One guess as to what this is?
No?
This is apparently the
"balcony"
where
Juliet hung out
&
lamented out loud into the darkness of night...
"Romeo, Romeo,
wherefore art thou Romeo!"
You don't need to be a
Capulet
or
Montague
to visit this city
of
ill-fated lovers.
This medieval outpost on the banks
of the
Adige River,
sits comfortably in her
antiquated cloak.
Located in the
Veneto
region of Italy
&
a mere
70 miles west of
Venice,
Verona has a charming small town feel,
that's easily managed on foot.
We were there for the annual
Verona
Opera Festival
held at the
2000 year old
Roman Arena.
Which looks a lot like the
Colosseum
in
Rome.
"That which we call a rose
by any other name, would smell
as sweet!".
William Shakespeare
Verona is not big on sights.
There are 2 bridges,
Ponte Scaligero
&
Ponte Pietra.
A couple of Piazza's
&
an old
Castle.
Castelvecchio.
However,
it's totally charming when the
Opera season
is on.
The entire town comes alive,
turning it into a
jet setting cultural melting pot.
The Arena
was thought to have been built in
AD 30.
It used to be able to sit
20,000 spectators
but now,
for safety reasons,
it's wilted down to
a mere
15,000.
The atmosphere inside,
was quite
remarkable
&
spectacular.
We saw
Aida
&
Turandot.
To be resting on those ancient stone steps,
under the canopy of the blue
Italian sky,
was undeniably memorable.
As dusk took over
&
the Opera began,
the entire scene unfolded
&
we were
transported back to another time.
The city of Verona
is surrounded by
lush vineyards,
ensuring that good wine is easily
available.
As in many other parts of Italy,
people watching is a
national pastime.
Ancient walls are still intact.
Italians are extremely proud of their heritage.
Italy is totally camera-friendly.
Photo opportunities abound at every corner.
No doubt one can be a long way from home,
but here,
under the
shadow of the Arena,
with ample
good food and drink,
one can only
be further intoxicated
by the
sights & sounds
of this beguiling city.
OK..
Enough said.
Time to bake.
Focaccia.
This pizza-like bread is seasoned generously with
sea salt & olive oil.
Additional herbs could be added.
The name was probably derived from
Latin
Latin
"focus".
Technically, it should be baked
in the center of the oven.
Or in the fireplace.
Makes perfect sense.
Always start with quality ingredients.
Tourist!
They're everywhere!
Baking requires
patience and competence.
Let the yeast take it's time to react.
Pour some love into it!
Kneading dough may require some skill.
Youtube
could assist in tutorials.
Seriously,
it's all in the arm strength.
Knead, knead & knead.
Shape.
Knead.
Relax.
Give it a poke
&
if the dough bounces back,
you know it's ready!
Place the dough into oiled bowl.
Cover with warm damp cloth.
Set aside in a warm place for an hour.
Dough must have risen to twice
it's height by now.
Lightly oil the baking form.
Sprinkle generously with
Polenta.
Gently place dough into the baking pan.
Using your fingers,
punch into dough to create
indent marks.
Drizzle with lots of olive oil.
Lightly push in the toppings.
Sprinkle with polenta.
And then lots of sea salt all over.
Cover and set aside for another 45 mins.
Place the pan into the very hot oven.
Center rack.
For 25 mins.
Low
&
Behold,
your master
"piece-de-resistance".
The bread has good texture
&
the salt,olives & herbs
bring out the flavor.
Serve it warm at your table
&
your guests will be
terribly impressed!
Meanwhile...
back in
Verona,
...the city beckons.
 |
| As with most old Italian towns, the center revolves around a central town square. And is usually connected to other squares via small narrow alleys. |
These are the props for
Aida,
awaiting their 5 mins of fame on stage.
 |
| The afternoons are generally blisteringly hot. Stores are mostly closed. And a shade in any form, is much appreciated. |
Again, tourists...
they're everywhere!
( ...actually these are my friends...
from left Odd Gunnar, Kjell, Erle,
Bernt, Stine & Jan Olav )
Verona's history dates back to the time of the
Romans.
Beautiful fountains adorn
piazzas,
just like this on on
Piazza delle Erbe.
This square was once the
town's forum
during the
Roman Empire.
 |
| Apparently, the Capulet family did exist! |
Old world
Italian architecture
is quite remarkable.
 |
| The bridges were destroyed during the second world war but carefully reconstructed, faithful to the original. |
July is a great month to visit
Italy.
There are many
festivals
all over the country.
 |
| You cannot go wrong with a holiday in this country. It has great cuisine, history, architecture, shopping, mountains,beaches & not to mention good wine. And a charming romantic sounding language that would melt even the hardest dark chocolate! |
"You May Have The Universe,
If I May Have
Italy".
Italy".
Giuseppe Verdi
Personally,
I find
Italy
an
easy vacation destination.
More importantly,
the people are friendly
&
some even,
charming.
Great coffee helps!
Our time in
Verona
was well spent.
We came,
we saw,
we ate...
I shopped
&
we left satiated!
" Romeo,
doff thy name,
and for thy name,
which is no part of thee,
Take all myself!".
Peter Hoe's Focaccia
3 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
2 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoon active dry yeast
1/4 cup olive oil
sea salt
polenta powder
olives
sun dried tomatoes
Sieve flour & divide into 2 parts
Add yeast, sugar to warm water. Let it dissolve
until bubbly...approx 15 mins
Make a well in one part of the flour
Pour in 5 tablespoons olive oil
& a little of the yeast water
Stir & combine...gently
Gradually add more flour & yeast water
from 2nd part of flour
Mix until all is combined
Oil a large bowl
Place dough in & cover with
damp warm cloth
Place in a warm place
After an hour, dough
should have risen
Oil baking form & sprinkle with polenta
Place dough into form
& cover for another 30 mins
Generously brush top of dough with
olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, olive rings,
polenta, sun dried tomatoes etc.
Bake for 20 min sat 200 degrees Celsius
Viola!!!
Your bread is ready....
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Nice of you to write!