Last week, in English, our Year 9 students practised their descriptive writing skills as we started discussing the story of Romeo and Juliet. They imagined themselves in Verona, and worked on capturing all the sights, noises, scents and other sensory experiences they might
encounter. Read some of their work below.

As I walk through the streets of beautiful Verona, the smell of freshly baked pastries fills my nostrils. The sky is as blue as the clear waters flowing through the city. The colourful paint peeling off the houses feels rough under my fingers. The beautifully detailed arena catches my eye as the taste of flavourful gelato freezes my teeth. As I come onto Castelvecchio Bridge, I spot orange fish jumping through the glass-like water. The sun warms my face while music fills the streets. Sitting down at a cosy tavern, the fresh, flavourful, crunchy crust of pizza melts on my tongue.

As I walk through the streets of Verona, the smell of tobacco crowds my nostrils. The pavements, decrepit and deserted, are hardly taken care of. The sound of hooves trotting along the road replaces the cheerful shrieks of children, causing a chaotic atmosphere. The hills and mountains in the distance get bigger as I walk towards them, filled with snow and enormous trees. There are plenty of taverns and inns around. I can hear the sound of men laughing and arguing about all sorts of business. Such a lovely town! 

Walking through Verona is like walking through Heaven. I am surrounded by the smell of fresh fish and pastries and the colourful flowers hanging from balconies. The smell of horses pulling carriages on the bumpy, narrow streets is unpleasant. While walking through the streets, I can hear musicians playing and neighbours arguing while the sun shines bright over the colossal theatre. You can feel the wind gently blowing through your hair with a taste of summer. A small tavern near the cathedral catches my attention. I can smell the freshly fried fish, its taste like no other. As I take my seat, I can feel the roughness of the wooden chair, but the tablecloth is made with such care that its softness is extraordinary.

As I walk through the streets, I can smell fish and freshly cut grass. The beautiful flowers of the cherry trees are starting to bloom as spring makes an entry. I continue walking as something catches my eye – a small orchard of apples across the paved street. I take an apple and almost faint from the amazing taste. I stop as I hear the bell from the magnificent cathedral ring and echo through the city. I hear birds chirping on the windowsill. A small tavern near the cathedral towers over me. I can smell freshly fried fish, so strong that I can almost taste it. As I sit at one of the free tables, I touch the tablecloth. The fabric feels soft and smooth under my fingers, but the uncomfortable wooden chair could use a cushion. 

As I walk through the streets of Verona, I can smell fresh flowers announcing the beginning of spring with their bloom. Carts are out on every corner of the cobblestone streets. Further down the alley, I can see the huge arena that was used for gladiator games in the past. Even further, I reach the Castelvecchio Bridge. Looking down, I see my reflection clear as glass in the crystal-clear water that is inviting me to take a sip.