Milano

Milano is a city which has so much to offer, if you know where to find it.   Certainly, when I lived here in 1985 I had such a wonderful time and needles to say I have a very soft spot for this exciting city and therefore I always love to return to the old haunts.

There were no fewer than six international art exhibitions on during this time as well as shows at the Scala and other theatres around town and not to mention the mid season winter sales.

I love shoes and I still have the shoes I bought here in 1985.  I went back to the department store with the chocolate shoes to see the updated models.  I also went to my favourite food store Peck to buy some cheese for lunch and as I stepped out of Peck onto the street my head turned in the right direction at the right time and somehow I ended up with four pairs of handmade shoes from Figini the shoe store next door.

Only in Milano, shoes made of chocolate

the shoes are actually full sized

loved the stripes and the polka dots

I told these guys that I tell my students that the carabinieri have these elaborate outfits with capes and swords and knee high leather boots and I said to them “I don’t think they believe me” and they said, “okay then, take your picture”.

The Duomo of Mian dominates this huge square and off to the left is the magnificent Galleria a Vittorio Emanuele

this massive tree looked awesome lit up at night

from the building next to the Duomo you can get great views of the cathedral

the stunning Vittorio Emanuele arcade

with its stunning glass dome

the Madonnina, gold statues at the top of the magnificent cathedral of Milan il Duomo

Impossible to photograph the Duomo in one shot, better to do it in sections

Milano is a city of contrasting architectural styles and there is certainly enough to keep your senses going.   The city is gearing up for Expo 2015 which will run from May to October with 20 million visitors expected.  It will be an exciting time.

Milano is gearing up for the World Expo from May through to June, 2015

there are some beautiful monuments and building and they pop up when you least expect them

lots of street theatre to keep you entertained

I loved this gorgeous old guy

the architecture around town changes constantly

I visited an Art and Design school and was impressed with the programs on offer

This city is noted for its fashion design and the stores which form part of the Quadrilatero rectangle fashion hub have the most stunning window displays and looking at the them is a must activity in itself.  I also called in to the leading fashion design school ‘La Marangoni’ which was oh so very swish.

La Marangoni is THE school for those wanting a career in fashion

and then there were the stores – oh my, oh my, I kept saying to myself as I walked from one to the other

one of the four top streets

this japanese girl went to town with the selfies

more Dolce & Gabbana

I could probably get away with wearing this one on a very special occasion

umm, I am not sure where I would wear this

these displays were amazing

Window shopping in Milan is like stepping into an art gallery with much style going into each and every store

there is a quadrangle of streets which make up the Quadrilatero fashion hub of Milan’s top designers. Window shopping here could take you all afternoon as it is an art in itself

Tiffany is always a favourite – fabulous windows

love the colour

Dolce and Gabbana

Dolce and Gabbana advertising is very clever

I was lucky enough to see two international art exhibitions, Marc Chagall which was so big and Van Gogh.  I also called in to my favourite Gallerie d’Italia.

the building that houses this gallery is stunning

one of my favourite paintings in this gallery

justice and Libra

beautiful sculptures by Canova

in the foyer of the art exhibition Marc Chagall

I saw the most beautiful art exhibition of Marc Chagall with hundreds of his works on display

Marc Chagall

another institution which is not to be missed is Luini Panserotti, a sort of fried pastie with a multitude of fillings, it never disappoints.

Luini an institution which self sumptuous savory and sweet filled pasties

again, decisions, decisions,

I love watching people taking selfies outside of famous hot spots

I took a late afternoon visit to my favourite food store – Peck and to Figini THAT shoe store

the fruit and veg. looked too good to buy

the cheese department at PECK, my favourite food store

you are in trouble if you have a sweet tooth

The very best things in life are still affordable, a coffee at Peck

This beautiful art nouveau building houses the SHOE shop where the damage was done, big time

Figini the shop where the damage was done

and Milan by night