Advertisement
Published: March 8th 2007
Edit Blog Post
MILAN: 22/02/07 - 23/02/07
Well the time has come around again where we need to update you with our recent movements. Lets start with a little history lesson on old italia.
Italy became a nation-state in 1861 when the city-states of the peninsula, along with Sardinia and Sicily, were united under King Victor EMMANUEL II. An era of parliamentary government came to a close in the early 1920s when Benito MUSSOLINI established a Fascist dictatorship. His disastrous alliance with Nazi Germany led to Italy's defeat in World War II. A democratic republic replaced the monarchy in 1946 and economic revival followed. Italy was a charter member of NATO and the European Economic Community (EEC). It has been at the forefront of European economic and political unification, joining the Economic and Monetary Union in 1999. Italy, here we come!!
Milan was day 1 of 10, our northern Italy adventure. Going against many friends recommendations, we decided to take up the 0.01p flights with the cheap airline, Ryanair. And I must tell you, there was nothing wrong with it (I suppose it would be the same as Jetstar back home).
I would have to say that Milan definitely is
One of Italy's many arches, Milan
A view from the park in Milan. Looking across the street, one of the italian archways not a tourist friendly city. Throughout the time we had spent in Milan, we had not found a single tourist information centre where we could ask for our free map of the city. So, a little initiative was necessary. I made Brian walk into a hotel, and ask for a tourist map. Well it worked, we were given one (all in italian of course, but at least it had the streets on it. From then on, we were able to make a way around Milan a little easier.
Milan is well known for its designer brand shopping and fashion shows. While aimlessly walking around we stumbled across one of these shows for a famous designer, John Richmond (obviously not famous enough for us to know, but famous enough for the socialites gathered out the front).
Whilst in Milan, we were lucky enough to experience one of Italy's many festivals, Carnevale. Carnevale is celebrated all over Italy during February, officially ending on the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. An ancient celebration, using up stockpiled foodstuffs before 40 days’ abstinence, it was also a way to cheer everyone up during the dark days of winter. During
the carnevale adults go to veglioni (parties), in costumes and masks while children wear disguises to school. The day we ventured around Milan, there were children all around, walking the streets dressed in costumes (It looked as though the Disney shop had made a killing with princess, etc roaming the streets). Walking through the streets of Milan, we came across a piazza (otherwise known as a square) where there were all sorts of old fashioned puzzle and mind games for children to play. The atmosphere was amazing. The children were all so well behaved, taking turns in playing the different games, and letting the younger ones have a go first. Brian was quite eager to get in there and have a go at some of their games they had on display!!!!
Also as part of their celebrations for carnevale, cafes etc all have special doughnut strips, dusted with sugar, such as fritelle, tortelli or chiacchiere on sale or if your lucky, for free in the shops. Suddenly, Milan did not feel as boring as we had originally thought.
Italy is well known for its architecture and when viewing the Duomo, you can understand why. There are many beautiful
Carnevale
Children dressed up and playing games in the piazza. and historic churches and buildings of interest in Milan, but the Duomo is the most outstanding. It is Milans cathedral and is an example of Gothic Lambard architecture. The Duomo dates back to 1300 and houses about 3500 statues. The Duomo is spread over an area of almost 12,000 square meters. The cathedral is famous throughout the world for its significance in the promulgation of the Christian faith, for its role in the establishment of Catholic traditions of worship, its outstanding musical heritage and the splendour of its Gothic architecture.
The Duomo is also known to be one of the worlds largest churches, being second in size to Saint Peters Basilica in Rome. Seeing this for the first time, really takes your breath away.
One full day in Milan was all we needed to have a look around and were ready to move on. Milan is a city to visit for its very extravagent shopping, one of the fashion capitals of Europe. But disappointingly, it is not really a city you would visit to experience history and culture. Apart from the shopping, and tasting the italian cuisines, there is not much else to do!
Advertisement
Tot: 0.111s; Tpl: 0.011s; cc: 8; qc: 51; dbt: 0.0608s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.2mb
James Family
non-member comment
Great Stuff
It looks like an interesting place to visit. Can't wait to hear more about your trip!!!!