Back on the bikes again and off to Verona, the final bit of Culture in the Italian part of the Grand Tour. First we had a chat with a group of Cumbrian cyclists also heading off from the hotel, then we set off up a very steep hill, a shock after 10 days on the Flatlands.

It was 27c before 9am and very humid, but once we got going both of us enjoyed being back on the hills and the views were lovely. Best thing was we got in 2 coffee breaks over the morning, including a lovely visit to the walled town of Soave.

Something new today, a cheery wave from a nun on a bicycle. And a rural cycle rack. And we passed 1000 miles of cycling.

Anyway, the bed and breakfast place is
one of my quirky finds, a third floor
room in someone’s flat close to central Verona and the hostess is an Italian version of Andy’s Nan. Very kind and friendly but tiny. She and I had a chat about making a nice cup of tea, as she did not bat an eyelid when I produced a bag of Betty’s best green tea and a strainer and asked her for some cups and hot water…

Off to explore now, though unlikely to go to the opera I think.

Track of the day:
Romeo and Juliet, Dire Straits.
As anticipated by Jane D on an earlier comment, I would have to choose a Mark Knopfler tune somewhere and todays is an obvious choice.