love Hub

For those of you that either can't remember back to high-school english or weren't paying attention at all, I would like to remind you that Verona is the home to two of the most famous fictional lovers of modern times- Shakespeare's star-crossed Romeo and Juliet. The guidebooks are quick to point out that the fact that since the infamous lovers are fictional their "houses" and "tomb" are nothing more than tourist traps. While yes, Mr. Steve's and other generally wise guides are technically correct, the city of Verona has this whimsical feeling of love and enchantment that overrides such realistic technicalities. Call me romantic, but love seems to be seeped into the very essence and fabric of Verona.

Having been warned by the guidebooks, we skeptically headed over to Juliet's house (it was included in the Verona Card, so no loss either way). To get to the house you have to go through an archway covered in love-notes. The entire original wall is covered in couple's indelible documentation of current loves, and therefore more recent lovers have taken to layering their promises on top. While Romeo and Juliet might be merely a fable, these couples and their love are not, and the truth of that added some layer of legitimacy to the whole situation.

A lovely statue of Juliet is placed in the courtyard below the balcony, and as legend goes you must give good old Juliet's boobie a rub in order not to be unlucky in love. Corny? Yes. Classy? Admittedly not. Superstitious? Certainly. But don't think for a minute I'm going to risk something like that! Note that poor Juliet's boobie is all polished and shiny from over-caressing.

After ensuring our love lives (or lack there of), we headed up to play Juliet. Here's Jenny and I ready to be swept away by our Romeos. Wherefore art thou Romeo? Seriously, anyone?

You cannot help but feel optimistic and charmed by the whole shebang. The love imagery does not end at the residences of R+J. All throughout the city, usually overlooking beautiful views or statues, were clusters of love-locks inscribed with various initials.

Filled with romantic sentiments, we couldn't help but notice the city seemed perfect for lovers- beautiful views, charming buildings, endless winding alleyways, intimate piazzas, and to top it off- the PERFECT proposal spot at the top of the roman ruins. Take note, men, this is how it's done.

So yes, practical realist of the Rick Steve's type, factually you are correct, but if you managed to make it through a trip to Verona without being touched by the spirit of love, you might want to look into chipping away at your cynicism. Life is more fun with a little bit of love.

XOXO and Ciao for now!

P.S. Photos by Ruthie and Rachel as previously noted.