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| Milano Centrale |
As part of my train journey in Europe, I will
really pass thru Milan. Not as a stopover before going to Geneva, but the main
reason is to meet my friend whom I asked to receive my onward train tickets. I and Marj met a year ago when me and my friends had an escape
in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. We met at Genting Highlands and became friends since
then. She worked in Australia and transferred to Milan before giving birth to
Mia.
On board Eurostar Frecciabianca 9704 coach 2
seat 15 of the first class accommodation, we’ve reached Milan at 9:25am after a
2 and half hour train journey from Venice. When I arrived at Milan Centrale
Station, I got off my train quickly and started to feast my eyes on the surroundings.
I was amazed on the structures of the building. With a nice and detailed
designs, I am really astounded on how extravagant it is. It’s like a mall with
many platforms. It is a very busy station with people everywhere carrying their
luggage towards their assigned platforms. Milan station is a junction onward
many train connections to and from Italy.
Since my connection to Geneva will only be in
the afternoon, I decided to meet with Marjorie. Marj was living near the area,
in fact, it’s just a 5-minute walk from the train station. Before we left
Venice, I already had sent her a message that I will be arriving Milan by
9:30am so she can prepare ahead. And when we arrived in Milan, I called her
informing that we already had arrived. I told her my exact location at the
station so she’ll be able to check for me when she get to the station.
While waiting for Marj, I am not wasting any
time, I explored the building. I went downstairs to see what’s in there. I
tried to roam around the station itself, keeping in mind my estimated time Marj
will arrive at the station. When she came, we went back to the platforms and
took pictures there. We were both excited to upload our pictures during our
meet ups so Michael also will be updated.
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| Duomo | |
We decided to go home to leave my things. I
also checked my onward Eurail train reservations that I had it delivered in
Milan. We had a quick chat at home, I had my snacks while talking to Michael,
Marj’s husband back in the Philippines. Without wasting our time, off we went to the
Duomo. We took the Metro and hopped off at the station just right outside the
Duomo. At the square, we met with Michael’s dad. Unfortunately, there was a
concert setup on the grounds in front of the Duomo. Some barriers were lined up
on the area they will be utilizing.
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| inside Duomo |
The Duomo is really nice. It was a magnificent
marble structure. Each angle of the Duomo featured a detailed formation of the
marbles. It was really really nice. It was huge. The structure was great and it
really had a good architectural design. One feature at the square are the
friendly doves just around area. Feed them with corn grits and they kept coming
to you.
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| at the Top of the Duomo |
We went inside and I was really stunned on the
beauty of the church inside and out. It is so serene, despite the number of people
inside, silence still maintained. We paid respect, say a prayer, light a
candle and made a wish. I just can’t imagine how fabulous the design inside.
Big pillars, high ceilings, nice glass mosaics on windows, awesome floor
mosaics also, it’s a wow!
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| the Gallery |
The Duomo is famous of its roof deck wherein
they opened it for public. To complete my Duomo experience, we decided to got
to the roof deck of the Duomo. We went outside to look for the elevator going
up. At 12 Euros each, we managed to climb to top of it. Another breathtaking
architectural design surprised us. There were very detailed sculptures, each
has its own design. It was all concrete on top and it’s safe to visit. I was a
little worried for Marj because she was on her last trimester of her pregnancy,
still she managed to climb up the top of the Duomo. It was worth the climb when
we get to the top. We took some pictures everywhere and every angle of it.
Unfortunately, there was a restoration/construction on-going so we didn’t find
the nice view of the tower. We didn’t mind the striking heat of the sun, we
just enjoyed what was offered to us on top. There were concrete benches
available for sitting. We sat for awhile, rest a bit before deciding to go down
for lunch. It was worth the climb and it’s a must visit when you’re in Milan.
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| Mc Donalds |
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We went down and dropped by the gallery near
the Duomo. Branded shops, food stalls and food chains are there. We just had a
quick visit to see what’s inside, took some pictures on the displays and
exhibits. But pollens are floating in the air that time so if you were allergic
to it, better stay at home.
We met Michael’s sister at McDonalds in front
of the Duomo. We took our lunch and ordered NY Crispy and chicken wings. Had
fun talking to each other and finished our food before heading to the castle
just nearby.
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| on the way to Castello |
Walking along the stone paved street, we took
pictures. Old buildings along the way offers great views on the place. Several
shops offering variety of souvenirs are just around the corner. Several diners
and restaurants, pizzerias you found along the way as tourists are also
everywhere. Lots of laughter and funny moments as we walked towards the old
castle.
We reached Castello Sforzesco and it was huge.
With the brick walls as seen from the outside, it really showcased the typical
feature of an old castle. Stone blocks were also used in the castle. Inside was
an open area where you can see the four corners of the castle. Also built on
bricks in the inside, it really is beautiful to our eyes seeing the marvellous
creations centuries past yet were still standing nowadays. The open area inside
the castle served as the garden in which they maintained very well, with the
lush green grass really balanced the atmosphere inside.
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| Castello Sforzesco |
We just passed thru the castle since we need to
see the park on the other side of it before going home. The park was beautiful
and it’s big. You can see flowers, nice landscapes, lagoon, fountains, gigantic
trees, people playing, some were in their bikini’s sun bathing, and it really
is a nice place to unwind. The feeling of freshness just within the city, the park offers a place to relax. There
were fountains, well-maintained landscapes, benches and other amenities
available to everybody.
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| the park |
They said that just outside the park exit was a
pinoy card selling halo-halo (mixed sweets, candied fruits and beans with
crushed ice, milk and sugar). To quench our thirsts, we had an order of it
before heading back home to get my things.
It was a fun-filled experience in Milan even if
it was less than a day. We’ve managed to make each hour a memorable one. Thanks
to Marj, Michael’s dad and sister for this wonderful Milan breakout, thanks
also to Irish for a nice welcome and Ryan for receiving my tickets.
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