1. Verona
The Arena
Verona is a city in nothern Italy, one of the seven provincial capitals in the region. We visited Verona Arena, which is internationally famous for the large-scale opera performances given there. It is one of the best preserved ancient structures of kind. We met a group of men wearing like spatans. We approached them and took a few picture together with them As expected, there was charge for the pictures.
Balcony of Romeo and Juliet
Verona of course, is the city that Shakespeare based his most famous "Romeo & Juliet". Juliet might have been a fictional character, but that did not stop her from having a house and a balcony. Supposedly this house really did belong to 14th century Veronese family which just might have been one of the families which just might have been one of the families Shakespeare had in mind when he wrote Romeo and Juliet in 1594.
We saw the courtyard which inspired the infamous balcony scene. Right below the balcony is a bronze statue of GiulIetta/Juliet. There is a statue of Juliet inside the courtyard and it is said if you are male and you rub her right breast it will bring you great vitality and a woman may meet her Romeo! So, you can see Juliet's face is almost black but her breasts, especially the right one, are shining, polished by millions of mostly male hands. It is amazing to see how the people are queuing up for a picture touching her breasts.
pic: write your name and your beloved's for long lasting love
pic: scary reflection of mirror. Mirror in the mirror in the hotel's bathroom
2. Rome
Colosseum
It is an elliptical amphitheatre in the center of the city of Rome, Italy. It is the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It is one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering. Capable of seating 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was under for gladiatorial contests and spectacles. It was used for public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, and execution. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later reused for such purposed as housing, workshops and quarters for religious order. It has been estimated that about 500, 000 people and over a million wild animals died in the Colosseum games.
In the 21st century it stays partially ruined because of damage caused by devastating earthquakes and stone-robbers.
Spanish steps / Scalinata di Spagna
This is possibly one of the most delightful and stunning settings of the baroque period. The spectacular staircase, built in 1723, gets its name from the nearby Spanish Embassy building, which is still the headquarters of Spain's embassy to the Holy See. In the spring, large pots of flowering azaleas make a stunning display on the steps.
pic: right in front of the Spanish Steps
Trevi Fountain
Everyday, it is visited by crowds of people, many tossing coins into the water. As a result, the fountain actually grosses a large amount of money each year and most of this is denoted to charity. In 1730, Pope Clemente XII decided to replace the existing fountain, designed in 1453, with one of much more majesty and asked the city's best artists of that time to help him with the project. The resulting Trevi fountain is one of undeniable splendour. The carved, marble centre piece is a large shell pulled by two sea-horses and driven by two tritons, from which a majestic statue representing the ocean emerges. The water is turned off in the early hours of the morning and occasionally at other times for cleaning.
If you were there, you may try the ice cream at a shop just next to the fountain. Heard it is nice. But I did not try it. What a waste!!!
Other unknown places:
pic: Unknown name
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