Today was the day for Monza! We had to navigate our way on the Metro to the urban trains and back again. For all that is written and said of the Italian train system, we found it very user friendly. The timetables in the station were clear and the trains were on time and regular.

The Monza track is nowhere near the town so we risked a taxi. The taxi driver had no English. Luckily Stan remembered the word autoodromo. Once we got there we found it deserted except for a few workmen. Don't know f it was because it was Monday or that is usual for non race days. Trudging around an empty track in 33 degree heat, miles from anywhere is not my idea of fun, but Stan seemed to enjoy it.

Then it was time to leave. We were pointed in the direction an autobus was supposed to arrive. We didn’t trust the spot. There were no signs and no people about. So we walked. It was very hot.......... Finally we made it to town. Never had a Granita (slush puppy) tasted so good.

We then did the mandatory Red Bus tour. The Duomo was spectacular. It seemed much of old Milan: the city wall, the canals and churches have been removed to make space for roads and dwellings.

The city itself was very clean yet extremely busy. They love their motorbikes, but aren’t too keen on road rules. Anything goes. The people where very polite, if not over friendly and no one just has their photo taken. Every camera offers an opportunity for a photo shoot. Stan enjoyed watching for what he called the Milano Princesses. They were always decked out in big shoes, belts, sunglasses and ready to pose for the camera. If ever there was a place where the ordinary would feel dowdy – Milan is it.