Had a great time in
Milan! It is really a very cosmopolitan, elegant city. Last time I was
there (1966), I found the people cold & snobby. Not this time.
Lucked out on my hotel. It was a bit out of center but everything else
was great. People that run it were terrific!! Room was very modern.
Breakfast was best yet. Eggs (several ways), pancakes, the best bacon
ever, slices of Swiss cheese, fruit & great cappuccino.
It
was a 20 minute bus/metro ride to center of city. Public
transportation is very efficient & available. You can buy 24 hour
pass that works great for 4.50 euros.
One
day took train to Lake Como area visiting Ravenna, Bellagio &
Como. Really a wonderful day even though weather wasn't great. Took
ferries between the different cities. It is much colder up here
compared to Rome but OK. Food has been
good everywhere except price averaging over $40/night for dinner.
First day in Milan, weather was perfect but then turned cold, cloudy
& bit of rain until day I left. Still enjoyed the city very much.
Lots to see & do. Was able to get ticket to see the original
Michelangelo Last Supper at one of the churches here but got caught by
Nazi docents who came up to me & made me delete my pictures. She
kept screaming at me until I deleted them. Their policy is no fotos or
videos. They just want to make money on books & post cards. Some
charitable organization.
Now in Bergamo which is also very quaint & charming city. Again, I lucked out on hotelsIt has a lower town (Bassa) &
upper town (Alta). Most of the historical sites are in the upper town. Spent most of my time here.
Today
I took bus for 1 hour to Lovere which is a town on Lake Iseo. It is a
lovely setting & also has lots of history. Went to local flea
market & had delicious chicken leg/thigh for lunch. Then took ferry
to Pisogne which is 10 minutes across the lake. Small but nice.
Afterwards, did all the sights in Lovere & took bus back to Bergamo
& visited couple of churches (for a change) & an art exhibit
at a bank.
