A Day in Milan.

You know when you walk by window after window looking for just the right place to grab a bite and you see so many terrific spots go by; you begin to fret that perhaps the one you choose may not be as good as the others that you've passed. Well, that didn't happen. Our first stop was a cafe for a late breakfast. I had a chocolate tart. Because it looked phenomenal. And I was hungry. In Italy. Amore. And at a later stop around lunch time, pistachio gelato. In Italy. Amore.

  Two of the day's non-edible highlights were strictly "no photographs allowed" so you'll just have to trust their greatness. A stop into the La Scala (a magnificent Opera House) left me feeling like a dreamy little girl when we were able to step into the window box seats and watch as two dancers performed a dress rehearsal for Notre-Dame de Paris, an upcoming ballet.

   The second highlight was a visit to see The Last Supper painted by Leonardo da Vinci in the 1490's on a wall in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. What an experience. The dimension that da Vinci gave the painting to enable it to feel as an extension of the room, imparts such a sense of life that you almost hear and feel the commotion of the dinner.

Duomo Cathedral

   If you can fend off the many beggars conjuring you into taking a handful of popcorn to feed the hundreds of pigeons, you will get a chance to enjoy the beauty of the Duomo Cathedral. With construction beginning in 1386 and continuing over the next 450 years, it's Gothic style is breath-taking. The cathedral has the foot print of a Latin cross and is divided into five naves by tall pillars. Topping it off are 135 spires.

Duomo Cathedral - Inside

   A castle of the 14th century, the Castello Sforzesco was also a sight to see. With a beautiful fountain splashing at the entrance, it has all of the allure that a castle should have. Knights and dragons, I think they've all fought here.

Castello Sforzesco

Monument at Castello Sforzesco

   And of course, it wouldn't be Italy without some window shopping. Never mind the Gucci, Prada, Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton or Dolce & Gabbana. This is what I'm talking about!

    Ciao!