Milan 2 June 2007

Flew from Bristol to Milan Malpensa by Easyjet (£33 each return including taxes...ridiculous!) Bus into the city, dropping us off at Centrale Railway Station - built for Mussolini in grand Roman style. "At least the trains ran on time then."

After dropping off bags at hotel http://bestwestern.worldexecutive.com/directory/italy/milan/hotels/98091.html , we walked into the city centre, a bit puzzled that some of the streets were closed to traffic.

The Duomo was very impressive - we timed our arrival just ahead of a cardinal - but unlike us, he was applauded into the cathedral by a bevy of bishops. Climbed the stairs to the roof (shunning the €6 lift alternative), which did wonders for my vertigo and offered views of the city but not, alas, the mountains to the north.


Went through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and looked around the museum of La Scala. Managed to get told off for taking photos from one of the boxes inside the auditorium when it was somebody else with a flash in the orchestra pit. (Clearly the security had been tipped off by Irish customs - see earlier entry http://travelswithjennifersusan.blogspot.com/2007/03/dublin-18-february-2007.html)

Went to Castello Sforzesco as the heavens opened. Took refuge in an ice cream shop. Fruits of the Forest/Lemon/Strawberry for Jenny; Chocolate/Strawberry/Vanilla for me.

Metro back to foil the umbrella salesmen.

Evening concert in Piazza del Duomo by the orchestra of La Scala and meal in the Galleria Vttorio Emanuele II.