Home to over 1.3 million, and to one of the most famous opera houses, La Scala, Milan should be not be rushed. We chose HOME MILANO for our stay in Milan, which turned out to be the best choice we could have made. It’s a Bed and Breakfast away from all the touristy (loud) areas and mixed in with the locals. The B&B is conveniently located in an older neighborhood right near the metro and bus stops. Paola the innkeeper offers the best hospitality you can imagine, home baked goods, cheeses, tomatoes, fresh fruits and that famous Italian coffee every morning. When she’s not serving amazing foods, she is offering easy to understand directions and helpful hints only a local would know.
Milan is the fashion capital of the world and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II will not disappoint even the most ardent shopper. With names like GUCCI, Louis Vuitton, and Prada shops are as common as Gelato. The price tags may freeze your brain faster than ice cream as these shops are not for the faint hearted. One leather jacket was displayed in a window for a mere 17,500 Euro or $19,250 USD. But don’t fret a two scoop gelato will only cost 3.5 Euro.
Once you’ve window shopped at some of the most expensive shops simply step outside and take in the elaborately decorated DUOMO. Building this Cathedral (Duomo in Latin) began in 1386 and wasn’t completed until 1965 and can seat 40,000 worshippers. The interior of the Cathedral is spectacular, but the real thrill is touring the roof top. For a small fee an elevator takes you up most of the way, but you must have a steady gait to maneuver across the roof and climb a few stairs to reach the top at 354 feet for the most amazing view. Not just a view of the city, but the architecture of the Cathedral itself. It’s dizzying and so magnificent you nearly forget how high you have climbed until you look over the edge (and pass out).
Like all big cities, there are plenty of tour companies and tour busses but why depend on someone else’s schedule. Like I always say, the best way to see anything is to just get out and walk. European cities have reliable transportation that runs on time and are very affordable. We purchased train tickets to take us from Milan to Lake Como for 4.60 Euro, which is about 5 American bucks. This my friends was the best five bucks we spent.
Lake Como is one of the most beautiful places we have seen in a very long time. Quaint little shops nestled into the lush green hillsides blanketed in soft clouds. A light falling mist enriched the pastel colored buildings and brought the scent of fresh lilac and jasmine growing in nearby gardens and pathways. If you visit Lake Como, do take the lake cruise. Raining or not, it is breathtaking and if you’re lucky, George Clooney will invite you in for a Gelato dripping with chocolate and a lovely espresso. Like I said, if you’re lucky.
Whatever you do my trusted followers, get out there and see something new, it’s a short life and as my Grandmother always said, “You’re going to be dead a lot longer than you’re going to be alive”. My only regret here, we had to leave…….
How did we get there?
American Airlines from San Diego to Miami – Milan
Where to stay: HOME Milano Bed and Breakfast
Happy Travels or Buon viaagio!
