Exploring Verona: A Love Affair on a Shoestring Budget

Discover the Heartbeat of Verona with Pennywise and Passport Foolish

From Verona, with love! Welcome back, dear readers, to our global escapades where we weave tales of discovery on a shoestring budget. Today, our compass points us to the city of love, the sanctuary for solo adventurers Verona, Italy. Whether entwined in a passionate romance or captivated by the allure of one's own soul, Verona unfolds as the perfect canvas for showcasing love.

Love in the Air: A Tale of Juliet and Romeo

Verona had nestled itself in the chambers of my heart long before my arrival, a sentiment kindled by the timeless tale of Juliet and Romeo. The desire to caress the statue of the exquisite Juliet, to stand where magic once unfolded, drew me irresistibly. Verona did not disappoint; love was indeed in the air.

Embraced by Richness and Laid-Back Atmosphere

The city embraced me with its opulence and laid-back aura. Witnessing locals savoring life, indulging in wine at 10 am, set the perfect backdrop for my cup of hot coffee. Arriving from Roma by train, I took a taxi to my sanctuary in Verona the Euromotel Croce Bianca, a 2-star gem that became my home away from home.

Surprises in Every Corner: Juliet's Grave and Hidden GemsWhile Juliet and Romeo were mere creations, and the playwright never set foot in Verona, delightful surprises awaited. Juliet's grave, an invitation to immerse oneself in romantic lore, and the hotel manager doubling as a fantastic tour guide, unfolded the city's treasures. Fate led me to a solo traveler from Kenya who became my personal photographer (LoL), revealing hidden gems in the charming streets.

Verona's Underrated Charm: A Glass of Wine at 10 am. Given the choice between Milan, Roma, or Verona, the latter became my hands-down favorite. The calmness and richness of Verona outshone the crowded Colosseum of Roma. Verona's underrated Colosseum, coupled with the imagery of enjoying a glass o wine at 10 am, created a serene yet vibrant atmosphere.

Memorable Attractions: Unveiling the Beauty of Verona

Memorable attractions etched themselves into my heart: Arena Di Verona, the ancient stadium preceding the Colosseum, Piazza delle Erbe, Piazzale Castel San Pietro, Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, and various religious sites. Verona's beauty unfolded as I immersed myself in these enchanting spaces.

Wine, Coffee, and Friendly Encounters: Bacco's Welcome

A simple cup of coffee with a journalist friend from Verona became a blissful experience. Strolling through a farmer's market behind the soccer stadium, reminiscent of African markets, and encounters with friendly locals. For wine enthusiasts, Bacco offered the best of Verona's Amarone Wine, accompanied by a warm welcome and a selection of wine and cheese a check off my Kenyan solo travel bucket list.

Verona's Walkable Charm: A Map and a 1.50 Euro AdventureVerona's walkable terrain made it ideal for exploration. A river crossing the city, lined with shops and restaurants near the Colosseum, added to the city's charm. Verona offers walking tours, but a budget-friendly alternative is obtaining a city map and a 1.50 euro two-hour bus ticket

.Proximity to Venezia and Sirmione: A Pocket-Friendly Hub Proximity to Venezia and Sirmione La Grande made Verona a pocket-friendly hub. Opting for day tours to these tourist hotspots while basing yourself in Verona proved cost-effective. My day trip to Venezia was filled with exploration, but starting January, visitors would have to pay to explore this unique city.

Affordable Adventures: Venezia by Boat and Sirmione's Grand Lake

Venezia became more affordable when shared with a friend or a newfound companion. An 80-euro boat ride for both of us made the experience more budget-friendly. Staying in Verona and day-tripping to Sirmione Grand Lake for two days may have cost me a few euros, but it allowed me to savor the bicycle-friendly city  an experience worthy of every penny.

Verona's Culinary Charm: A Recipe for the Heart

Before venturing into any city, crafting a bucket list of sights and flavors becomes a roadmap to elevate your journey. As we anticipate concluding our Italy tour next week in Sirmione and Bergamo  the towns with open arms for tourists,.

Pasta Carbonara remains my Verona-induced culinary delight. This dish, forever echoing the simplicity that is the key ingredient for Italian cuisine, is my gift from Verona's heart to your kitchen. Remember, simplicity is the portal to the heart of Italian food.

 

Ingredients:

- 400g (14 oz) Your favorite pasta

- 150g (5 oz) pancetta or guanciale, diced or anchovy

- 3 large eggs

- 1 cup (about 100g) grated Pecorino Romano cheese

- 1 cup (about 100g) grated Parmesan cheese

- 3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

- Salt and black pepper, to taste

- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:**

1. Cook the Pasta:

   - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

   - Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.

   - Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

   - In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, and Parmesan cheese until well combined. Set it aside.

3. Cook the Pancetta:(anchovy my choice since I don’t eat pork)

   - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced pancetta (or anchovy) until it becomes crispy and golden brown. If using garlic, add it to the skillet and sauté until fragrant.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

   - Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the pancetta, tossing to coat the pasta in the rendered fat.

   - Remove the skillet from heat, allowing it to cool slightly to avoid curdling the eggs.

5. Add Egg Mixture:

    Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly and continuously to create a creamy sauce. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs, creating a velvety texture.

6. **Adjust Consistency:

   - If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

7. **Season and Serve:

   - Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

   - Serve immediately, ensuring the dish is piping hot.

Enjoy your homemade Pasta Carbonara! The combination of the creamy sauce, salty pancetta, or anchovy and perfectly cooked pasta creates a delightful and comforting dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine.