We checked out by 10am, walked the short distance to the train platform, and boarded our 10:22 train that didn’t arrive until 10:30—that’s Italian punctuality for you.
Arriving in Monterosso at 10:35, we had a mere twenty minutes to purchase tickets for Milan. This wouldn’t have been a problem if: a) Our train had arrived on time; and b) The ticket line wasn’t fifteen people deep. There was only one ticket window open, despite four employees clearly visible behind the booth. With only minutes to spare before our train arrived, an employee opened the second window and we scored our tickets, STILL having to rush to our proper train car to board in time. Whew!
ABOVE: The site of frantic, time-rushed horror.
The trip to Milano Centrale took three hours, but our train car was air conditioned--most of the way--so we could relax with hopes that our typical “mad travel rush” for the day was behind us.
Upon our arrival in Milan, we hailed an overpriced cab from the station to our lodging: Hotel Romana Residence. Being veteran tourists at this point, we hardly needed communication to check in, unload our bags, grab a map, and begin exploring.
ABOVE: Not pictured is the major interior renovation work that changed daily during our stay.
My guidebook had recommended the Piazza del Duomo as a good place to start in Milan, so we used the map to find our way there (about 10-15 minutes’ walk). The piazza was large and spacious, and the cathedral was quite impressive on the outside. The architecture was composed of white and pink marble, with gothic spires, statues, and gargoyles placed all over the building.
ABOVE: Annoying couple blocks your view of beautiful architecture.
On the highest spire was a golden statue of the Madonna, covered (we learned) with 3,900 pieces of gold leaf.
ABOVE: If you look closely along the skyline, you can spot the gold leaf Madonna.
On the far side of the Piazza was the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, which looked like it should be a train station or aviary instead of a shopping mall.
ABOVE: Unfortunately, no food court within. Except McDonald's. You wish I were joking.
It was unlike any mall I’d ever seen back in America, with quite an elite list of vendors. We passed between Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci, among others, so you can imagine how excited Annie was. Must have felt like home to the girl.
ABOVE: No big deal.
After pausing for some photos and window-shopping, we passed through the Galleria’s opposite entry into the Piazza Della Scala where Milan’s famous opera house is located. I checked the performance schedule but there were no options during our time there--plus I doubted I could score us tickets on a day’s notice.
ABOVE: This incomprehensible Italian signpost was the most photogenic aspect of the Teatro, sadly.
We walked a little further to find a small restaurant that served a late lunch. We split a pizza, then I ate lasagna because I was fat and starving.
After lunch we retraced our route back to the Duomo, and decided to enter the Cathedral since it was still open. Whereas Notre Dame was dark on the outside and well-lit inside, this Cathedral was the opposite--very dark on the inside, despite its plethora of stained glass.
ABOVE: An eyeful of awesome.
Beautiful vaulted ceilings, tapestries, and stained glass were everywhere. Also, unlike Notre Dame, the inside wasn’t a madhouse of worshipers and tourists. People were quiet and respectful, so Milan earned some points in my book for that.
ABOVE: The absent tourists just make me smile.
ABOVE: I just like this picture.
Returning home, we napped and showered, then walked back to the Piazza for dinner overlooking the Duomo and plaza. Annie won again: she had an amazing gnocchi with a creamy tomato/basil/greatness sauce. I had risotto Milanese, which was just risotto…which was hardly even satisfying. During our dinner we [read: Annie] suffered a major mosquito attack, so we ate quickly, paid even more quickly, then dashed home. Welcome to Milan!
August 1 Milan Album:
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| Milan: August 1, 2011 |
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