Some Pics

This is my family in Padova having lunch. (This will be the last pic for now, as it has taken me 2 hourse just to do what little I've done. More when I can be on a faster connection.)

Arriving in Italy

Here they are and I'm so happy they all came. Two weeks with my family (yes there were ups and downs) but unbelievable memories and experiences!! I have the most beautiful granddaughters and the most wonderful children to come over to visit me. Here are some pics

Verona - At the Opera "Carmen"

Yes, I bought a fan. It was so hot there. There were folks dressed to the "nines" here, and then us, tourists that were site seeing all day, and still in our sweaty clothes. But no one seemed to care! I'm going back, you can be on it. This city has so much to see and do, and it is very beautiful! I plan on going back many times. It is only around 38 miles from me. Too good to be true!! Did I mention I love having visitors?

The set and curtain

Inside of the Arena. We had great seats down on the floor. The sound was awesome, and so was the Opera. There are concerts held here also. Santana played the week before. Of course, not just anyone can perform here. There are strict rules and only "special" people deemed that by a panal of Verona citizens, get to perform here. It was awesome!!

This Arena is dated 3rd century AD. Emperor Gallienus added on to it.

Verona, The Castle Fortress

Courtyard of the Parade Ground, where Napoleon did his "thing" of parading around.

The inside, all sorts of rooms withpaintings and sculptures. It was being restored, so couldn't see all the rooms.

Castelvecchio, 1354

Verona, Italy

One of the "trade" buildings left. Verona was a busy trade route. People coming into the city had to check in at this building.

Piazza delle Erbe, where Roman forums were held

Church of San Fermo Maggiore. Fransican priests were martyrd.

The oldest bridge still standing built by the Romans

17th Century Church of Santa Maria

Castle built at beginning of Middle ages over looks the famous vineyards of the Roman city Patigulaue

Roman structure from long ago

View of Verona from atop a hill

Another piece of Roman building

Love the architecture of some houses

The bell tower of the Cathedral of Verona

The shopping street.

A piece of Roman structure, Porta Borsari. Right through the arch, the most exclusive shopping area. Prada, Gucci, etc. stores.

Looking down the street at teh famous structure of Saint Anastasia Church

One of the many statues that dot the city

A religious shrine, Our Lady of Lourdes (Think Madona named her daughter after this?)

The long ago fortress, still stands

Part of this beautiful city.

one of the may bridges the Romans built

Coming into the city

Padova

A picture from one of many bridges that go across the river in the town.

A park in the middle of town. It has 4 bridges to get to the center. There is part of the river running all around it. Statues all around it of famous people of Italy. Some born in Padova, Italy. (Politicians, artists, writers, etc.)

Another view

One of the many monuments

Just to the right of the church square

Architecture is beautiful!

St Anthony's Church, Padova Italy

Famouse Church, 1200

My travel buddy, Diana

Little Note

So, stay tuned for more. I'm going to Verona over 4th of July. YES!! Romeo's and Juliet's story takes place here. I will get to visit the Montegue's and the Capulet's house, with the famous balcony. Also, I'm going to see the opera "Carmen" on Saturday night (the 5th) inside one of the best preserved Roman Collisiums in Italy!! I cannot wait!! Shopping and walking along old Roman streets! See you then!

We here!!

This is where my office will be. I'm on the bottom floor, enter at the second door. ASAP

This is my Hotel on Post in Vicenza

Entering Italy

Just as we were leaving Austria, I spotted a town called "Hall". There is a town in Austria that has my last name, cool!