Milan

18 September 2011

By the time we left Venice the weather is perfectly good, but not my mood. There's really no perfect tour and when you found yourself lost in a big crowd, its like a disaster. The supposed to be meeting place was not followed and so my remaining time for buying souvenir was wasted. It's like every trip must have a moment like this, a comedy of errors where you are walking from and to saying , I know it's here somewhere or it's almost time, where are the rest? I even asked the vendor if they see someone wearing like this hahaha, one of the crazy things I did. Thanks goodness, my roaming mobile helped me to reach them. 

Soon before we reach our next destination, we stop at Autogrill for some snacks. Autogrill became our favorite stop before and after reaching another city in Italy. A good authentic Italian espresso (must try) and a grilled sandwhich plus a lot of refreshments are always available.

 Pasta, cheese  and wine are among the famous products of Italy and you can find it in Autogrill. Different colors, shapes and textures that you will find it more as decoration rather than food. 

By the time we arrive in Milan, its almost noon. The three hours bus trip was longer than expected because of some road works. Known as one of the Fashion Capital of the World, Milan is home to famous designers like Versace, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Dolce and Gabanna, Giorgio Armani etc. A fashion city and yes, they justify it with the clothes they wear (from bags, boots from all shapes and sizes, suits/coats and a lot more).


 A lovely commercial street of Milan, our first stop upon reaching the fashion city.

 Castello Sforzesco

 Inside Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, where all the luxurious and branded products are in store. We saw the first Prada stall in the world, almost 100 years of age and the Louise Vuitton with its elegant and classic facade. I just hope I have the luxury to buy one here:-)

 I got curious on the long queue, mostly ladies. They are digging their heels into a mosaic of bull because it will bring good luck, according to them. I wanted to try, but with the long queue, maybe its not yet my luck haha.

 Going outside the Galleria is the Milan's Duomo, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. (It is one huge mass of marble, containing about 3,500 statues, nearly 100 gargoyles, and far more butresses, pinnacles, pillars and arches - source from Wikipedia). I wanted to go around and enjoyed myself feeding the pigeons but our tour guide forbids me to do so. She warned me the danger I am facing once I feed those pigeons. Never ever accept any food from the men who will offer, otherwise you'll end up paying more or worse, you'll be harassed until you give in. A dollar cost of food could reach up to twenty to fifty euros. Screaming for help will not work here in Milan and in other Italian cities, bear that in mind.