Well it’s a damn good thing I didn’t have my heart set on seeing the world-famous gothic facade of Milan’s duomo, because I would have been one disappointed tourist. Upon existing the metro station (that’s right, I mastered Milan’s metro in a mere one day), I turned to the majestic duomo to find it covered in scaffolding, top to bottom. The inside was impressive though – it was much bigger than I would have imagined, and had a hushed feeling that reminded me of the Pantheon in a certain way, in spite of all the tourists. It’s almost as if you can feel the ghosts of the saints who are buried there.
But enough about history and religion – what Milan is really about is shopping! Actually, I write that with more enthusiasm than I was actually able to muster for it, because the shopping in Milan is way out of my league. The people are packed in like sardines, the stores are endless, and the prices are eyebrow-raising. I quickly waved the white flag and moved to the sidelines to people-watch from a nice little café.
I can’t even begin to adequately capture the bizarre sights I saw, but let me tell you, I don’t think the high fashion of Milan is going to make its way to Portland any time soon. There was a lot of seriously spiked hair, tight jeans tucked into suede moon boots, disturbing amounts of leopard print, and so much more. After a couple hours of people-watching, I headed back to my hotel, made use of the spendy wi-fi they offered, and packed up to head to Chamonix the next day.
As I say good-bye to Italy, it is with sadness that I also say good-bye to the best olive oil, tomatoes and mozzarella I’ve ever tasted (yes, I’m now officially an Italian food snob). I won’t, however, miss the challenge of getting online in most areas of Italy; the insane drivers; or the utter addiction of Italians to their cell phones and cigarettes (both of which I saw in use on the steep hike up Mt. Epomeo in Ischia, if you can believe that!). There have been so many memorable moments in the last few weeks, and I can only hope that Chamonix, Munich and Prague are at least equally fun, educational and entertaining.
Lastly, an aside to Nicole & Abby: I just have to note that the odds have diminished dramatically that your reverse hand-licking photo prophesy will come true, now that Italy is behind me. But I suppose stranger things have happened. ;-)
I need to find/forward you the Italian fashion critique I got last summer. really hilarious and it sounds like with Erik's purchase of capris it's still in full force. Are the white capris with brightly colors thongs underneath them still in style, or is that "so 2003"? Despite no handlicking in Italy, I'm still holding out hope!! A
Posted by: Abby | September 21, 2004 at 09:49 AM