Milan

Today I was taking the train to Milan where I would meet Holly later in the day.

I got in at around 2:30pm and dropped my stuff at the hotel before heading to the city center. I've been told there isn't much in Milan but I am transiting through Milan twice so I figured I at least needed to check out the Duomo and shopping mall.

The Duomo is truly the center of town and an icon of Milan. Everyone is crowded around the outside posing for photos. The Duomo was incredible with the amount of intricate details on the exterior! Apparently it is the work of over 600 years and there is still construction and renovation work going on! Construction started in 1386 and it was not complete until 1965. I guess La Sagrada Familia has competition after all.

I had registered to view the terraces from the top at 4pm so I climbed about 250 stairs to get to the top of the terrace. I enjoyed the view from the top. You could see all of the various spires and so many different statues on the tops of the spires. The architecture at the top was very impressive! So many arches and stone structures and the amount of detail was just insane. It was a lot to take in. The terrace walk starts on the side and then you climb up to the main part of the roof where you can see out on both sides.

The interior of the church was very ornate as well. I got lucky as someone was playing the organ when I arrived so I got a concert as well! Huge stone arches with stained glass and a large open space comprised the church.

Just outside of the Duomo is the Grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The Galleria was the original indoor glass shopping area. I have been to the one in Brussels which is a replica of the Milan one so I was finally seeing the original! It is one of the oldest shoppings malls dating back to 1877. Today it is known for its designer shops such as Louie Vouitton, Prada, Gucci, and other brands.

I really wanted to see the interior of La Scala but there was a rehearsal in progress so I only got to see the outside sadly. I also passed by the Starbucks Reserve but it was also too late for a tour there.

Fresh pasta was the craving tonight. I did some research on Google and found a place called Miscusi Colonne. The pasta indeed was homemade and just hit different. Homemade pasta is what I am here for.