Next City - Milan, Italy

We took the train from Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, to Milan. It was a little chaotic at first, with poorly marked train cars and a tight connection, along with tons of other travelers bearing loads of baggage. We eventually found our seats and passed the several hour journey playing cards. 

At some point, we passed into Italy. This was so surprising to me. We just entered another country without immigration or customs or even a “Welcome to Italy” sign. In other words, it was easy.

On arriving in Milan, we found getting a car to be challenging, so we navigated the metro instead to get to our Airbnb, which was on the top floor of a building on a lovely street with bakeries and shops. Our first glance of Milan showed a pretty, but busy city. 

The kids were tired, so we let them watch TV while we did the adult work of laundry, unpacking, and figuring out dinner and some groceries. 

Tom and Matt took on dinner and had decided on making a simple pasta, maybe of chicken fettuccini alfredo. They went to a local grocery only to be waylaid by the grandmotherly proprietor, who said, “no alfredo sauce in Italy. You make it.” At the look of confusion on Tom and Matt’s face, the woman then took them around the shop, handing them items to buy and calling out instructions on what to do. Armed with fresh ingredients and a basic plan, Tom and Matt made us dinner. Delizioso!

Tom then went back out to a local bakery and found another Italian grandmother to sell her what was “made just that day” for dessert. 

The next day, we walked around Milan and then found our way to the Sforza Castle. Originally built in the 15th century as a fortress, it now houses several museums and art collections, including Michelangelo’s last work, left unfinished before he died, the Rondanini Pietà.

We only went through half the castle before we were museum-ed out. 

Later that day, we had a cooking class. Pizza, Gelato and waffle bowls. Oh my!

getting started with some flour, salt and yeast.

Officially certified that we are ... proficient! lol!

Another day, we did a food tour

And we also toured the magnificent Duomo di Milano.

We climbed the many steps to walk along the rooftop terraces.

And then went down into the sanctuary where Pentecost Sunday Mass was in progress. 

The cardinal singing ... wow!

Sadly, it was time to say goodby to the Neumann family as they returned to the US. 

We can't wait to travel with them again!

On our last day in Milan, we visited the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology.  It covered a huge range of topics.

But, one thing that really struck me was the emphasis on how Leonardo’s approach to drawing was deeply connected to his process of thinking.