A Night in Milano

Milan's Duomo is the 3rd largest cathedral in the world.

After the Bergamo game we spent the evening in Milan's impressive downtown core.  Milan is much different from any other Italian city, for while other Italian cities can at times seem to dwell on their past, Italy's second largest city is moving forward at lightning speed.  It is the world capital (unofficial of course) of design and fashion, and is filled with an eclectic mix of business people, supermodels, and anyone not interested in taking Siesta.    

The amazing glass and cast iron ceiling of the Galleria.

Three men and a lady inside the Galleria.

We headed straight to the center of town - the Piazza Duomo.  It is a huge square dominated by the Cathedral, with the world famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to its right.  The Galleria is a covered passageway that connects the piazza with the square opposite La Scala (Opera House) and is filled with high end shopping and trendy caffes.  By the time we reached the Galleria, all the shops were closed but it was still fun to window shop at Louis Vuitton while trying to imagine that this was built all the way back in 1877.

The Duomo from beneath the pillars of the Galleria.

A Rainy night in the Piazza.  (Paint Daubs for effect!)

Christie participates in a timeless tradition - spinning on the bull's privates!  In actuality, the tile work here is the coat of arms for the city of Turin, which happens to be a bull, and local lore has it that spinning three times with your right heel will bring good luck.  Giddy up!

Dusk is a magical time in the city center, and it is said that the last hour of the day is the best for photography.  I did my best to snap away!

A timeless pose...

At a timeless place!

Enjoying one final look at the Duomo.

When we had our fill of sights, we headed a few blocks north for an authentic northern Italian meal, coupled with one of our favorite Italian traditions: VINO LOCALE.  "Vino locale" literally means "local wine" but should never be confused with bland table wine served the states.  Here, local wine means it comes from a nearby vineyard that is probably over five hundred years old.  When you consider the price - a whole liter for between four and seven euro - and compare that to what you would pay for soda (3 euro) or water (2 euro), it becomes a no brainer!  

Un litro de vino locale rosso.

We were not disappointed with our meal - the quality of which was guaranteed by my tried and true method for discovering authentic cuisine: head out of the tourist zone, and look for a small place filled with both ambiance and locals.  The pizza was crisp, full of flavor, and only 5 euro a piece!  Que fortunato!  

Alex caught with his mouth full...

... while Matt feels good to be back on Italian soil.

On our way to the hotel, we happened to pass by an impressive fortress right in the middle of town.  Such a thing happens when you are cruising around Italy!  A little research showed that it was the Castello Sforzesco, built in 1368 to defend the city from attack.  It now houses countless museums and art galleries.  We thought it was just fun to catch rain drops off the top of the castle.

Castello Sforzesco.

A perfect end to a perfect night.

~ J. Twice