Milan

15th March

We woke up in Verona and caught the bus to the train station. When we were almost in Milan we messaged our host (Festus) where we were and he told us to get off at that station instead it's closer to the house.

Festus met us at the station and we bought food for dinner on the way from the local supermarket. When we arrived at the house Jay cooked pav bhaji for dinner and Festus made pasta for lunch. After a relaxing few hours chatting we decided to see Milan.

Once again it was a rainy day. After stopping at Centrale metro station to figure out how to get to the airport in a few days we went to Duomo (another one!) and went for a wander.

The beautiful Centrale Station 

It wasn't too enjoyable as the rain wasn't letting up. The street sellers had all switched from selling selfie sticks to umbrellas.

We consulted our map and I used Jay's phone to Google about the castle. I was happy when I saw it was free from 4.30pm (especially as it would be dry!!). We caught the metro there, stored our bags and waited a few minutes for the free entry.

I wanted to see the Egyptian room first. We asked directions from a staff member and got there to find that it's closed. Disappointed we looked at the ancient artifacts next door before pursuing the musical instruments room with renewed hope.

Up the stairs and through a confusing labyrinth of rooms we went. First historical furniture, followed by more boring pictures that look like all the pictures we'd seen in the churches/Uffizi. Followed by sculptures, artifacts, some pictures that were not from churches (yay!) and finally the musical instruments! They had an impressive collection with a few instruments I'd not seen before.

After the museum we slowly made our way home, resting in spots as we were waiting for Festus to return from work.

Then it was a dinner of pav bhaji, more chatting and off to sleep.

16th March

The sun was shining which was good because we'd signed up for a free walking tour. We made our way to the McDonald's at Dumuo as it was the meeting spot.

The two University students were excited as it was their first time to lead their tour. We waited awhile for all the late participants and then headed towards Duomo where they shared some interesting facts such as one statue is of Napoleon (not that they knew which one) and they pointed out the statue the Statue of Liberty was based on.

After a bit of debate between our guides we circled the church and then went to see Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. There we learnt about the famous lucky bull on the pavement and that it was the home of the first Prada store (still there today but refurbished).

Next we tried panzarotti from the best panzarotti place in Milan. It was okay. Basically the traditional one is a fried bread with some mozzarella and tomato inside.

After that we went to Castello Sforzesco where we'd been the previous day. Apparently some people consider it not to be a real castle because it has been completely rebuilt.

Milan Opera House

Castle

Busker playing the reminder outside the castle. 

The castle

Then they walked us around the very expensive area and the technology area. It was such a funny tour because they'd both take off really quick and there was barely time to take photos as you'd get left behind!

Technology area with the building seen below behind it

Building with plants to create oxygen

Jay and I then found our way to the metro and went to the Monument Cemetery that the girls had recommended.

This was near Chinatown where we decided to buy our lunch. Jay hadn't taken to Italian food much and he looked so happy eating his Chinese food. It was cheaper than the Italian food and the serving size was generous.

Chinatown 

We had noticed many teams around and after I had a snack at the nearby park we went for a joy ride! Nice to be off our feet.

At the park 

One of the trams

And back to the park

Then we returned to the castle to see what we missed in the museums the day before  Turns out we'd seen almost everything 

After that we went to see another church: Santa Maria delle Grazie. This one was next to the Last Supper painting. However you had to book well in advance to see that.

Typical buildings in Italy 

Then we caught the train back to Duomo where Jay tried cannoli for the first time and I had a gelato before we farewelled Italy.

Then it was off to our accommodation for dinner and a much needed rest.