I follow a Facebook group which features posts on traveling to Italy. This morning I woke up to a post by Keith Mountford featuring a view of an Italian town and I knew I had been there. I quickly went to my photo library and found the photo I took from the same spot. Keith had painted an amazing watercolor from the same spot.
We both stood on the same spot, and we saw the beauty that was there.
My photo is below. We are taking you to Bellagio on Lake Como.
Lake Como is in the background. This was taken in September 2019
Keith has signed limited edition prints for sale on his website.
With everything going on and our all being restricted in what we can do and where we can go, seeing the post of Facebook mad my day a bit brighter. Ciao,,
My favorite travel blog about Italy is An American In Rome. Natalie has been helping travelers to Rome for a number of years. But she does not stop there. Look at her pos on the San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore in Milan. I was fortunate to visit this amazing treasure at the end of September. Her blog has some amazing photos and more information. Here are some of my photos. The art work is amazing. Go to the link at the bottom for Natalie’s great blog page on this church.
This was my third trip to Milan. I wanted to see and do some different things. Airbnb experiences helped me make the most of my time for a very reasonable price. I had arrived in Milan only 5 hours ago, found my Airbnb and was headed over to where our small group would meet to see some of the unique sights that are not always on a guided tour. As I was walking around, I got a text saying they were ready to start and where was I. Seems I did not read the start time but the end time ……MENO MALE. I was just a block away so I got there on time. It was a small group with only 4 people and Caterina, the guide. Two were from Belgium and one from Great Britain. Once again the only American.
Caterina, our guide.
We met near the public gardens (Indro Montanelli) for what would be a 2 1/2 hour walk. We would go from the old to the new. And some of the most ultra modern architecture with prices that would make Manhattan look like a bargin.
One of the classic residences.
Amazing art decorates the outside of these residences.
Our vintage tram a great way to see any city at a slower pace.
Some of the modern building with high price tags.
A Tesla showroom. No price tags.
Piazza XXV Aprile – Porta Garibaldi
I have visited Eataly in Rome and New York City. No I had a chance to roam the one in Milano.
If only my local Publix in Florida would have some of these delicacies. Ho fame.
Search out Catalonia’s walking photo tour of Milano on Airbnb Experiences. Here is part of her description “The Neoclassic and Art nouveau district of Porta Venezia. A residential area that represents the true everyday life of the Milanese. The brand new, sparkling and luxurious GARIBALDI’s area which is our ending point where you can easily take subway, tram, train or taxi. CUSTOM EXPERIENCE: If you would like to participate in the experience but on a different time or day, write to me and if I can I will try to organize one with your availability.”
Milan is about many things. It is a modern city with historical routes and contemporary styles. Saldi, sales are key to visiting Milan. There are designer outlets, and seasonal sales. I am going back to Milan in 3 weeks and will do a complete update on he city, the museums, and shopping districts. These photos are from a 2008 vist to the city.
Window in Milan center.
The bull in La Galleria Vittorio Emanuel II, Milano
Legend has it that if you put your heel on the testicles of the bull and turn around three times, it will bring good luck. Did not do much for the bull. It is also said that if a woman touches the genitals it will bring fertility.
The duomo is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Milan.
It is worth taking the elevators to the top to get a view of the city and admire the construction of the Duomo.
I enjoyed taking the tram in Milano. It is a slower and more enjoyable way to see this city. Of course avoid morning and afternoon rush hours.
Here is a link to a youtube video of the street cars of Milano
We are not in Venice. These are the Canals of Milano. Photo from Walks of Italy. The Navigli.
The canals were built to transport goods to the city from nearby lakes. It is no longer used for transport, but is a tourist destination. This has ushered in an arts district with restaurants and bars and is worth the visit.
I am returning to Milano in September for three days. Will be going to the Navigli district ( canal district) the Duomo, and possibly return to view the last supper again. Here is a link to the web site to purchase tickets to visit the Last Upper. It is advisable to book as early as possible. If you can not get through this site, check Viator, Walks of Italy or other resellers. I advise three months in advance. Link below to official site.
gregsitaly 