September 21, 2019

September 21, 2019

Our pocketbook can’t handle a sustained Villa lifestyle so after three days, we pack up and ferry back to Varenna, where we catch the train to Milan. After this mini-vacation we are ready to play tourist again. Checked into our downtown location, we stop next-door at a deli for a not so quick lunch. We then walk the periphery of Milan’s Cathedral or Duomo. This all-marble structure glistens in the sun. Its wide multi-spired facade is unique and filled with sculpture.

St. Ambrose is the patron saint of Milan. That was also our family parish as children, so it is appropriate that my sisters and I visit his Basilica a mile to the west. The present day 11th century Romanesque basilica was built atop St. Ambrose’s original 4th century church. Unfortunately it took a direct hit during WWII, so much of it has been reconstructed. St. Ambrose was a Roman who converted to Christianity and was a leading proponent of the early Roman Catholic Church. For Aimee the highlight was the wedding that started just as we were leaving. We watched the bride walk up the aisle.

We strolled northeast ending up at Sforza Castle. This Renaissance fortification is the largest brick structure I have ever seen. Outside the castle I bought some fresh roasted chestnuts to try. I recently read that prior to the introduction of the blight, the chestnut was the most common tree in the Eastern US and was a major foodstuff of early Americans.

From the fort, we strolled down the pedestrian promenade Via Dante. We stop for a beer break and a heavy dose of people watching. The Milanese must be the most fashionable people I have ever seen.

Revived, we continue our walking tour checking out Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This 150 year old three-story shopping mall is gorgeous. The four entrances are Triumphal Arches. The ceiling is iron and glass and the floor is a beautiful tile mosaic. Each wing of the mall has a medallion from the capitals of old Italy: Milan, Rome, Florence, and Turin. The bull symbol of Turin is a crowd favorite, especially his private parts. This mecca of Europe’s fashion capital is home to iconic retailers, Gucci, Prada, Versace, and Armani. The crowded mall is named after the first king of Italy.

After resting at the hotel, we head out to a restaurant for another Italian meal. Not surprisingly we are eating lots of pasta. On my first trip to Italy 35 years ago, I was always comparing it to my mother’s spaghetti. Apparently I have a more refined taste now and I appreciate the local cuisine much more.