there was an urge to see some of italy on this trip
so we picked milan - north and therefore fairly accessible
overnight sleeper trains not a bad experience so that option taken
train from salzburg to munich and then the overnight ex munich to milan
fortunately our 6 berth sleeper only had 4 - us and 2 italian lads
slept quite well actually though a 3 hour stop was disquietening
milan centrale an impressive building and buzzing with people
onto the metro system and a confident ride to our suburb
uh-oh - we are in the 'burbs - things looking quite run down
which could just be a reflection of economically messed up italy
not feeling too fussed about hauling suitcases so a taxi to the hotel
quite nice - clean, modern, friendly - the opposite of outside
a 30 minute walk to confirm first impressions back to the metro
and a very quick trip into town to come up at central again
we've been sold a hop-on hop-off tram ticket - despite reservations
then spend a good hour or so trying to find said tram and starting point
a read of the small print and it's then apparant any tram is the deal
the price paid really to cover the digital voicepack and headphones
finally hop on and head off to the inner city for a look around
our jaws drop when we wander into the galleria vittorio emanuele
a 19th century shopping centre complete with glass roof way up there
4 covered streets intersecting with all the big name brands to be seen
we take lunch and wine at a cafe within the centre - price - oh well
then out into the sunlight to behold the equally impressive duomo
milan's 14th century cathedral - the size and detailing just amazing
we plan a return visit then hit the tram for the on-off circuit
oops - one of us is a tad tired and the lunch wine kicks in
snoozing our way around before getting off at parco semprione
a very pleasant late afternoon walk through the large park
it's taken all day but we finally feel connected to milan
quit while we are ahead - metro home and some planning
saturday - 6 prime locations targetted and route mapped
beautiful day again and the batteries charged for long walks
the duomo is first - audio guide taken and a good hour inside
europe's 3rd largest cathedral apparantly - the columns are ginormous
the stained glass, the crypt, the statues, the altars, the....everything
we agree again every cathedral we have entered is totally unique
next - pinacoteca ambrosiana - art gallery hosting a da vinci collection
line drawings mostly - good but the other serious paintings win it for us
the refectory at the monastery of santa maria delle grazie hosts a famous painting
da vinci's last supper - but - tickets not reserved and this one is a hot-spot
we could book for early june - nope - so our first miss of the whole trip
nevermind - lunch and wine to the rescue and back on the trail
so much fun to be had just walking and observing in this town
we are in the oldest part and not too overrun so very enjoyable
sforza castle is a 14th century fortress that can be entered
we walk through and dwell on the original intended use
4 down and 2 to go - the pinacoteca di brera art gallery first
room after room after room of european masterpieces
every one deserving more than our cursory observation
by the end there's a longing for something more contemporary
galleria d'art moderna should offer that - but only for a room or 2
modern art apparantly can still be several hundred years old
phew - knocked over the list of 6 - happy - now to relax
purchase prosciutto filled baguettes and beer and back to the park
we have our own little picnic in the later summer's day in milan
lots of people out and enjoying the weather also - very nice
early night required so back on the metro with the throngs
saturday night is gearing up so good to be part of that
milan is certainly a people's city and tonight is the night
the metro packed with good-looking and well-dressed young-uns
us (relative) oldies - back at home base planning the next day
which is - a train ride out of the city to a typical small italian town
fidenza it is - main claim to fame - an irresistable outlet shopping centre
most of the day spent checking out all the brand shops there
result - not much - choice limited and prices not so outlet-y
fidenza town itself - small, quiet, gentle, authentic and closed
an iced coffee taken at the town square with some music thrown in
hard to pick it - sounding south america but no doubt local lombardy
complete with line/circle dancing by many locals young and old
the train back to milan, the subway back to our part of the city
trip adviser consulted and a restaurant called woodstock 3 comes up
oh yes - classic italian - pasta/spaghetti and wine ordered
great food, great wine, great atmosphere - very happy
made our last night in milan/italy very special...
