CongressNews No. 4

A Day in Verona

It is not far from Abano to the world famous town of Verona. You can even book a visit at the Arena di Verona right here in Abano (Reisen Tour, Viale delle Terme 145, 40.000 Lire, another 40.000 Lire for bus transfer). We went to Verona by car (75 minutes, 6000 Lire each way on the motorway) to have some more time before the performance at the arena started. After a walk through the pedestrian zone to the vegetable market at Piazza del' Erbe we took lunch at the beautiful Piazza dei Signori. From there it is only a few steps to Juliet's balcony. After lunch we had just enough time to walk over the Scaliga Bridge at the Castelvecchio. The view at Verona and the river Adige is breathtaking.

Before entering the arena you should buy some food and drink (but no glass bottles or cans). At 7 pm hordes of spectators storm the gradinata (the steps of the Arena). A lot of people are loudly advertising their goods: ice cream, ham sandwiches, drinks, binoculars, candles. It is a good idea to hire a cushion. I didn't and unluckily sat down on chewing gum!

The performance (Barbiere di Sevigla) started at 9.15 pm and lasted until 12.30 pm. It had interesting technical solutions (like a fight with a balloon) and entertaining jokes. The actors obviously enjoyed their job. They had great voices, especially if one keeps in mind the big Arena. This was not too surprising as i.e. Leo Nucci played the Barbiere.

(Jan Rüten-Budde, Joachim Beggerow)

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