On the road again,
Goin’ places that I’ve never been,
Seein’ things that I may never see again,
And I can’t wait to get on the road again.
~ Willie Nelson
The travel bug. Wanderlust. Itchy feet. Whatever you may call it we have a serious case. We are never home long before we were planning where to go next. Some time ago we thought we should return to Italy, and that particular seed took root and, well, here we are in Verona.
We had chosen Verona for several reasons. First was that we had never spent much time in this part of the country, second, it was well placed on rail lines that would easily allow exploring without a car, and third, it would position us well for our second and third legs of this year’s adventures into Slovenia and Croatia.
The route Jeannie planned – she’s the master planner – took us to London-Gatwick airport where we arranged a night at one of the airport hotels. We had arrived early, and there was time to go out for a good pub lunch in the nearby village of Horley. It was raining and cold as we made our way back to the airport on the local bus, and our jet lagged brains insisted that we should grab some take-away food so we could have dinner in our room and crash early.
The next morning began unexpectedly, with a midnight fire alarm – set off by someone smoking in their room. Fortunately we were able to get back to sleep for a few more hours before having to get to our 8:00AM flight from London to Verona, Italy. Things went smoothly enough, though passport control in Italy was crazy, and then our two pieces of checked baggage, that were supposed to emerge on carousel-four never seemed to show up as we and our fellow passengers watched the same two unclaimed bags go round and round. When someone shouted that they were on carousel one, sure enough, one of our bags appeared there, but the other never came out. Then I had the perverse idea to recheck carousel four. And what do you know, there it was.
We made our way to our apartment from the airport using the shuttle that stopped at the train station where Marta, her husband and daughter warmly welcomed us and then gave us the full tour of the beautiful, clean flat. They had also kindly prepared a number of items to see us through the next couple of days.
Arriving on Saturday, we knew that most stores and shops in Italy (and much of Europe) would be closed on Sunday so we quickly settled in and took off for the supermarket to pick up a few additional items, besides, it was beginning to rain.
Later that evening it was still cold but the rain had stopped. When we were 
shopping earlier we made note of a nice pizzeria that wasn’t far so we bundled up and took off for a wonderful dinner.
Sunday arrived auspiciously with clear blue skies and crisp temperatures. It was Easter, it was April Fool’s Day, it was our 44th Anniversary, and we were in Verona, the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Ah, fair Verona, where we lay our scene.
However, for now, dear reader, we will leave you with a few images of the day’s wanderings. There will be much more to come, and we thank you for joining us.
Alice Mathias
3 Apr 2018Loved it!
Jeannie
5 Apr 2018Glad you’re traveling with us through our blog!
Carolyn Schultz
3 Apr 2018Glad you are safe and together and on to the next adventure! Daughter Zoey and new hubby Randy flew into Glaswick on the 31st with a transfer to Edinburgh on the 1st. …But Zoey’s bag never showed!! She was in quite the panic trying to deal with it as they then headed for their Yurt in the countryside, in the cold with her in little demi boots, a sundress, and jean jacket. She broke down and bought some clothes on Monday while still getting stories from the airlines. Today after playing in the snow with her new hubby, she got her bag delivered to the countryside at the Yurt and all is good as the honeymoon continues!!!! And two new Adventurers are born!!!!
Jeannie
5 Apr 2018Sometimes it is the difficulties that make stronger memories, and definitely good stories. We’ve learned to always pack a spare in the carryon for the next day if luggage is delayed. And we also place an outfit in each other’s suitcase in case one goes missing. Live and learn, it’s fun if you let it be!
Neona Daugherty
3 Apr 2018This sounds like a great trip and I am looking forward to the next pictures. It is one of my favorite places to visit. Have a wonderful journey!
Jeannie
5 Apr 2018Enjoy our stories, and your memories!
Dr. Richard
3 Apr 2018Hey Chris and Jeannie! I had a wonderful time when I visited Verona and your photos certainly brought back memories. The rail system in Italy is amazing so I hope that you’re able to take advantage of that and see a couple of the other places that I had recommended!
Jeannie
5 Apr 2018Thank you for both your travel recommendations, and your dental advice!!
Wayne
3 Apr 2018Looking forward to seeing the journey. Happy travels!
Jeannie
5 Apr 2018Glad you enjoy our stories and photos!
missy ortega
3 Apr 2018I’m listening to Willie right now as I read this. Too cool. I am glad that you went back to carousel 4 ! The photos are beautiful!
Linda
3 Apr 2018Glad your luggage eventually showed up. Great pictures already in only a few days. Can’t wait to see more. Have fun.
Jeannie
5 Apr 2018I think it is actually more fun when we encounter a small wrinkle and figure our way through! Always glad to see you along with us.
Cathi
3 Apr 2018This prologue. Full of anticipation to see the photos and read the stories of you seasoned travellers on this next jaunt. Happy Anniversary!
Jeannie
5 Apr 2018We actually are beginning to feel like seasoned travelers. It was nice to enjoy our anniversary in such a beautiful city. Every day is a celebration for us!
Bonnie Baron
3 Apr 2018Seeing your posts and photos, what a pleasure.
Thanks for bringing me on this journey
Jeannie
5 Apr 2018Happy to see you join us!
Kim
3 Apr 2018Always enjoy you taking us with you on your travels!!
Jeannie
5 Apr 2018As we enjoy your travel stories also!
Niels Bache
3 Apr 2018Jeannie, your planning talent surpasses itself. Arriving in la Citta di Romeo e Giulietta the day before your anniversary is one thing, but how did you arrange for the weather to brighten up like that exactly for that day?
Beautiful pictures, hope the weather tendency holds – see you soon!
Best regards,
Niels
Jeannie
5 Apr 2018For all the research that goes into making our plans, all I can do about the weather is hope. Since we stay longer periods than most who travel, we have a better probability of both good and bad weather. But we were delighted to be greeted with clear and sunny skies for our first days in this beautiful city. Holiday weekends also bring crowds of people and the main streets of the city were filled shoulder to shoulder with both tourists and locals. The crowds have since subsided significantly, as the skies have filled with clouds, and spells of rain. We have begun our restaurant evaluations and will be to report soon; we look forward to sharing time with you and Jette again.
Shirley Evans
3 Apr 2018Glad you arrived safely & are settling in. Enjoy!
Jeannie
5 Apr 2018And we’ve been lucky that the rain cleared and we had beautiful weather on our first days!