So, Milan. Originally this wasn't on our list of places to go to. The
perception has always been that Milan was just another big city. But
then, so was Rome and Florence, and they both turned out to be the high
points of our trip. And so it is with Milan. Every bit as "classically
Italian" as its counterparts. Majestic buildings, rich in history,
gastronomically diverse. Milan has it all. Plus a subway system which is
cheap and easy to use.

We arrived at our hotel a
little after noon. This gave us plenty of time to settle in and do a
short sightseeing trip into the centre of Milan where the Milan Cathedral (or Duomo) is situated.
It truly is an architectural work of art. We thought we had seen
grandiosity at its best at the Vatican. But this. this was something
else again. At first glance the cathedral seems to be obscenely ornate
and gratuitous in its splendor. But then you stand back and take another
look, and it seems to take the form of a living organism rising from
the paved streets of the city. Quite breathtaking. Unfortunately they
don't allow the use of a camera inside, so I don't have anything to show
its intricate murals, magnificent tiled floor, or sumptuous paintings
hanging on it's walls. Quite simply, even if you aren't religiously
inclined, you can't help but marvel at it. to paraphrase an iconic
Australian, "Do yourselves a favor, come over and see it".

As well as the Duomo, another "must see" of Milan is the wall fresco of
"The Last Supper" done by Leonardo Da Vinci. After catching a couple of
trains and walking aimlessly for a couple of blocks (the map we had was
really difficult to read), we finally came upon the Santa Maria delle
Grazie church where it's located. Unfortunately, getting a look at the
fresco requires booking a ticket. The only allow groups of 25 every
15mins, and all the timeslots for the day were sold out. Bit of a
bummer. Still, we were able to get a look at the church attached to it,
and that was quite breathtaking in itself.

It's been a great couple of days. Milan is definitely on our list of "come back to
cities". Still lots more to discover (not to mention the shopping).
Tomorrow we fly out to Prague where we'll be spending Christmas with the
kids. Looking forward to it.