Milan to CDC

It's a big trip today, travelling from Milan to a small town in Umbria. There are several changes of train and a mad sprint to make the connecting train in Perugia. It's a private line and the train is basically two small carriages very reminiscent of a tram.

It's not the most comfortable journey as it's crowded and rather basic. It does however do it's job and get us to our destination.

Milan - Day 4

It is odd to have someone travelling with me, even if it's Paalo. Let's just say we don't travel at the same pace.

The morning starts off with a return to the Duomo for a more detailed look - which includes going back onto the roof.


















Back on ground level, restoration work at the Duomo continues



Having stared at the Galleria from the Duomo's roof we spend some time inside for a little indulgence



It may have cost €10 for two coffees - but we are sitting in the Gucci cafe in the Galleria! I must also add that they have the most stylish waiters I've ever seen - decked out in Gucci.

We contemplate a second coffee but time is against us - its a quick walk across the piazza to the Palazzo Reale for the Caravaggio and Europe exhibition.



Our next stop was the Castello Sforzesco as it was on the way to our final destination, a viewing of Il Cenacolo or The Last Supper.

It certainly is a highlight of the trip and although you are only given 15 minutes of viewing time and you have to go through two air locks, you are able to really appreciate the work in a respectful atmosphere. If the Last Supper wasn't impressive enough, there's an exquisite painting of the crucifixion on the opposite wall.

Milan - Day 3 Redux

It doesn't matter how you look at it Melbourne is a long way from it's big sister Milan. I am finally here, travel weary but wide eyed.

Milan's first visual feast is the Station - Wow I could stare for hours at the atrium.

Next visual feast (via the metro) the Duomo - Wow.

Next visual (and delicious) a selection of Dolce - Wow.

Next a shower (after 36 hours of travel) - bliss!

Next a simple panini dinner with my first Italian experience of truffle and next, sleep....zzzzzzzzzzz

Milan - Day 3

I've decided to have some little treats waiting for Paalo when he arrives. I've taken advantage of the bakeries across the road and have a selection of tradition dolce all wrapped up for him. I know he will love them especially after such a long trip.

With time to kill before I need to be at the station I head out to visit Castello Sforzesco





Castello Sforzesco was built by Francesco Sforza in the 15th century.





























I then return to the Duomo but this time I decide to go to the roof















One of the things that I especially love are the statues - and there are over 3400 of them!









From the roof to the outside, it's time to head inside









My next destination would be the most important of the day - going to the station to meet up with Paalo



It's taken him a day and a half to get here, close to 24 of those hours on planes - so if you are from Europe or the North America and next time you want to complain about the 6 hour flight you've been on, just don't even open your mouth and especially don't do it within earshot of Australians or New Zealanders.

I'm glad I did my little recon yesterday to make the trip back to the hotel as easy and memorable as possible. We get off the metro at the Duomo so that is his first image of Milan. It's then a short tram ride from there to the hotel.



Here's the tray of dolce, minus one that was quickly gobbled up by a very happy Paalo.