Arriving at night, and having a long day of travel has its benefits. We slept well and deep, and woke up in the appropriate time zone! We were, however, totally embarrassed when we looked out our third floor window and saw the train station not four blocks away!! No wonder our cab driver was curt! In fairness to us, we did tip him generously and he was close enough to get quickly back in queue for another (better) fare.
Having no set plan until a 2:30 tour at La Scala, we spent the morning learning our neighborhood. We found a food market, a cheese market, a pharmacy along with many cafes, bars and eateries. It’s a quiet neighborhood, well located to all we want to do or at least transportation (Metro) to get there.
We went back to the train station to acquaint ourselves with the ins and outs of catching our train to Vernazza on Friday and how to use the Metro to get to Cenaccolo Vinciano, where we will view The Last Supper.
The train station, Milano Centrale is, itself, worth a visit for its enormity and grandeur. It is Europe’s largest railway station by volume. The faćade is 660 feet wide and it’s vault, 236 feet high with 24 platforms servicing 330,000 per day! It is a city within itself with cafes, restaurants, shops, and services to accommodate those in transit through its halls.
We walked the two plus miles to Teatro alla Scala enjoying the city beyond our neighborhood. La Scala is in the heart of the fashion district and Fashion Week starts in four days. The area was ALIVE with activity and preparation. Gardens being planted and fluffed, windows being dressed in their best, streets being washed and the ‘onlookers’ arriving.
We were early (allowing time to get lost) so ventured over to the Galleria and the Duomo. So much of this area, including La Scala and the Galleria, were destroyed by Allied bombing during WWII. Their resurrection and reconstruction are a testament to this city’s love of the arts.
The tour of La Scala was so interesting and educational — from its beginnings, its role in the arts (opera, ballet & concerts), the composers and conductors, the legendary performers and its role in the rebirth of both Milan and the arts after WWII.
After our tour we headed to the Metro station to figure out a way home and how to use it again the following day. We happily learned that we’re just a few blocks from a Metro stop that will give us access to all we have planned.
With weary feet and still a bit of jet lag we arrived back at the flat. After checking for messages we allowed ourselves a nap before venturing out for dinner.
We had spotted this local haunt on our way to the train station in the morning. Now run by a third generation of the same family, we enjoyed an incredible meal.
A walk in the neighborhood, as a digestive and to enjoy the cool air, completed our day.
¡Domani!
¡Ciao America! 