Milano

Two of my roommates and I went to Milan last weekend and it was pretty amazing. It was strange being back in a "city" but it still had that quintessential Italian beauty, everywhere from the people to the buildings. The architecture was absolutely incredible, especially Milan's Gothic Duomo--apparently one of the largest cathedrals in the world--and which had a sort of pre-Gaudi drip castle appearance.

The interior of the church was equally impressive (unlike the rather austere interior of Florence's Duomo). There was beautiful stained glass, sculptures, huge pillars, and an elaborately decorated floor. Also significant to the entire experience was the fact that it was finally SUNNY. It made the whole day more enjoyable but it was also amazing to be able to see the lighting effects within the cathedral.

One of the most amazing things about the Duomo is that visitors are able and allowed to climb to the top; definitely the best 5 euro we spent all weekend. After countless sets of stairs and minor breathing difficulties we were rewarded with an amazing view of the top of the city and the Alps in the distance (this picture here, however, is facing away from the mountain range).

This is what you see as soon as you emerge from your trek up to the top. It's interesting how the extensive embellishment and decoration makes the structure seem simultaneously haunting and delicate.

Here is a fashionable Milanese dog in Zara. I thought the rhinestones and the pink color set off her coat quite nicely, but unfortunately it didn't seem to be the most comfortable of garments; she wouldn't stop rolling on the floor the whole time we were there. As a side note, I find it funny how here in Italy shopping is almost always a family affair, and everyone from the dog to the baby to the (willing!) husband comes along.

Here is the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the impressive glass-covered shopping arcade that was constructed in the 19th century. The shops and cafes inside are accordingly expensive, but interestingly enough that didn't stop a McDonald's from springing up around the corner.

We had lunch in the Navigli district, one of the older parts of the city and named after the many canals that run through it. On our way back to the center we spotted this large graffiti wall, which although seemed a little out of place, in retrospect seems to fit with Milan's attachment to the Modern.

On the walk back home we spotted these hearts in the sidewalk made out of red bottle caps. What a great idea for making concrete sidewalks more aesthetically pleasing!