chawen

Is Verona the Most Italian Place?

Buon giorno,

That's the claim anyway made loudly and proudly. Uh. It's true that Italy has become more homogenized because of mass transportation and media--not to mention internal migration, but come on. I'm not entirely sure there is "Italian." From what I've seen each region retains its distinct character.

But Verona is undoubtedly beautiful and looks to be a lot of fun. You cannot fault my ability to pick destinations.

The plan was to do something historical, but I got distracted. I made my way to Piazza Erbe, the heart of Verona. I was after an atm, which I did attend eventually, but, see, there was a market, and I had to go investigate. This one is very touristy but fun anyway.

I thought I had a shot of the market, but it didn't come out. The figure on top of the pillar is the Lion of St. Mark. We're in the Veneto, and the lion is the symbol of Venetian authority.

I'd bought something called the Verona Card, which will get me free admission to some popular sites. I had to go to the tourist office to pick it up. One of Verona's claim to fame is its remarkably well preserved Roman amphitheatre, which is often used for plays, concerts, and (of course) opera. I will visit. The tourist office is on the Piazza Bra . . . and there is a market . . . for. us tourists. It would have been rude not to have a look around. I also bought a few things.

Like what, Pil?

It was a bit odd. I was hard pressed to find something from the Veneto itself. I did get a small bottle of local olive oil, but most booths offered items from Piedmont, Pulgia, and Sicily. On offer was a lot of cheese, sausages, cannoli, snacks, honey. You name it. You could probably find it. I bought a few black olives that I am having for apero. Tasty but molto salty.

I came across a both offering products from Liguria. I retain a passionate fondness for the food there. When I need to cure a farinata or foccacia craving I know where to go. What I bought was a jar of pesto genovese. Once one has had the real thing, all others pale in comparison.

My room was done, so I can spend a relaxing afternoon.

I dropped off my take and went to the grocery store. It's the Veneto. Imma drink Prosecco, and it's cheap here. The closest thing I could find to local cheese was some DOP Provolone Val da Padana. I also got some mortadella because I'm in Italy and like to indulge.

Let's have a sip of the chilled Prosecco. Ooh. That's very nice. It's turned quite warm so the bubbles are refreshing. Now for a bite of cheese. It's very mild, and it takes a while for the complexity to develop. I'm thinking it would be even better melted.

Ciao for now