Italian Job : Chapter 4

Strolling the streets of Milan

Fashion Capital – Milan

We had breakfast for one last time at the hotel after checking out. Ina, the friendly front office girl was not on duty, so we missed the chance to say good bye. I don’t know but both of us feeling somewhat sad to leave Rome as much as we were anxious to explore Milan, the economic hub and fashion capital of Italy.

We took a shuttle bus near Roma Termini to Rome Ciampino Airport. The 30 minutes journey to the airport was not without a view. As we leave the city wall, the narrow cobbled stone streets give way to bigger tarmac roads. The buildings look new and organised. We realised how big this city is. There were remnants of Aquaduct along the way. They are ancient piping structures to channel water from it sources in the mountains to the city. It was a feat of great engineering in its time. We also saw catacombs or ancient tombs lining the old roman roads of Appia Attica.

Our Ryan Air flight to Milan was delayed for about an hour. So much for an ‘On Time Airline’. By the time we reached Milan Bergamo it was already 2pm. We met two Malaysian students Khairi and Sharifah Amirah. Khairi studies in Paris while Amirah in The States. They were in Milan enroute to Colmar in Switzerland.

Milan Bergamo Airport is quite a distance from the city. Our journey to Milan Centrale station by shuttle bus took about 1.5 hours passing through industrial areas and farming lands. This area really is the economic and financial hub of Italy.

We didn’t waste much time to explore this fashion capital of the world as soon as we checked in at Hotel Stazione. Our first stop was the shopping streets for high end labels, Via Montenapoleone, Via Della Spiga and Via Sant Andrea. This is really a place with class. High end boutiques lining up the streets one after another. Venturing into these boutiques deserve a lot of perseverance. The temptation was so high; the seduction for you to swipe the GOD knows how many cards you have was so powerful you will be broke before you know. I know…

We make a longer than usual pit stop at Galleria Vittoro Emmanuelle II. This magnificent shopping arcade is one of the oldest in Milan. This ornate shopping arcade has many stylish cafes and boutiques. I left the place with a hand full of shopping bags and head held up high. We strolled around Piazza Del Duomo adjacent to the galleria to soak in the festive atmosphere. We called it a night after taking some pictures at the majestic duomo with hundreds of spires. It is one of the largest gothic churches in the world.

Our shopping adventure continues on the second day. This time, Serravalle. This outlet shopping is located about 2 hours bus ride from Milan. This place is huge and most of the stuff are sold at 40% less. We spent the whole day shopping before taking a return shuttle bus back to Milan at 5pm.

Back in Milan we were mesmerised by the light and sound display at Castello Sforzesco. But we did not stay long; we still have some shopping to do before we leave for Venice tomorrow. I did some last minute shopping at Via Montenapoleone without considering that I have been shopping way beyond means.

I am done shopping, I will be going to Venice on a shoestring budget and stay at a backpackers. Back to basic.

I will come back to Milan with a better armoury... Platinum simply wasn’t enough. Infinity perhaps?

Next and final destination … Venice

Galleria Vittorio Emmanualle II

Inside the Galleria

The Duomo with its hundreds of spires

Serravalle

Castello Sforzesco

Buon 2009 - The Pirelli Building

At Milan Centrale - See you in Venice

More pictures of me in Milan Here