Milan

We took the train to Milan today because we were getting ready to get on the Bernina Express to go to Switzerland tomorrow. Our place was so neat! Very industrial and lots of space. Too bad we were only there one night, because I would have liked to stay longer. And it even had air conditioning! There was a tiny door to get into the building and I bumped my head on it a few times!

We were able to go up on the rooftops of this church, which was a very different experience. We have now done four rooftop tours/duomo climbs, and each one has been slightly different. I really liked looking down on the square and seeing the view from behind the spires and arches.

The inside of the cathedral was also pretty grand. There were so many columns and I loved the symmetry of everything. Willow liked the stained glass windows, and there were quite a few stunning sculptures. We also got to go downstairs to the archeological site where they found a very old baptistry and some old tombs. Willow was again very concerned about walking on the dead bodies. Then both she and Ronin wanted to pray, and they liked using the padded kneeling benches.

What could be better than chasing pigeons in the square? We let Willow and Ronin run wild a couple times to chase pigeons in some of the squares around Italy, as they were definitely not the only children doing so. We then walked through the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery, which is really a big, expensive shopping mall that is open on each side. The ceiling and storefronts are gorgeous though. While there, we of course had to twirl on the bull’s…ehem…parts for good luck. If you look closely you can see the spot where everyone stands on a heel and twirls in a circle. Yes, I did get videos of each person doing this. At the other end of the gallery is the Teatro alla Scalla, or the famous Milan opera house. We didn’t get to go in, but my mom and I were excited to just see the building where so many musical greats have played.