Exploring Verona's Alleys and Confronting the Romantic in Me at Juliet's Balcony

What happens when an incurable romantic hears about a place that signifies hope in today's swipe-left culture? She finds her way there and see if she can get some of that hope to rub off on her. This is exactly what happened to me, the first time I watched one of my all-time favourite rom-coms, Letter's To Juliet.

There's no denying that fiction can be inspiring, no matter how idealistic it may seem. But the thought of sitting outside a house they call Juliet’s, while I pen down my hopes, wishes and thoughts was a beautiful notion for me. So, when I found myself planning a visit to Italy, I knew I had to be in Verona to visit Casa di Giulietta.

Were you aware that Shakespeare did not base Juliet on a real-life character? Neither the house nor the Juliet of this house had any connection to him. But the name Cappello was close to Capulet as in the play. The name and the picturesque balcony of the house helped spread the rumour and in her death, Juliet Cappello became famous. Soon, a bronze statue of Juliet was places in the courtyard, and it became one of the most visited attractions in Verona.

I must admit, that although I knew this, a part of me wanted to believe it really was Shakespeare's Juliet that lived here. I never understood Juliet, but she was a character that I was eager to meet.

But let's take a step back and talk about Verona first.

Verona is gorgeous. I was there years ago, but as you may be able to tell from this blog post, it is a place that I often dream about. The labyrinthine alleys of Verona are similar to the ones in Venice, but they are cleaner and less-crowded, making you feel like you have travelled back in time. The Verona Arena is replete with history and watching Romeo & Juliet there is high up on my bucket list. But on my first visit to Verona? All I thought about was the letter I had written to Juliet, clutched tightly in my hand. So when I finally found that sign pointing me in the right direction, I was ecstatic!

But as soon as I arrived at Juliet's home, my little bubble of fantasy burst. Standing there, I suddenly found myself feeling a barrage of confusing emotions. I realised that I was not a hopeless romantic after all, I was a delightful mix of a cynic, a feminist and a romantic. Is that even possible? I felt like there was no way I could sit outside her house and write a letter like I wanted to.

Crowds were swarming for photos. I was overwhelmed by the long lines of women and girls trying to paste their letters to Juliet on the wall (with chewing gum!). I hear that fines are now being imposed for damaging the walls, so that is a good sign. There was also a gift shop that killed the little romance left in the air. What was even more horrifying was the crowd that waited to rub the statue's breast. Legend has it that if you rub the statue's right breast, it could bring you luck in love. As I watched people taking selfies while doing so, the feminist in me shuddered. Just the thought of it makes me feel bad about the poor girl who must be turning in her grave (and a certain English Bard too).

I then tried to move my focus back to the romantic girl in me who wanted a love story that would be all sorts of filmy ( I'm still waiting for one). So I took out that pen I specially carried and started writing my letter. It probably got lost in the crowd but along with that letter I hid, I also left a small note on the wall... something that simply said...

About Club di Giulietta , well, the internet says that they are real, but I never got a reply. However, to be fair, I am sure there were a lot more compelling letters that required their attention. I spotted heartwarming letters about wanting to find love, notes asking for Juliet's blessings, letters crying about broken hearts, and even some graffiti on the walls. I spent a couple of hours just reading stories -- and that is what I loved the most!

I was able to ignore all the negatives and focused on the emotions that had brought so many like me here, leaving their stories and prayers behind. As an aspiring writer, this experience really changed me as a person.

A couple of years later, when a friend planned her Italian holiday and added Verona on her list. I couldn't resist but send another letter to Juliet!

To end, I would like to quote my favourite lines from Letters To Juliet.

" 'What' and 'If' are two words as non-threatening as words can be... But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life..."

I do have a number of what ifs in my life but I am glad going to Juliet's Balcony is not one of them!

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