18. Verona - Day 2

Verona is a beautiful city to roam,

I can see why Madonna and Leonardo di Caprio  call it home.

It has preserved some of the best archeological sites,

From around 1 BC to medieval  15^th century fights.

I took my City of Verona pass I bought for 15 euros

And decided I was going to visit every site & be thorough.

Starting with Basilica San Zeno and its beautiful garden lawn,

And viewed the frescos, one in particular of St. George slaying the dragon.

Decided to walk around the circle of the city,

Got to the tomb of Guiletta, it was closed, such a pity.

Crossed the Via Pallone Bridge and walked straight into Piazzale Cimetero.

I walked around and then became humbled to see how fast our lives go.

Followed the walkway for the Fiume Adige,

Smelt some pizza and decided I was mangi.

Fellows were nice, thought I was from France

Spoke in broken English and communicated by chance.

Traveled the river until I got to Teatro Romano, the archaeological site,

And when I entered I was breathless by the arena and monastery height.

The Teatro was discovered by Andrea Monga in the 19^th century,

Over time, the excavation uncovered the theatre’s cavea.

The reconstructed Arena, cemetery and monastery were intact

The mosaic floors of the monastery and marble floor of the arena take you back,

To a time when art in the home was expected,

And the artists were honored and respected.

And see the enormous views of the city that just don’t stop.

I briefly visited San Giorgio’s church dome,

Crossed the Via Gariblado Via Rosa to find my way home.

The next stop was the Duomo, rebuilt and consecrated in 1187,

The paintings, frescos and splendid reliefs are a gift from heaven.

The Basilica di Santa Anastasia was not too far,

I just happened to come across and said, “Another church? I need a bar!”

I entered reluctantly and I am glad I did

For it had unique things that were hid.

The hunchback water stoop, so they say,

Will bring you luck if on his back your hands lay.

Of course I did it, I need all I can get

And said, “Ok all you saints, on with the bet!”

I stumbled upon Romeo’s house; I thought was an alley,

And wanted to go to the cinema gallery.

I got in for free – again with my pass,

And entered thru to tombs below, that was a gas!

The Italians are clever by far,

They take the ancient & mix the present  next to a bar.

So both exhibits I got to see, from Marilyn, Liz, Charlie C

To John Wayne and directors on the set of the movies.

The black and white photographs were displayed,

Amongst the ancient burial graves.

Tired I am from walking all day,

I came upon a pastry shop, bought one with a café.

Walked to the hotel and I am completely beat,

Call it a night because of my feet.