Interesting things happen most often when you least expect them.
It was Sunday morning. I had a cup of coffee in my hand, and was reading the newspaper (on the laptop). The windows and doors were open to let the delightfully cool morning air and the sounds of the birds into the apartment.
Our good friends from Denmark had been visiting Verona for a few days, and we had been eating more and walking extra while they were here (more on that later). They had departed for Venice, so we decided to take the day off and rest. It’s a luxury we occasionally allow ourselves since we are here for two months.
There had been a “National Meeting of the Carabinieri” here in Verona. The Carabinieri is the Italian military force charged with police duties. They are the national gendarmerie of Italy, policing both military and civilian populations, and are always “on duty”. So while the meeting was going on we felt very secure.
There were events and parades and displays to enjoy, though we didn’t see them all.
This particular morning we weren’t going out, we were just going to relax. Then, unexpectedly there was the sound of a saxophone that seemed to come from one of the apartment windows nearby. They weren’t playing anything, just warming up. I assumed that they were practicing. The tones were melodious and not unpleasant.
Soon, a couple of other instruments joined in. The assumption was, again, that a small combo was going to practice and we would have some music with our coffee.
And then there was this music coming through our doors and windows (be sure to turn up the volume):
We decided that there was something more than a combo rehearsal in a neighboring apartment, and the music seemed to be from the outside. We quickly dressed to go see what was going on.
What we found was a Carabinieri band, all in full uniform, lined up in the small street outside of our apartment, receiving last instructions from their director. They had only played the single warm-up piece. When, at his command they all marched away quietly except for the clicking of the drummers striking the sides of their drums, to wherever their parade was beginning.
Evy
15 May 2018Sometimes unexpected happenings are the best!!
Linda
23 Apr 2018That was cool. What fun.
Jeannie
1 May 2018Yes it was. Glad we got outside in time to see them!
Alice Mathias
23 Apr 2018Cool!
missy ortega
23 Apr 2018Love the music! What a wonderful way to enjoy your morning coffee. And the band looks fantastic! I love a man in uniform.
Debi Katzman
23 Apr 2018What fun! And good to share it from here. Thanks!
Jeannie
23 Apr 2018You’re almost here with us!
Cathi
23 Apr 2018Delightful moment indeed. Wonderful read AND listen.
Jeannie
23 Apr 2018Technology can make it easy to share much more than a quick image. Glad we had time to dash out and see them in action!
Bonnie
23 Apr 2018How grand!! And now I am surprised very early with this joy!
Jeannie
23 Apr 2018The marching band doesn’t know how far they traveled this morning! We’re glad to brighten your day.
LeeAnne Denney
23 Apr 2018What a treat, thanks for sharing.
Jeannie
23 Apr 2018Glad you enjoyed it!
Niels Bache
23 Apr 2018Thanks for that, Chris – much better than being there ourselves 😉 – at least when compared to going to Venice.
CU, Jette & Niels
Jeannie
23 Apr 2018We enjoyed your visit with us in Verona, and will see you tomorrow in Venice!