Milan, Itlay

We were supposed to head down to Rome for
our after-season vacay.
Rome was just too far to drive and we had no
interest in flying with the kids because of the
upcoming flight of many hours home to Canada.
SO, instead Jason and the family planned a trip
to take me to Milan on my birthday.
Yep, completely, utterly spoiled!
It is an amazing city and the day was spent with amazing people.

The Duomo
This is the Cathedral and the symbol of Milan,
with its golden statue "La Madonnina"
Becker family at the Duomo

The Duomo is situated right in the heart of Milan

The Duomo square was busy with tourists,
locals and pigeons.

she wanted to get up-close to the birds on the statue

Piazza della Scala where the world known Teatro alla Scala appears.
This is the centre of lyric opera.

central Milan - downtown area

very busy city, at every angle!

Mopeds....main transportation.
There are no road rules when riding one of these.

Castello Sforzesco
try pronouncing that!

Happy Birthday to me!

the castle is one of the most common and beautiful landscapes in Milan.

The castle is situated in the Parco Sempione,
opposite to the Arco della Pace dedicated to Napoleon.

Torre del Filarete (tower)

attempting a pic with mom
At the castle there was a michealangelo exhibition being held
for a short period of time.
We just happened to be there a day before it ended.

his famous art at the castle: painings, sculptures

Madonna and Child

Rondanini Pietà...a sculpture he is famous for

the famous crucifix he sculpted

Santa Maria delle Grazie
cathedral of Santa Maria

the white building on the left holds the famous painting
"Last Supper" pained by Leonardo

also this is where you will find the art of Bramante

amazing view of the inside of the cathedral

posing my life away!

A famous dish in Milan to eat is "Risotto alla Milanese"
It is a traditional rice dish.
In Italy they say "Il riso nasce nell'acqua e muore nel vino,"
meaning rice is born in water and dies in wine.
We enjoyed BOTH.

The entrance to the Emmanuel Galleria

inside the Emmanuel Galleria
elegant restaurants and shops

elegant....expensive shops!

Milan is known to be the fashion capital of the world.

Gucci cafe.
Yep, had to drop in and have a GUCCI latte.