We woke up to a smattering of sunshine and a predicted top temperature of 18 degrees, and it was all downhill from there -well, at least as far as the weather went. With great optimism we set off without our rain jackets which was a definite invitation for it to rain -and it did!
From very damp air it progressed to drizzle and finally to rain for most of the day unfortunately. Then again it is autumn so it's not entirely unexpected.
Although I did feel sorry for the two brides who were having wedding photos taken with all of their guests at our first stop: the Castello Sforvesco. It's a castle fortress with an impressive empty moat and defences designed by Leonardo Da Vinci and modified by Napoleon. Some high towers and beautiful cloisters lead us to an exhibition of fragile Egyptian textiles from as early as 4th century BC. Amazing to see the fine workmanship from so long ago.
As we left the castle Ewan decided to purchase an umbrella so I chose a bright orange one so I could spot him in the crowds.
And crowds there were because????.......of yet another amazing coincidence. There were tents, there were kids on bikes, there were stalls, there were excited voices over loudspeakers ...and there was a finish line. For what I hear you ask? it was the Giro de Lombardy: a one day BIKE RACE!!! Unbelievable coincidence. As the riders had only just left the start some hours away we didn't dally to see who won ( Ewan had to content himself with looking up the results later in the day).
Forgoing the opportunity to be there at the finish, we decided to head for the Metro and the centre of town to see a Museum and to find some shops we could afford ( or as the lovely Reception girl said - the shops where real people can buy).
After wandering around the shops on Corso Buenos Aires separately we regrouped with the results being Ewan -1 Dianne -0.
Ewan appeared in a very nice blue fine wool jumper: he felt it was the 'Milan for men' look. I bought another scarf and nothing else (sorry girls!).
We headed for the ultra modern Museo del Novecento: the Museum of Modern Art. We both really enjoyed it as it was only 20th century art and there were a number of pieces from Picasso, Klee, Kandinsky and Modigliani as well as a range of Italian artists and sculptors. A change from religious paintings was definitely needed and this did the job. Some of the pieces we just loved.
The next exciting event on the itinerary was to find a TIM shop: the telecommunications company that we had bought simcards form. In EVERY town village or city we have visited there have been endless TIM shops (only a slight exaggeration!) and of course when you need one where are they? In due course we did find one and extended the life of our simcards. Then we were in search of a technology shop for a specific cable, but had less success.
With all of this excitement and the rain wearing us out we returned to the Hotel to dry out and rest.
From a recommendation in Trip adviser, we discovered a small Osterria (restaurant) nearby that was highly recommended, so headed off. For the first time we managed to get through the whole Italian dinner: antipasto (calamari, octopus and potato pie and blue fish) primi piatti (first course) of pasta and risotto, secondi piatti (veal slices and roasted potatoes) and dessert (tiramisu and gelato). All delicious and washed down with some very nice white wine. Of course then we had to have a small shot of chilled limoncello to finish. Perfect! We waddled home, wondering how the Italians eat like that, and had an early night.
your replete traveller
Dianne
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