A Wonderful Weekend in Milano...

The guests are gone and it was time for a little 'Tom time'...
The Italians were kind enough to have another holiday that allowed Tom a four day weekend!
My amazing husband used some points we had saved up and booked us a four day weekend in Milano!
So last Thursday (Giovedi - in Italian) we boarded an early morning train for a 3.5 hour ride to the Fashion Capital of the world - Milan! I have had the pleasure of utilizing the Italian train system a few times in the past and this trip was just as nice as the previous times. A nice lazy ride: a little cafe (coffee), a snack, a little reading, a nap, and before we knew it we had arrived at Milano Centrale!
We had the pleasure of staying at the Park Hyatt Milano right in the center of everything. It was right next to a huge dome covered mall adjacent to the Duomo Milano (more to come on that) and had a wonderful Spa we took advantage of (the knots in my back want to thank them).
I have to admit, though Rome is beautiful, it was nice to get away for a few days - especially just me and my honey! A short time of great views, great food, and great company. I will say that Milano is not a city I could visit for a few weeks but a few days is just perfect. It was just enough time to see the major sight this lovely city has to offer - The Milano Duomo, The Last Supper, the Sforza Castle and La Scala Theatro! Wow, the history and sights did not disappoint!
I know those who read my blog don't come here to listen to me babble - you come here for the pictures - so here we go...
The first day was a little overcast but just right for taking a walk around, having an delicious lunch, and taking a few photos:

The Dome Covered Mall

From the inside...

Amazing tile-work on...

...the floor of the Mall!

Rain or shine it was a wonderful please to have a little lunch, go shopping, people watching or sight-seeing!
The rain held out so we decided to go to the top of the Duomo Milano. Luckily we did not need to walk - they were kind enough to supply a lift to bring us up. I know the health nuts would have walked but when someone makes me the offer: 5 euro to walk or 8 euro to ride an elevator - you know which I will choose...
The view was stunning! here are a few photos and then a video:

Tom on the roof...

The view down to the Mall

Up on the roof....

...a long way down...

The rest of the day was consumed with a few sorely needed massages (sorry no photos), a nap, then a wonderful dinner at Ristorante Da Giacomo. The restaurant is know for their seafood and they did not disappoint!
Now it's Friday and Tom schedule us for a '3 hour tour'. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable in all things Milan and we were told EVERY sorted detail. I had to give our guide credit - she not-only talked continuously for 3 solid hours but she also did the full walking tour in 4-6" stiletto heels.
I was impressed...

The home of the Last Supper

The biggest high-lite of the tour was seeing the Cenocolo Vinciano (the Last Supper)! Limited people are permitted to see this work of art for a limited time daily. We were added to part of another tour group that received access that day. You must pass through two sealed glass doors that are automatically operated - one sealing before the next opens... Of course NO PHOTOS are allowed - so here it is:

Leonardo da Vinci's 'Cenocolo Vinciano'

Inside the Duomo

<< Then we went to the Sforza Castle, a beautiful castle in the northern end of Milan Central. An awesome sight to see.
At the end of our tour we were back at the Milano Duomo truly a magnificent church to see. It is considered one of the 5 largest churchs in the world (St. Peters in Rome being the largest) - it claims to be number 2. It took over 100 years to complete and from what we saw (and were told) no expense was spared in making it great!

Milano Duomo (daytime)

...and at Night...

52 Columns, 1 for each week...

The remainder of trip was dedicated to free time! We relaxed, shopped, ate, drank, ate, and drank some more. The weather was overcast and sometimes rainy but cool and wonderful for roaming around a new city. The best thing was seeing all this with Tom! With all his work we rarely get to have adventures on our own.



Another amazing sightseeing stop we made was to La Scala - one of the most famous opera houses in the world. The elegance of this theatre is truly a astounding and if you are ever in Milan you should see it.

La Scala Opera House

Costumes from Othello

After our long day we enjoyed a few well made Martinis at the hotel and enjoyed our 'last supper' in Milan at "il luogo di Aimo e Nadia". This restaurant is owned and operated by an older couple who started cooking together over 30 years ago. Besides the food the best part of the meal was after we finished. We were outside the establishment waiting for our taxi and the owners were leaving for the evening. The husband moved the car so his wife could get in, she kindly waved at us and thanked us for dining with them - then they just drove off in their modest car to head home for the evening! It was super cute! Check them out at www.aimoenadia.com !
Now we are back in Rome after our little adventure! Tom is off on a business trip to some place I can not pronounce and I am updating our loved ones!
I will update you all on the garden progress next time... Let me just say we are in perfect weather for growing things... Wow!
For now, we send our love and best wishes! We miss you all!
Till next time, enjoy Life!