Milan (9th May 2010 - 11th May 2010)

Lots of complaints before I even embarked on an Italian affair.. because
1) Air tickets increase price in April
2) SQ tickets are super expensive... (I don't see it benefit me because I did not buy SIA counters ah hahaha)
3) One way tickets are EVEN more expensive
and probably 4) Italy is expensive

Ok so I'm trying to convince myself now that money isn't everything (considering I'm jobless and can embark on an Italy trip.. one wonders what I'm feeding myself now...) then... with the planning done.. here's the preview of what I thought (and then I will again do an aftermath of my Italy trip)

My only concern in Milan...
Milanese Safety
Unless you venture in dangerous suburbs, Milan is a rather safe city.
Else,
1) Beware of the migrant vendors in the streets
2) Beware of pigeons feeders
3) Be careful crossing the street: drivers don't usually respect pedestrian crossings unless there is a red light for them to stop.

My expectations...
1) Fidenza Village (Outlet Shopping)
2) Cenacolo Vinicano I am still praying for a spare ticket on 11th to appear.. checking the site constantly...
Oh.. managed to grab 3 tix on 28th April as blogged previous here
Other than Last Supper (Il Cenacolo or L'Ultima Cena) by da Vinci, I hope to see The Crucifixion by da Montorfano.

Source: Wiki

Source: Around.com

***** Butterflygal's Trip Update *****

0630: Reached Milan Malpensa T1 at 6.30 am in the early morning.
Wanted to search for Agenzia Autostradale but could not find it. And somehow it is too early so most booths are unmanned. Thus I end up taking Malpensa Shuttle instead.
Check Bflygal Trails: Taking bus out of Milan Malpensa

Reached Milano Centrale Stazione in an hour. Pretty accurate time estimate.
In the bus, I caught sight of people in wind breaker and realised.. Italy must be cold. Mentally made up my mind to get a wind breaker ASAP.

0900: Bought Abbonamento bigiornaliero (which is a 48h travel ticket that costs 5.50 Eur) from the newstand. Apparently in Milan, there is no metro office. You have to purchase your metro tickets from the newstands.
Check Bflygal Trails: How to buy metro ticket in Milan

0915: Reached Piazza Castello but was unsure where to wait. Asked a waitress in the cafe and a guy in the Autostradale Viaggi office before I finally confirmed the waiting area. (p/s: My first impression of Italiano guys - either man of few words or too haughty)

0945: The Fidenza Express came on time. Sweet!
Check Bflygal Trails : Fidenza Village

1200: Reached Fidenza Village. Bought my windbreaker-cum-raincoat which I abused it the whole trip by wearing it constantly. Indeed I am grateful for my windbreaker as it kept me dry and warm.

Had our first lunch (and only meal in Fidenza) too. Consisted of parma ham, spaghetti and hot chocolate drink. The basket of bread was included as part of their il coperto (cover charge—for bread and water).
Check Bflygal Trails: How to read Italian Menu

Then took the shuttle back to Piazza Castello and..

visited Milano's Chinatown - Via Paola Sarpi
Check Bflygal Trails: Visit Milano's Chinatown

I always like to visit different countries' Chinatown, especially their supermarkets to see what they sell. I have to admit that compared to London's Chinatown, Milano's Chinatown paled in comparision.

The next day, visited Leonardo da Vinci's Horse.



Leonardo da Vinci worked on this project from 1482 to 1499 but it was destroyed by the French invaders who ousted Leonardo’s patron, Ludovico il Moro, from power. In 1977, Charles Dent, an American pilot and a great enthusiast of Renaissance art and Leonardo in particular, decided that it was time to build the horse. Though he died on Christmas day in 1994, work continued and on 19th July 1999, the pieces were transported to Milan to be assembled. The final sculpture was unveiled by the American ambassador Thomas Foglietta on 10th September.

FYI, Leonardo's statue can be found near Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.



After visiting Leonardo's horse, continued the long walk to San Siro Stadium.


There is a museum dedicated for both Inter Milan and AC Milan fans if you are interested. Unfortunately we were too early and were unable to peek inside the stadium.

Check Bflygal Trails: Visit Milano's San Siro Stadium

Took the tram back to central Milan and decided to visit Milan Aquarium since there is still time before we can visit the Last Supper.

Check Bflygal Trails: Visit Milan Aquarium

Then head to Santa Maria delle Grazie where the building next door is where Cenacolo Vinicano is located.



Unfortunately (or fortunately for the organisation), no photography is allowed. So one can spend 15 minutes just staring at the Last Supper and the Cruxifixion.

p/s: I play cheat and took a picture of the postcard haha.

Check Bflygal Trails: Visit Santa Maria Delle Grazie

Last to-do item is to climb Duomo. Duomo is a generic Italian term for a cathedral church.





Check Bflygal Trails: Visit Milano Duomo

Then went to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and did our LV shopping as well as hide from the rain haha.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
Architect: Giuseppe Mengoni (1829-1877)
Edificata: 1865 - 1878
It was given the alternative name of "Milan's Sitting Room", as it's been a place of gathering and social meetings. Among the most ancient examples of "roofed gallery" it's made of iron and glass.

Check Bflygal Trails: Visit Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
Check Bflygal Trails: LV Shopping
Check Bflygal Trails: Claim your Vat in Italy

My last point is always about food.. so what Milanese Food I ate?

First typical Italiano colazione (breakfast) which usually consisted of cappuccino with croissant.
Check Bflygal Trails: Italian Colazione

Also tried their Luini which is my lunch and energy food before I climbed the Duomo roof.
Check Bflygal Trails: Eat Luini

Probably the only "regret" I had is I did not managed to try their Milanese aperitivo. :-(
Check Bflygal Trails: Visit Navigli

Related Posts:
Part 0: Arrivederci SG! Buongiorno IT!
Part 2: Verona (12th May 2010)
Part 3: Venice (13th May 2010 - 14th May 2010)
Part 4: Pisa (15th May 2010)
Part 5: Florence (16th May 2010 - 17th May 2010)
Part 6: Rome (18th May 2010 - 21st May 2010)

Acknowledgements:
Thanks to Pwnstar for his superb photographs!