Today we left the French Riviera, which was (surprisingly) totally up to expection. Just as the French artists, Chagall and Matisse, found last century. The light, the coast and the splendid architecture. Plenty of country houses with pools in picturesque villages to rent!
We return to Northern Italy for our last few days.
A fitting farewell to Andrew with breakfast by the sea.
We take a train to Milan, via the coast to Genoa and then inland to Milan. One of the passengers in our carriage was an Australian lad who is an engineer on a super yacht. One of the crew is from Canberra and was one of my kindergarten students in the 1990s. We chatted to a Norwegian couple and a Sicillian fellow who works in a museum in Basel. A very entertaining few hours.
Our B&B in Milan is another one of my unusual finds. Not for everyone but it is clean and basic, TV and air conditioning. Not as comvenient as I imagined but right on the tram line...and with a 24 hour transport pass we are up and running.
First to the duomo, which as you enter the square takes your breath away. Hundreds of tourists lined up to buy tickets and this is 4.30 in the afternoon.
Fabulous in every aspect. The marble construction, floors, sculptured pillars, stained glass, artworks and the size...
One of the reliefs on the huge bronzed doors.
Thousands of tourists. This must be the most tacky photo shots - a selfie in a confessional box. I prefer to look at the glorious marble flooring.
A demonstration to add to the hype with police on hand, just in case.
Near the cathedral is the beautifully maintained castle, with manicured grounds and moat.
Through the massive walls and into a cloister.
Part of the Dante festival - music and poetry.
Outside the last night of the Milan Film Festival.
Arco della Pace - across the Parco Sempione from the castle, Sforzesco.
Via Dante, which connects the cathedral and the castle precinct. Shops were all open..and frenzied shoppers, particularly in Decathlon. Summer sales are over and now the winter collections are on show.
Just around the corner, traditional Italian trattorias.
Back into the cathedral square with the crowds gathering. The Galleries with the exclusive stores, Versace etc, all lit up nearby.
In front of the duomo a free concert given by the Italian Gospel Choir.
Choir and soloists.
Home safely on Tram 24 after a whirlwind tour of Milano central.
M&M
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