Traveling beyond the borders of the United States was something I only dreamed of doing as I grew up. Never did it occur to me that I would actually live in another country! Yet I have taken a journey I never expected to be part of.
I met my husband shortly after joining the Air Force. He had already been in for about 3 years. As a military family, we didn’t simply visit new places—we lived in them. From the rolling hills of southern Germany to the timeless beauty of Italy, every assignment became another chapter in our story. We discovered rich histories and breathtaking landscapes. We made unforgettable friendships and learned life lessons that we could never have imagined. Those journeys continue to inspire me today to search out new places to visit. Perhaps our travels will inspire you to venture out, see new things, and dream big.
Traveling Abroad
God has blessed me with the opportunity to travel beyond this great country I live in. I hope you are able to travel and experience new places and things to do, even if it is only in your home state.
My husband had traveled to many new cities in the United States and Europe. He had been to Italy with the military before we married. He had shared many stories, but my mind just couldn’t comprehend doing that.
I had vacationed in the United States, sometimes with family. Lo and behold, we received orders; we were going to Italy. It seemed unreal to me. Three children and thousands of miles from family and where I grew up. I must say I was excited but scared too. But soon the fears passed somewhat, and we began preparing.
A New Country And New Adventure
We were not going to a location that had a military base, and I spoke no Italian. I began trying to calm my fears some. My husband remembered some, however, so I figured it would be alright. Thank goodness for him.
We were assigned a sponsor. That is someone that will show you around the base and helps you settle in. Our sponsor met us when we landed at the airport and took us to a hotel we were to stay at until we could find housing. We arrived in the afternoon, and we were all tired. It was a stressful journey, as we had a 9-year-old, a 7-year-old, and a 2-year-old plus all the luggage. Because of the time difference, though, we did not want to go to sleep so we could get adjusted to the time difference.
We decided to go for a walk, and we found a park so the kids could play and unwind from the flight and car rides. The kids had no problem finding playmates. The language barrier wasn’t an issue for them. They communicated in other ways.
That night our sponsor took us to their house for dinner. After we went back to the hotel and finally went to bed. It was in the city and on a main street. We opened the window and watched all the commotion of city living. We weren’t used to that, and it did take adjusting to car horns, traffic, music, and people going out at night. But we were so tired, sleep finally came to all of us.
Once we finally found an apartment, we began to get accustomed to the many changes. We went to the markets to buy groceries, and I learned to speak enough Italian to get me by. Yes, just about every little town has a market and sells local produce and various items to buy.
The kids were a big help in translating for me as they picked up the language faster. My two-year-old went to an Italian preschool and picked the language up fast. The only thing was it took her a minute to find words to translate when I needed help! It was funny; you could see the wheels turning in her head to figure it out, but she managed to help her old mom out!
We finally were able to get out of the house more and began to enjoy seeing the country. I will try to tell you some of the highlights in case you decide to travel to Italy. I hope you enjoy the tour!
First stop – Verona, Italy
Verona is a city of beauty. It is a unique city filled with history. It is a city that not only welcomes you but is also cordial to those who visit. It is all because of its people that reside there. They are good-humored, warm, and witty. Charles Dickens described Verona as lovable. Mainly because of the people.
Verona is situated on the banks of the Adige River in the Venetian plain. At one time it was known as the “gateway to Italy.” It has survived many invasions and been under various kings’ rule through the ages. It is a city of hills and the river with nearby mountains. A truly beautiful city.
Verona has been considered Roman, barbarian, Renaissance, feudal, Baroque, and neoclassical. One moment it can be stern and militaristic and sentimental when it wants or needs to be. It can be both classical and romantic; however, today it is a modern city. It is a city that does not restrict itself to any one of these styles. It is a city that has a very diverse group and style of people. It makes a complete kaleidoscope of unity and diversity.
Verona’s Secrets to See
Juliet’s Balcony and Tomb
I believe everyone knows the story of Romeo and Juliet. It is one of the classics and is studied in schools. If you didn’t know, Verona is the city of Romeo and Juliet. Therefore, an enormous number of tourists come to see the House of Juliet and its famous balcony. I remember getting there and pausing for a minute, looking up. I remember thinking, “Wow, I can’t believe I am standing here!” I thought it was amazing that I could be at a place that is studied in schools and would one day be a place I would visit. It is a must-see if for no other reason than to say you had the opportunity to go there. You can tour the house as well.
Some have questioned whether there was any truth to the famous story of Romeo and Juliet, but in fact in Verona, there were two families named Montecchi and Capuleti (or, more precisely, Cappelletti). In fact, the Capulet Hall, within the structure of the home, can host wedding ceremonies.
Another location that also goes with the Romeo and Juliet tour is the Chapel of St. Francis in the former Capuchin friary. A Capuchin friary is a community house and place of residence for the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. They are an autonomous branch of the Catholic Franciscan order. This is where the empty tomb of Shakespeare’s heroine Juliet was laid to rest.
You also have the House of Romeo. It is known as the Via delle Arche Scaligere, which is located a few steps from the tombs of the rulers of Verona. Here is a 14th-century house, said to be the home of the Montague family.
The Arena Di Verona: A Living Piece of History
One of the world’s best-preserved Roman amphitheaters, I believe, is standing in the heart of Verona, the Arena Di Verona. It has survived over 2000 years and continues to be used today for the same purpose as it was back then. That is to bring people together for spectacular entertainment.
It was built at the beginning of the 1st century A.D., 30. This makes it older than Rome’s famous Colosseum. Constructed primarily from white and pink limestone quarried nearby, it has become one of Italy’s most recognizable landmarks. It was able to originally seat around 30,000 spectators. However, today, for safety and preservation, the seating is approximately 22,000. Much of the original seating remains today.
Just imagine you are able to sit where Roman citizens once watched incredible spectacles. Some of those were gladiator battles, animal hunts, religious ceremonies, athletic competitions, public celebrations, and more. Like other Roman amphitheaters, then it wasn’t simply a place for entertainment—it was a gathering place where thousands of people came together to celebrate victories, festivals, and important civic events.
- Special cultural events
- Outdoor Opera Performances
- Classical concerts
- Symphony orchestras
- Ballet productions
- Modern music concerts
Today it is internationally famous for the following:
With the arrival of summer, the Arena Opera Festival is in full swing. It attracts visitors from around the world. I can tell you firsthand watching an opera under the stars while surrounded by nearly two thousand years of history is one of the most unforgettable experiences. While living there for five years, we were able to watch Aida. It was more than we expected. It was our first opera, and being outdoors in such an amazing arena made it truly spectacular. The acoustics are so incredible; even voices without microphones carried throughout the amphitheater.
Piazza delle Erbe
Once the Roman Forum, this lively square is filled with colorful market stalls, cafés, fountains, and beautiful historic buildings.
Castelvecchio
A magnificent 14th-century castle complete with museum, medieval bridge, and impressive views over the Adige River. It is a true symbol of medieval history, stories of power, art, and culture; it is a ‘must-see’ stop in Verona. For more information on this and other stops to make your trip complete, go here.
Ponte Pietra
Ponte Pietra means “stone bridge.” It is Verona’s oldest bridge and dates back to the 1st century BC during Augustus’s reign. It has survived numerous floods and wars. It offers wonderful views of the river and city skyline.
Torre dei Lamberti
Visitors willing to climb—or take the elevator—are rewarded with panoramic views across Verona.
Giardino Giusti
One of Italy’s most beautiful Renaissance gardens, known for its cypress-lined walkways, statues, fountains, and peaceful atmosphere.
Closing Thoughts of Verona
As one stands or sits inside the arena, one can get lost with one’s thoughts. You imagine the roar of the crowds some 2000 years ago, connecting with what they saw. Yet today’s visitors can experience those same feelings while sitting under those same open skies. Very few places in the world can connect the past and present so beautifully. Yes, Verona is more than just the city of Romeo and Juliet. It is a place where ancient Roman history, medieval charm, and modern culture meet and come together.
Verona is more than just the city of Romeo and Juliet. It is a place where ancient Roman history, medieval charm, and modern culture come together. Standing inside the arena, it’s easy to imagine the roar of crowds nearly two thousand years ago, while today’s visitors enjoy world-class music under the same open sky. Few places in the world connect the past and present so beautifully.
Armie’s Memory Box
Walking through the Piazza delle Erbe was one of my favorite experiences. The colorful buildings, lively cafés, and market stalls made it feel like the city was inviting us to slow down and simply enjoy the moment. It wasn’t just about seeing another landmark—it was about experiencing everyday life in Italy.
The people, the smells, and watching life happen at a much slower pace. We simply gained a whole new appreciation for different cultures and experiences. It also made us appreciate what we have and our heritage. I invite you to follow me further as I continue our experiences while traveling about in Italy. Where will the next stop be?