Malcesine Hotel

... the city of the star crossed lovers.....saw the house and tomb of juliet and walked around this fab city. Defo suggest coming here. Had a great dinner last night of pasta and bean soup (local speciality). Jason was suggested to eat horse, so he did. I think it kinda grossed me out, especially when we saw his brother trotting by earlier this afternoon.<br><br>Anyways, off to go explore and eat now, later!<br>

... it was actually quite nice, I stopped where I wanted, took pictures and took my time with it, and when I got hungry I ate. After lunch I walked out on the pier, intending to go to the end and had to pass a couple so involved in making out I'm not sure they knew I was there. I climbed up on a wall and listened to the waves softly crashing against the rocks and the bells attached to the sailboats ringing, and closed my eyes and let the sun and ...

... toilet. We took the obligatory photos at the Rialto then just planned to walk towards a different section of the Grand Canal, but ended up just wandering through the back streets soaking up the atmosphere. There were tourists everywhere we went and of course shops selling Murano Glass and other souvenirs- I don&#8217;t know how they all survive. We ended up losing our way constantly until we got the Grand Canal opposite the ...

... and Tara went into the toilet and found it was one in the ground that you had to squat over so she refused to go.<br><br>We then went to have gelati and search the old city for toilets and found some near the tower which everyone refused to climb as they said they have climbed enough towers. They also refused to go into a church as well. We decided to have lunch before we went to the Roman ruins north of the river. These included a small amphitheatre and lots of ...

... We also went from having German co-travellers to Italian ones. It was certainly pleasant hearing Italian for change. Arriving into Verona, we appreciated that it was a bit warmer. We checked into a nice motel which was great as the bathroom was nice and we had our own little room where we could shut the door.<br><br>We were a short walk from the old city where you walked through the arches of the old wall to a piazza where the ...

... it anyway. And in fact, it was COFFEE SHAKEN WITH MINT. Go figure, that's almost the exact translation. So I had my first espresso. And holy missoula, it was delicious! And afterward, I didn't have my typical coffee-shakes. Most of you have experienced java josie. And need I say more than "malignant M&amp;M?" I don't think so. But I will tell you what. I have found the motor oil that this particular engine should run on, and it is chilled ...

I am all settled in my new home. And I love being able to put out my things, 'stock' a fridge and cook my own meals. I even enjoyed washing the dishes last night. Obviously still the honeymoon period. I think it's been good too, because I've been feeling a little sick. I'm out-mentaling the sickness so far, but it was good to have a quiet afternoon yesterday and a slow morning. Plus I think it's just a head cold so I'm ...

So much so, that it is about to take the title of 'longest stay' while in Italy. I will spend 5 total nights here. Woohoo! I'm about to leave my fabulous hotel that I love to go to an apartment in the city, where I can live like a local with my own kitchen and everything. I am psyched! The only drawback is that it doesn't have internet. So I will do my best to bring my laptop with me and post updates while I'm in town picking up produce. EEEE! :)<br>

Verona may just give you a run for your money.<br><br>I'm in a glorious hotel, drinking German beer -- courtesy Olga at the front desk. And I am right in the very heart of Valpolicella country.<br><br>I've decided that in Paris and Rome I was touristing (though I recognize I didn't see nearly enough in either) but Verona is going to be relaxing time. Which I also recognize is ridiculous since I go on a cruise in less than a week. But whatever, it's my trip, I get to decide what I'm doing. :)

... for a change with spring rolls and chicken wings for appetizers, spinach and ricotta ravioli, and icecream for dessert! We watched a few Italian gameshows including their version of "Deal or No Deal" and a show we never quite figured out that really just had a girl in a bikini who danced around a lot.<br><br>(Steve) <br> <br>After saying our goodbyes in Augsburg, we left my parents and caught a train to Verona after ...