We love a good train ride and the ride to Milan is spectacular.
Milan has a completely different vibe than Florence. It feels more industrial, gritty and lacking the usual Italian charm. The train station and the Duomo are wonderful examples of Italian architecture. What it lacks in Italian charm, it makes up for in public displays of protests both in person and artistic representations.
Kat works for Miller/Knoll and so our first stop was the Knoll studio so she could meet some colleagues in person and also see the different offerings Knoll has here in Europe. A good time was had by all.
We had lunch and the restaurant had this amazing chandelier. The most interesting view was from below.
Next stop - after lunch - was Sforza Castle. Holy smokes is it lovely. A former defensive stronghold, this now holds some pretty amazing historical displays. It also is hosting the Pieta Rondanini, the last of the Pieta's by Michelangelo. What I didn't realize is you need a separate ticket and they were sold out for today. I would not be collecting all my Pokemon Pieta's this day. Again, rain followed us but as usual, more nuisance than substance.
After Sforza and after checking in with our hotel - by the way folks, you MUST carry your passport everywhere you go if you are not a citizen of Italy - and a quick turnaround for a viewing of The Last Supper. This is a guided tour event that, as we now know, gives you about 15 mins in the same room as the fresco. Highly recommend. However, please take pictures as the guide is telling you about it as the docents - regardless of what the guide says - will sweep you out of that room as soon as s/he is done explaining the fresco in less time than it takes to snap your fingers. PS, there's a fresco on the opposite wall not to be missed that I was SO glad I got a pic of upon entering.
What a day - and now, dinner. We were tired of walking and getting wet, so we opted for the restaurant across the street - Panzera. It turned out to be really wonderful food and service. It also has a bakery attached so the desserts were phenomenal as well.
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