Wednesday 4th May 2011
Here we sit, on our balcony, as we have every night, on our last day in Milan. Late sunsets makes this part of the day a fantastic way to unwind and relax (and blog) and watch the Milanese as they continue in their usual daily happenings (and to watch the crazy drivers who make up their own rules!) Music bellows from a bar nearby, most apartment windows are open. What an amazing 3 days we have had and have seen.
Yesterday was almost too much to take in, if that could be possible. Il Duomo was an amazing sight, its tall, thin spires soaring high into the sky. The enormity of the church itself is hard to comprehend, and is difficult to capture in photos, but it was definitely worth having to cover shoulders to get in. Yes, you still cannot get into the church with bare shoulders!
Across the piazza from Il Duomo is the Victor Emmanuele ll shopping area….. for those who know have never heard of it, you’d be blown away by it…. Again, another imposing structure, many storey’s high (Paul says it’s like Adelaide Arcade took steroids and then worked out with Arnie), with columns and arches and exclusive boutiques. Here, the female police wear high heels (we actually saw them), how they chase an offender beats me!
After much more walking and talking and aaaahhhhhh-ing at everything we saw, the final anticipation for the day was to visit the church Santa Maria della Croce, to view the original painting by Leonardo Da Vinci, “The Last Supper’. That was an incredible experience. To think that the painting was almost destroyed in the Second World War …… (2/3’s, I bought a poster of the Last Supper to show the class!). We’ve all seen this painting but it’s not until you get up close to it that the beauty and emotion portrayed is evident. Leonardo, what an amazing genius!
Today we had a wonderful trip to Lake Como. We took a ferry to Bellagio and spent a few hours walking around the beautiful town. The views were spectacular. We couldn’t resist having lunch at a café with the best views…why not! I’ll let the photos do the talking!
We’re off to Pianiga tomorrow morning to meet my good friend Julie and her husband, GianCarlo (or GC as we refer to him!). we’re looking forward to 5 amazing days with them, and to explore Venice and the surrounds.
Marcelle, it’s great to hear from you often, we LOVE it, keep it up! Hope you are feeling better!
Welcome Angela, you know what I mean about how amazing Milan is….. great to hear from you, keep well, hope all is good!
Rosa and Sam, I think back to your travel advice, I wish I listened better when you said to pack LIGHT!!!!! Next time for sure!
Hi Tina and Paul I am in awe, what fabulous sights. I am pleased to see the Thermos in many photos. It is great reading where you have been and what you are doing next. Pam Marks xxxxx
ReplyDeleteyou think the Duomo is big on the inside? Try climbing it!!
ReplyDeleteBruno
It's like you're in a movie or something ... I can't imagine actually being amoungst the grandeur that you're showing us. One of these days I'm going to need to see those places ... amazing!
ReplyDeleteNon ho visto mai il Duomo a Milano, allora è difficile credere che si può confrontare alle chiese da San Pietro e St. Paul nella Città del Vaticano e a Roma. Andate li anche? Sono sicuro che la finirà per diventare un'altro giro di ABC - un'Altra Bloudy Chiesa , ma mi sembra che divertirvi e sono molto invidioso! Mantenere i posti ancora. M
ReplyDeleteHi Paul and Tina
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading your blog updates. I log on every day! I am so excited for you.
I'm definitely going back for another holiday. Bruno wont need much convincing.
Enjoy.
Lisa
hi Mrs Ball, we are enjoying reading your blogs and seeing your pitchers. were makeing a list of your discribing words. The year 3s are studying for the naplan test. Tomorow is prayer day and were dressing in our cunfy clothes. hope you have a wonderful time in Venice. We alredy miss you ciao for now. From Matthew Romy and the 2/3s.
ReplyDeleteBuon Giorno you Venetian's.
ReplyDeleteThe Duomo is pretty spectacular and is one of the nicest cathedrals/churches in Italy. Don't worry though, there are plenty more. Tip for Venice - don't get lost (yeah right - happens to everyone). In fact they say that if you don't get lost in Venizia you haven't seen it. So Paul, those tootsies are going to feel it.
2 Tips - stay away from the Touristi menus and start drinking a few Campari Spritz's and for variety, switch to Aperol Spritz's.
Its great revisiting these places through your blog, and you are right Tina, it is pretty jaw dropping and AHHHHHH scenery/history.
Some news from home - Port Power created history a few weekends ago. They were the 1st team in the universe to have lost to the Gold Coast Suns. Am sure this comment might get some comment :).
Alex and Nelda