Capturing Your Verona Memories: My Verona Journey Series, Part 9

As your journey through Verona comes to a close, it’s time to think about how to hold onto those unforgettable moments. In Part 9 of My Verona Journey Series, we’re diving into the best ways to capture and preserve your memories from this incredible city. Whether through photos, keepsakes, or the stories you’ll share, Verona is a place that stays with you long after you’ve left. This guide will help you make sure that the magic of Verona is never far away.

Ready to experience Verona like never before? Grab your copy of My Verona Journey: A First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Exploring, Experiencing, and Remembering the Heart of Verona by Obehi Ewanfoh. You will uncover the city’s hidden magic and create memories that will stay with you forever.

Let me repeat that Verona is a city that stirs the soul, and it’s easy to see why so many visitors fall in love with it. From its romantic streets and rich history to its unforgettable food and world-class events, the memories you make in this enchanting city will stay with you long after you have returned home. That is the main reason why this book was written.

See also 10 Best Places To Visit In Verona

But how do you hold on to those memories? How do you capture the magic of Verona in a way that allows you to relive it again and again?

In this final chapter, we will explore some creative ways to document your Verona experience, offering you helpful tips and journal prompts to guide you on your journey. Whether you prefer writing, sketching, or snapping photos, there are many ways to preserve the moments that make your trip so special.

Keep a Travel Journal – Write Your Verona Story

One of the most powerful ways to document your experience in Verona is through a travel journal. Writing allows you to reflect on your adventures, preserve your feelings, and capture the sights, sounds, and smells that make Verona truly unique.

Imagine the prompts in this book and the space provided for you to become a co-author of the story and therefore your own story. Years from now, when you pick up this book to revisit your journey or perhaps pass it on to your children or grandchildren, you will find your own words on the pages, capturing the emotions and memories of your first visit to Verona.

As they read about your adventure, they will feel as if they are walking those streets alongside you, experiencing Verona through your eyes. That is the underline intention of this book, to become a lasting testament to your unique story and journalling is one of the best ways to do this.

What to Include in Your Travel Journal

To get the best out of your travel journaling, consider the following:

• Daily Reflections: Write a short entry at the end of each day, describing where you went, what you saw, and how you felt. For example, did you find a hidden café that became your favorite spot? Did you discover a breathtaking view of the city? What stood out to you about your day? This type of documentation helps you remember even the smallest moments that may fade with time.
• Descriptive Passages: When you are visiting Verona’s most iconic spots—like the Arena, Juliet’s Balcony, or Piazza delle Erbe—take a few minutes to jot down sensory details. What do you see? Hear? Smell? Feel? Describing these moments in detail allows you to revisit them later, as if you are stepping back in time.
• Quotes and Conversations: Sometimes the people you meet along the way—whether they are locals, fellow travelers, or friendly waiters often leave a lasting impression. Write down any quotes, funny interactions, or conversations that stand out. These personal exchanges will add depth to your journal and give it a unique, human touch.

2. Capture the Moment – Photography Tips for Verona

There’s a saying that “a picture is worth a thousand words,” and it’s certainly true in Verona. Whether you are an experienced photographer or just someone who loves snapping photos on your phone, Verona offers endless opportunities for stunning shots.

Here are some tips to help you capture your memories in the most beautiful and authentic way possible:

Best Places for Photos:

• Piazza delle Erbe: This bustling square is one of Verona’s most picturesque spots, with its colorful buildings, lively market, and the towering Lamberti Tower. It’s a great place to capture the essence of the city. Try taking a photo early in the morning when the square is less crowded, or in the golden hour just before sunset.
• Juliet’s Balcony: While it’s a popular tourist spot, there’s no denying the romance of Juliet’s Balcony. A great way to capture this iconic place is by focusing on the details such as the love notes and locks left by visitors on the walls. A wide-angle shot of the balcony with the courtyard below is also a beautiful way to preserve the magic.
• Castel San Pietro: For sweeping panoramic views of Verona, make your way up to Castel San Pietro. The view over the Adige River and the Arena is breathtaking, especially at sunset. This spot is perfect for capturing both the city’s layout and its natural beauty.
• Vineyards and Countryside: Verona’s surroundings are just as stunning as the city itself. Take a day trip to the nearby Valpolicella wine region, where you can photograph the rolling hills, the vineyards, and the charming stone villages.

Nestled into northern Italy, the Valpolicella wine region is renowned for its breathtaking terraced vineyards, picturesque villages, and world-class wines. Famous for producing prestigious varieties like Amarone, Valpolicella Classico, and Recioto, the region boasts a rich winemaking heritage that dates back centuries.

See also 7 Best Hotels to Stay in Verona – Italy

Its unique combination of geography, climate, and traditional techniques has made Valpolicella a celebrated destination for wine enthusiasts. That is also what earns it international acclaim for both its exceptional wines and its vibrant culinary culture.

Photography Tips:

• Play with Light: Verona’s architecture and landscape look beautiful in different lighting conditions. Try taking pictures during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon), when the warm, soft light gives everything a magical glow.
• Focus on Details: Don’t forget to take photos of the small things—the intricate stonework of Verona churches, the vibrant colors of fresh produce at the market, the patterns in a cobblestone street. These little moments often tell the bigger story of your experience.
• Candid Shots: While posed photos are great, candid shots of people—whether it’s a local playing music in the street or a couple enjoying gelato—often capture the essence of a place better than any staged picture.

When it comes to capturing the beauty of Verona, I’m reminded of my documentary project, “Veronetta – New Faces of a Neighborhood” in 2016. This was the second phase of my research project (The Journey) about the presence of Africans in northern Italy. One evening, I coordinated with my team to head out into the vibrant Veronetta neighborhood for a photo and video shoot.

As it turned out what we captured that night was truly astonishing—beautiful, candid moments that highlighted the essence of this unique part of the city.

I can confidently say that from a photographer’s perspective, Verona offers endless opportunities to explore and document its charm, with every corner revealing a new layer of its beauty.

So, photography can be one of the best ways of preserving your Verona journey. However, that is not the only way.

3. Sketch and Illustrate – Let Your Creativity Flow

If you are artistically inclined, sketching or illustrating scenes from Verona is a fantastic way to document your trip.

Whether you carry around a small notebook or use your phone to create digital art, drawing helps you engage with your surroundings in a deep and meaningful way. Again, remember the Albert Einstein quote on immigration and let it flow through your Illustration. What should you draw in Verona? Well, consider the following:

• Landmarks and Monuments: Verona is full of historical sites that make for beautiful sketches. Try drawing the Arena di Verona, the medieval Castelvecchio, or the intricate stone arches of Ponte Pietra.
• Street Scenes: Sketching people going about their daily lives—whether it’s a café waiter setting up for the morning rush or a street musician playing their violin—gives you a chance to capture the dynamic rhythm of the city.
• Nature and Views: Don’t forget to draw Verona’s stunning vistas, whether it’s the view from Giardino Giusti or a scene of the Adige River winding through the valley.

Vincent van Gogh, one of the most influential figures in Western art, created over 2,100 works in just over a decade, including landscapes, portraits, and self-portraits, known for their bold colors and expressive brushstrokes.

See also 184 Restaurants To Pick From In Verona, Italy

Despite facing struggles in his lifetime, he believed deeply in the value of practice, and this is what he said about it “As practice makes perfect, I cannot but make progress; each drawing one makes, each study one paints, is a step forward.” His words remind us that improvement in art, like in life, comes with persistence and dedication.

Do you want to a create an illustration you can be proud of tomorrow? Consider the following sketching tips:

• Focus on Details: Rather than trying to capture everything, zoom in on one particular feature of your surroundings—whether it’s the architecture, a particular flower, or a person’s facial expression. This will help make your sketch feel more personal.
• Use Watercolors or Pencils: You don’t need fancy tools—simple colored pencils or a small watercolor set can bring your sketches to life. A splash of color can make a drawing feel even more like the real thing.

If you are not the artistic type and can’t sketch to capture the moment, don’t worry! There are plenty of other ways to preserve the memories of your Verona trip.

Keep Souvenirs – Collect Moments

In addition to writing and sketching, another way to capture your Verona experience is through tangible souvenirs. These items don’t just serve as mementos; they can also tell the story of your trip in a meaningful way. Here are some souvenir ideas to consider on your Verona journey:

• Postcards: Verona is a city rich in postcards, often featuring stunning shots of the Arena, Piazza delle Erbe, or Juliet’s Balcony. You can collect them throughout your stay, or even mail them back to friends and family as a way of sharing your journey.
• Local Handicrafts: Verona is known for its leather goods, hand-painted ceramics, and local wines. Picking up a piece of locally made art or a bottle of Amarone wine can be a great way to remember your visit and bring a taste of Verona home with you.
• Tickets and Event Memorabilia: If you attend events like the Verona Opera Festival or a performance at the Arena, save the tickets, brochures, or programs. These can serve as a great reminder of the cultural events that made your trip unforgettable.

Create a Travel Album – Assemble Your Memories

Once you have returned home, consider creating a travel album to house all your photos, sketches, tickets, and journals. This can be a physical scrapbook or a digital album, either way, it will be a wonderful way to relive your journey. Here are some ideas on how to create your travel album:

• Organize by Day or Theme: You can organize your album chronologically or by theme. For example, create sections for food, art, history, or nature, and fill them with photos and notes from your travels.
• Include Captions and Stories: Along with your photos and sketches, add short captions or stories about what you were doing in each photo. For example, “I had my first risotto all’Amarone at this café on Piazza delle Erbe—the most delicious meal of the trip!”
• Use Decorative Elements: To make your album even more personal, include decorative elements like maps, fabric swatches, or even leaves and flowers you collected along the way. These items will add texture and personality to your album.

Journal Prompt: Looking back at your trip to Verona, what is the one memory you want to preserve the most? Is it a special moment with a loved one, a quiet walk through the streets, or a cultural experience that deeply moved you?

Write about that memory in as much detail as possible and think about how you might capture it forever—whether through writing, photos, or another creative way.

Verona is a city full of stories, beauty, and unforgettable moments. By documenting your trip, you not only create a lasting record of your experience, but you also allow yourself to relive the magic of the city whenever you wish.

See also Top Restaurants To Eat In Verona – Italy

What this means is that whether you write, draw, photograph, or collect tangible mementos, the memories you create in Verona will stay with you for a lifetime. So, take a deep breath, soak it all in, and get ready to create a collection of stories you’ll treasure forever.

In the next and concluding chapter, we will talk about Group Travel, and you can turn your visit to Verona into a shared Adventure. See you there.

Are you ready to experience Verona like never before? Grab your copy of My Verona Journey: A First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Exploring, Experiencing, and Remembering the Heart of Verona by Obehi Ewanfoh. You will uncover the city’s hidden magic and create memories that will stay with you forever.