Sunday, September 25, 2011

Milan Trip - Part 1

Yesterday was our MWR trip to Milan, Italy! Or in Italian....Milano! Click to enlarge the pictures!! There's sooooo much detail in each one!
Monument to Leonardo DaVinci, with four of his followers at the base. Although he was born in Florence, he spent most of his life in Milan.
During Fashion Week (which is actually much longer than one week in Milan), artists created these elephants and put them up all over the city. They were all very colorful and interesting!
Public fountain
I put some on our heads to cool off - felt wonderful!
Cat, Natalie and Brian (in the stroller) went too!
Entrance to la Galleria
Notice the netting? It's to keep the pigeons out!

Entering La Galleria
Bella always cracks me up!! In Italian, "galleria" means tunnel.
GUCCI!!!
In the center square
PRADA!!!
No clue on the cost of this luggage. But I'll bet it's only for people who fly on private planes, lol!
Many Egyptian themes here!
Python and fur - oh my!!!
A-MAZ-ING store displays!

La Galleria - 2
All original iron and glass work! So impressive!
Incredible silver pieces
I wouldn't wear it, but it looks cool!
Duomo
Construction of the Cathedral in Milan, or Duomo di Milano, in Gothic style, started in 1386 by the archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo, on the site of the former cathedral Santa Maria Maggiore. In 1572 Saint Carlo Borromeo reconsecrated the church. The main spire, built in 1769, is 109 meters high and has on top a golden laminated statue of the Madonna. The main construction of the cathedral including the west facade were finished in 1813. The cathedral is one of the largest in the world, has a nave with five aisles and contains around 3400 statues.
Bella & Thomas in front

This year marks the 150th anniversary on the unification of Italy! You'll see commemorative work all over the country.
Gateway arch to enter the Duomo side of the Galleria
Our first mime encounter of the day! Unlike NY mimes, these are very friendly!
Bella DID NOT like the looks of this guy!
Click to enlarge - and see pure fear on her face, lol!
Beautiful clock tower

The sponsors of this particular fashion show had their profiles put up. This looked so cool to see such a long parade of these
You can never have too many fresh flower stands!
Hand made wooden toys and plaques. Really beautiful work!
Another cool elephant!
My makeup!! It's a Milan brand, but so cool to see the main store!
Donuts to pizza! A carb feast, lol!
Sunflower stuff!
But I didn't get anything.
A baby clothes boutique
One of many cafes we passed.
A small, but famous theatre.
Continuing along the promenade towards the castle.
Elephant!
Loved these lions
It's so hard to take good photos of store displays, but I had to try to get a shot of the sweater on the right hand side. LOVED THIS ONE!!!!
Sparklies!!!
We came back here for lunch!
Another elephant!
Statue on the circle before the castle.
Not sure what was up here, but it looked cool!
Approaching the traffic circle - tricky to cross on foot!!
Bicycle rentals!! Many people used these too!

Please continue on to Part 2 of our trip!!

8 comments:

* Shell B.* said...

OMG, OMG!! I would of loved to be with you on your trip to Milan!!
Wonderful memories to be had......Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful pictures Jeannie!!

Hugs Shell~Alaska♥

Toriz said...

Sounds like a great time was had by all! :)

Deanna said...

Who can afford this stuff?!?! Beautiful architecture. I noticed a McDonalds sandwiched in amongst everything. I'll bet the prices are a bit higher than here in the states. You are so incredibly lucky to be experiencing all of these sites. Thank for sharing!

Rita said...

Lots of expensive shops! But my very favorite thing was the very old cathedral! Wow! What a lot to see! :)

Heatherlyn said...

I love the elephants! The Cathedral was fascinating. Wish I could have seen what it is like inside. I like all the detail and art in the buildings. I wish people cared enough to put detail into buildings today.

Tam said...

Great pictures! It looks like so much fun!!!!! Awesome!

vely said...

OMG what a wonderful pics I feel like I travel (imaginary) lol My Bella still the most beautiful girl in the world. (-: Hugs

joe tacoma said...

All I can say is WOW! Oh, and that Bella is adorable.