Milano

As our first Italy diversion, Gabe and I took the train to Milan, a major hub in Northern Italy that made sense as a stop en route to exploring the particular region. To be honest, I had not heard the most flattering reviews of Milan in the past ... that it was dumpy, crowded, hot, etc., and though I had a jaded impression, I quickly adjusted upon arrival.

The city is so alive ... the people watching itself deserves three triangles in Rickey Stevey! Perhaps this is uncouth, but I found the city to be very similar, at time almost identical, to Rome, without the Roman ruins of course (Rome is one of my favorite cities in the world). Milan has the same general topography and architecture, the same stereotypical, albeit endearing, Italian approach to efficiency, and the same amazing food. Coming from Switzerland, we were immediately struck by the differences, and in particular, the the prices.

Given the short time we had to explore the vast city, Gabe and I dumped our bags at the ZEBRA HOSTEL, and took the city by foot, trying to hit every major tourist destination in less than 24hrs. We walked to the Piazza del Duomo and ambled below the shopping mall adjacent to the square. After getting lost a few times, we had dinner, and returned to the hostel, staying up until 2am socializing with:

- "Canada 1" and Canada 2," two college students from, you guessed it ... Canada
- "Brazil," a profoundly chill dude with dreadlocks
- "Nice," a nice guy who spoke little English, who probably was just nodding politely at everything I said
- "Austria 1" and "Austria 2," two unbelievably good ping pong player who embarresed Gabe and I multiple times

The following morning, we woke up at 7:30am, and charged ourselves with visiting every major site/church in time to make a 2pm train. We first walked to the Duomo, beating the morning crowds to explore the inside of the church and climb to the roof for a view of the entire city ... just incredible! We then caught the metro, and went west of the Duomo to view the Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, the number one rated "to do" site on Trip Adviser. Again, because we beat the midday crowds, we could appreciate the beauty of the church without bumping into throngs of tourists. We then walked the length of the touristic part of the city, visiting a castle structure along the way and having some delcious cacio e pepe for lunch before catching our 2pm trian with little time to spare.

I will also add that Gabe and I were really intent on viewing THE LAST SUPPER, disappointed to find out that one must book a tour 6 months in advance. If it is any cancellation, we were only 5 months and 29 days short :)