Italy 2021, Part Two: Milano

After Firenze, we headed to Milano and hoped that the new rules for vaccine passport requirements would still let us do what we had planned. Loradona and I both carried our vaccine information every where we went, and thankfully, the people were pretty understanding of our lack of fancy QR codes.

Not to say the changing rules weren't stressful. In fact, it's in Milano that I start to feel a pain in my ribs, for those keeping track at home... 

Our first day in Milano, we headed to see The Last Supper and the Santa Maria delle Grazie. 

Both Loradona and I took the obligatory pictures with The Last Supper, but it doesn't particularly photograph well so we just looked and enjoyed the rest of the time. 

It's heartbreaking how quickly The Last Supper began to break down. It had already started to deteriorate a mere 20 years after its completion. On the other hand, the piece across from it, "Crucifixion" by Giovanni Donato da Montorfano, is still in pretty good shape, despite being done at the same time.

We stayed in the refectory for the full 15 minutes allowed, enjoying the relative peace and quiet. It's amazing to think that these artists actually touched the very walls I looked at and were in the very room I was standing in. Such history. It's also crazy to think how close it all came to being destroyed, most especially in WWII. 

After our 15 minutes were up, we went into the chapel of the church itself.

It was beautiful. 

Loradona and bought a couple of candles and lit them.

I lit mine for Kyler, at the chapel of St Joseph. I thought that was fitting, as St Joseph is the patron saint of fathers. I am so grateful for Kyler as a partner and father of my children, and of course, without his support, this trip would not have been possible.

After we finished at the Santa Maria delle Grazie, we headed to see THE Duomo.

It was is remarkable.

It is also where we experienced a small miracle, an answer to all the prayers Loradona and I had said, hoping that all would go well. We looked around the outside of the Duomo, and decided to grab some lunch before our lift tickets at 1 PM. As we sat down at the restaurant, I decided to double check our tickets and saw they were for NOON, not 1 PM. It was 11:45, so we rushed away from the table, telling the server we'd be back, promise!, and made it just in time.

Inside the Duomo, everything is a piece of art.

Even the columns and the floor are the work of incredible craftsmen and artists.

There were many stained glass window, just like this one, 

with each little section depicting a Bible story.

St Bartholomew was definitely wearing less than any visitors to the Duomo are allowed to wear...

Going up to the Duomo roof was breathtaking. Literally. 

Even with the lift, there were still quite a few stairs. Totally worth it.

I swear, that's me. Hat + sunglasses + mask, it may not look like me, but it is.

That's a little more clear.

Oh, my face! See, it WAS me!

Perhaps going up to the roof at literal high noon wasn't the best idea, but neither is going to Italy in August at all. Better at noon in August than not at all, right?

Old and new Milano, merging together.

After we finished at the Duomo, we did head back to the restaurant we'd sat down at earlier, and were greeted warmly by the waiter.

And very much enjoyed our risottos and lots of water. Always lots of water.

After lunch we entered the Galleria.

Let's go shopping!

Although, I didn't buy anything. Loradona bought some notecards and stuff. We're fancy like that. Haha.

Our last morning in Milano we spent 4 hours at the Pinacoteca di Brera. 

This museum had the best description plaques, full of information and even sass. 

Too Naked!

Loradona and I were cracking up - we have found our people!

This particular painting is the largest in the museum. 

When all the pieces were removed to protect them during WW2, this one was too big to fit through the door, so they had to take it apart!

We also added to our "Have You Ever Even Seen A Baby?" gallery, 

but there were some lovely babies, as well.

I liked the juxtaposition of the following two paintings, both by Bellini. 

Mary holding her son, in life and in death. 

And we saw a Picasso!

Also, PS, the Brera also has the best website ever. Want to see, experience, and/or download some of the art? Go here!

Our last stop in Milano was Sforzesco Castle.

A real life castle!

We just wandered the grounds and saw the sights. It was nice and relaxing.

Except for the annoying bracelet men. 

But Loradona and I are good at forcefully saying, "NO." 

Maybe Rita and Sofia need to say no to Andrea, too?

And, with that, the "hard" part of our journey was over. 

We headed back to Roma, where we weren't going to be alone anymore. From here on out, it's either small day trips or with Mom and Dad - meaning we had someone with us who actually spoke Italian!