Italy Day One

The internet has been great but the time to report has not. To keep things in order I will start now and finish as time gets plentiful on the cruise. For those of you that have been following on facebook some of this will be a repeat but with more pictures and narratives.

The trip begins with sunrise 20,000 feet over Paris. A stop on our way to Milan where we quickly realize the loss of 6 hours having left North America at 7PM and arrived in Europe at 8AM. Fortunately the sun can quickly fool the body and it seems like the right time. It will be a long day but excitement helps fight fatigue too.

 

We arrive in Milan and Jessica is there to greet us at the airport. We get onto the local tram for a 30 minute ride to her apartment. We drop the suitcases, freshen up and off for a little walking tour of Milano.

It feels great to be active after the long flights. We visit the Duomo but will return tomorrow for a tour.

Across the plaza from the Duomo is the shopping galleria. A very fancy "mall". Lots of brand name stores like Gucchi, Prada, etc. For tourists there is the elaborate tile floor where you are suppose to put  your heel in the bulls balls and circle three times for good luck. You know me I never turn down the opportunity for good luck.

Like many big cities lately there is a city statue contest currently in Milano. There are colorful elephants on corners and in parks everywhere. Here are just a couple.

Aperitivo is the Italian term for happy hour. The local bars and restaurants have expensive prices for a drink but it includes a fairly elaborate buffet. Jessica was anxious to share this experience with us so we ended day one sitting outside enjoying wine and pasta and other italian treats at a Milano aperitivo bar.