Weekend in Verona

We arrived in Verona at Piazza Erbe and as instructed called the owner of the B&B who said it was difficult to find and so came to collect us, not usual B&B style to be so friendly, but I could see why as it was through an arcade round the other side and in front of the 'pozzo degli amanti' (lovers' well so called as one threw themself down there after the other) and we soon discovered inside that it was most definitely not a B&B! But something far more worthy - an art&design B&B with a view.

So it turns out that the owner had managed to double book - so he upgraded us to the most luxrious bedroom that I can only describe as antique chic. Not many places can pull this off and most likely not unless they are in Italy (Palazzo Tornabuoni, Florence for example). I've never been so glad that someone has made a mistake before! The view being incredible from our infinite windows and a room to die for as well as two bathrooms. Each piece of furniture is either an antiquity or a design piece - Louis V Ghost chairs for example. Even the art hanging frm the walls was desirable.

Probably what struck me most was the fact that the room had been built originally in 1636 and trasnformed into the modern looking antiquity that it is. Complete with everything that you need including aircon and a covetable smeg fridge full of chilled bottles of water etc. Actually it's so cool, that you feel bad putting your things anywhere and its so designy that you don't know where to put your make-up.

So after a day's shopping, a much needed shower, with a glass ceiling that was part of the floor of our room, we headed out to dinner at the beautiful Tre Marchetti near the 'Arena' for the opera. If I could create a restaurant, this would be it. Stunning murals on the walls, exquisite place settings, divine food - mixed smoked fish followed by stuffed squid and moreish petits fours or dolcetti all with a maitre d' who spouts into operatic overtones during dinner.

Afterwards we headed to the opera ground to see Aida and after having queued each of us for the bathroom for so long, were placed on seats near the entrance, which proved rather noisy but also provided light for following the programme. Definitely tougher than I had realised, but delightful nevertheless - the scenery was incredible with an enormous amount of dancing. Sadly we had to wait a while until the drops of rain stopped after the last interval, but mexican waves around the arena made up for it!

www.piazzaerbe-verona.it
www.tremarchetti.it/en/
www.arena.it
www.trisori.com