To view/read previous posts on my Milan trip
click HERE!The day started with us... well my parents. Ok HOLD! My parents decided the night before that we should wake up and be ready by around 7.30am. To have breakfast at the terrace. Which coincidently was just 10-15 steps from our room. Like seriously. You walk out the room door and walk 10-15 steps and viola! You're in the terrace.
So now, I'll start with what happened and all.
Woke up at 7am and cleaned myself up. And that my friends, includes a shower and oral hygiene. So yea, in case you were wondering what cleaning myself means. Lame lame! Forget it. Instead of what we planned, we (John, Julz and I) went for breakfast at 7.45am. Well our room was so near the place, so what the hell. After breakfast headed back to the room to do our business. I opened the window sort of thing.
It isn't exactly a window. Its more like, a door leading to a balcony. Except the balcony doesn't exist, you're sort of ON the balcony even when the door is closed. There's no extension thing. And then there was the metal grills kinda thing. It was super cold. And I absolutely LOVED the scenery. You see, Milan isn't filled with TALL BUILDINGS and all. In fact, the highest point in Milan is a very top of a statue of the Virgin Mary on a cathedral. (Don't worry, pictures further down). I'll go into details later, when I get there.

Good Morning!

This is taken from the sixth floor. And you already see roofs!! Well, see what I mean by no tall buildings!!


Its quite nice actually. Felt as if I was on the rooftop. =) Romantic lah!

See. Handsome boy and Jacq! =P hahahaha

Quite artistic if you ask me. This is taken by ME! Actually from our room's window/balcony.

Showing you that its like a balcony and window at the same time. Ooo, nice lighting eh? Who else but me taking the pic la. Ah, and LOOK at the handsome boy standing there ;)
At about 9.45am we decided to walk around the town. Since its a Fashion City. A very well known one - and we knew ALL the branded goodies were around, we decided to go on a hunt for it. We took a few maps from the reception and asked then how to get there. We started walking.
It was quite cold. Actually... VERY cold? My hands were freezing, and I didn't have gloves. So I had to stuff the map in the coat's pocket together with my hands to prevent my fingers from freezing. After walking a LONG distance, we rested for awhile, because my grandma had some problem walking. And plus, my dad was walking VERY fast. Well, for an 85 year-old woman, its fast. We decided that we should hail a cab for her to get to the central area with all the shops. It was very cold anyway. So we managed to hail a cab. Both my aunts and John followed. Well John followed because he has a map and a phone. AND his sense of direction is good. So if they got lost or anything, he'll manage to get them around. And my aunts? Hahaha, I guess they didn't want to walk anymore.
So this left ME in charge of the directions. I actually enjoyed it. Holding a map and walking. I mean, I'm happy I can navigate with a map. Makes me quite happy, and after all, I shut them MEN up. Like girls don't know directions/ can't read maps. Bloody sexists. I showed my dad! HAH! We then passed a wonderful park. There were people walking their dogs, and people jogging. Yea, jogging in winter. And wait a minute, this woman, she's SO in shape, and she was wearing SHORTS to jog in WINTER! I salute her. After another 5 to 10 minutes walk from where the taxi left, we met up with them. My grandma and Aunt ML sat at a cafe sipping coffee. So classy. Well they needed the heat and wanted to sit down. Especially my grandma. Can't expect to drag her shopping right. Not fair. So in order to sit in the cafe NEXT to the heater, you need to buy a drink. So they did. My grandma and aunt ML stayed there. Others walked.
Oh we were in the heart of Milan. Well sort of. And the place is called San Babilo. I will upload the map and present it to you all on a later note.
At 12noon, the cathedral bells rang and we were actually walking distance to the cathedral. So we decided to go and have a look. We had a peek of the cathedral and I was amazed. I needed to go see it up close. So whilst walking towards the magnificent cathedral, we were on the search for Louis Vuitton (LV). And it was a nice walk. Not as cold, but still cold. There were countless number of shops. Some very popular, some I've never heard of before... But you know what? Its Milan. The city of fashion. What else can one expect? And it was breathtaking. Splendid. Although the shops were all near each other and the roads and quite narrow and buildings not tall. It wasn't crampy when you walk around. You feel quite good actually. Maybe its just the air... you know. I'm in Milan. I'm breathing MILAN air. How awesome! And well the architecture is WOW! I loved it. We walked aimlessly as my dad was looking for LV and it seemed like we were on the right track, as all other branded stores were located there. Little did we know it was on the other end. DUH!!! Anyway, we walked to the cathedral.
Seriously, the architecture. The statues on the building. The marble... EVERYTHING!!!!! It was WOW! I mean, OK I've seen churches and cathedrals before... but never one like THIS!!! And there was a golden statue at the top. Which I learnt later was a statue of the Virgin Mary. And its the highest point of Milan. For now that is. Its quite remarkable. The cathedral is an off-white creamy colour. And then you look up at the very top, its golden. I didn't really notice it when I was taking the photos. But when I learnt of it, and reviewed the pictures, I'm glad I took the photos. Its really amazing. Anyway here are some facts. The cathedral in Milan is the 3rd largest in the world. Rome holding the largest and Spain having the second largest.

Here you go! The cathedral.

Look at the amount of detail. The architecture is breathtaking.

Trying to get a picture with the whole cathedral is impossible with the crappy cameras we had. *Time for a new one!! haha*

Us kids plus mum. Jacq, bel, Mum, Jacobson, Julz and John (gangster!)

Just trying if I could get half of the cathedral at least... as you can see, to no avail.

Family shot. Why did I squat. Sigh!! Dad, me, bel, jacobson, Mum, Julz, John and Aunt TM

One without Aunt TM

Kinda showing you how big it is lengthwise.

Against the blue sky. its so nice. The details!!! I can't stop.

Look at it against the sky. So pretty
Can you see? The golden Virgin Mary. The highest peak. CLICK on the picture to enlarge.

Looking at the infrastructure. Amazed obviously!

Another shot. So pretty.

See the statues n details... AHHHH!!

San Babilo. Well part of it. we walked that stretch. Up and down.

One more of the cathedral.
After taking... a lot few pictures, we decided to leave the area and continue on our search for LV. Walked more to the other end. We made a U-turn upon reaching the cathedral. Realising that it wouldn't be so far. So we walked around. Until we met a few people with the LV paper bags and asked them. They didn't really understand English, but its all an adventure. We eventually stumbled upon a street (in Italian I think street is "Via") that was filled with DESIGNERS. Left and right. ALL the way from the beginning of the street until it ends. You name it. Bvlgari, Emporio Armani, Gucci, Dior, Bally, Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace, Valentino, etc etc. You name it. All those in KLCC, ITS THERE!!!!!!!! Anyway, its called Via Monte Napoleone, if you are ever in Milan, go there. You don't have to buy anything. Just walk along the street. Its crazy how many people there are.
Finally we came to LV. There was a queue, so we joined the queue. And waited and waited. Once we went in, we walked around and its a two-storey building. Just selling Louis Vuitton goods. Like WTF right? I walked around, touched the soft leather on the bags, and boots. And the soft texture of the clothing. Dreaming... one day my husband would bring me... Not to shop in LV, but other stores. Hahaha. My mum bought a bag and dad got boots. After that we walked around, and then decided to leave. Walked to other shops, Dior and Gucci. I felt guilty buying anything - although my parents kept telling its ok if I want a bag. They willing to get it for me. But I decided, I wont buy branded things UNLESS its with my own money. You see then I'll feel happy, contended that its MY money I used, and guilt-free. After walking up and down, my mum suggested to go into Bally. Since my dad LOVES Bally shoes. So we went in. And my dad bought a pair of shoes and so did John. And two wallets for my Uncle. One uncle was helping us look after the house when we were gone. And another uncle gave us 200euro each to spend (he always gives us money when we go on holidays... so we always buy gifts in return).
Via Monte Napoleone
Had to showoff a bit. Louis Vuitton!! And as proof I was there. The reflection!

Armani was located right next to LV. Sadly their business not as good. Hahhaa. Well not as many walk-in customers.


Waiting in line. Patience!
After that we headed back to the hotel in taxis. Well we had quite a lot of shopping bags and walking was a little out of the question as its quite a distance and we were tired. But well, I was a little hyped! hehe. The taxi ride back to the hotel cost us 7euros. I would have gladly walked you know! hahaha. Well, you enjoy the cool breeze, LOSE weight, work your muscles AND save money. That's like nearly RM35.... We went to the rooms, had a rest and then left for the tour agency. To what else la... tour!
Well upon reaching we got our tickets. And well, this trip was already paid for, its part of the fare we paid for... the air fare, hotel (3 days) and this shopping spree in Fox Town... wait... SWITZERLAND!!!!!!!!!
And... we needed our passports. 'Cause we'd be traveling between two countries... ie. Italy and Switzerland. But my mum left them in the safe in the hotel. And the bus leaves in like 30 minutes. So we were worried we couldn't go back to the hotel and get the passports. So thankfully, we could use the tickets for the next day. And we decided to take a tour of Milan. Well the city centre. Cost us 50euros. First we had a panaromic tour of Milan from the bus.

Our tour sticker! That's on me. The one on John was so crumpled! i don't even understand it. Lol

View of the fortress from the bus.


First stop: Verdi Street. I'm not very sure what the street is called exactly. But its dedicated to Verdi. We got off the bus and headed towards the Opera House. Sadly there was a rehearsal for... SWAN LAKE (
HWEI JENE!!!!! that reminded me of you!!!) so we couldn't go in. But we had a peek of what it looks like (not the hall itself but the outside). Very classy. From outside it looks like nothing, but truth be told, the inside is wonderful. Then right beside the Opera House was the Museum. Called
Museo Teatrale Alla Scala. Scala means stairs. Stairs Museum Theatre?? the pictures will explain it. =P In the museum, we walked up stairs. And there were head figurines and paintings of famous musicians. Mozzart, Beethoven, Puccini, Verdi etc. Then there were some antiques. Antique musical instruments and all.


The stairs. Therefore giving the Museum its name



The antique piano! If I could steal this.. I'd make millions.

Don't know if you can see... But click on the picture to enlarge.

The Man! Beethoven.

What's he doing?

WTF John?

Copy cat!!!
Then we headed to the beautiful city center. On the way, there was a marching band. Its actually quite uncommon to see them nowadays. But we did, and it was wow. (Again I thought of
Hwei Jene and how excited she'd be... marching band... swan lake... I think Milan's the city for her. LOL!)



And they played nice music too. Made me wanna dance in the middle of the street. Lol. But I didn't
Anyway, this city center place... Its actually a town house galleria. There used to be people living there, but now its so commercial, well shops and all. Its called
Galleria Vittoro Emanuele II. And I swear its the MOST beautiful shopping mall in the world. The 19th century galleria was actually built to connect Piazza della Scala and Piazza Duomo, with its magnificent cathedral. The mall is under a wonderful vaulted glass roof and an amazing architecture. And the signboards of ALL the shops (no matter what shop it is) is black and the wordings in gold. So imagine what I saw... =P

The vaulted glass roof.


Its so beautiful!

Louis Vuitton in gold and black.

Prada in gold and black.

And MCDONALD'S. Not in their signature red and yellow. WAHAHAHAHAHA! You can never see McD without their signature red and yellow. This was so cool!!!
We walked through the area - loads of locals and foreigners. And we arrived at the cathedral. Yea, same one as the morning. But in the morning we didn't walk around it, if not we'd be greeted by a Christmas tree and a big open area. We went into the cathedral this time and there was a service going on. So we couldn't really walk around freely as some areas were restricted. The ceiling was high, glass paintings very nice, and quite dark inside. (and this time, I thought of
ALICIA!!! Well, you're Christian. And I KNOW you would have loved it... the inside and outside.)

The glass painting. Sorry its not brighter. I turned on the flash. And I couldn't get closer. So sorry.

The christmas tree.

The other side of the cathedral... Just around the corner actually. (from the morning)


One of the entrances to the
Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II
So nice architecture right?

A typical building from Musolini's time.

See the needle. Sorry its blurry. Its signifies Milan as a fashion city.

A clearer picture. And the threads... the three colours represents the three metro lines in Milan

Here's the other end.
After that, we walked back to the bus and headed to the fortress. Took a few photos and then headed to... Well ok, before that, we passed by Hotel Demilano. Its the MOST exclusive, MOST expensive hotel in Milan. And wait - there was a Godiva shop in the hotel (MEI JEAN!!!!!!!!! hahaha this time I thought of you!) We didn't get to take photos as we were in the bus.
So we headed to the fortress. And its very nice. Especially at night.

The fortress before it gets dark.


This is the moon. At 5pm!

And it lights up!!!!!!! Its so pretty!

A better angle. With the fountain

Our last stop. The most remarkable, ok besides the cathedral and Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II. We went to see one of Leonardo Da Vinci's famous paintings... The Last Supper. I'm not Christian and all, but I do appreciate all the art and stuff. All this history and well famous things. I mean, who knows.. in a few years it might not even be there anymore. So when you have the chance go see it.
I thought the Last Supper was painted on canvas. But no! Its on a wall. The painting was destroyed during World War II, but not the whole thing. And its been restored. It was so fascinating. Sadly no photos allowed. GRRR! Learnt so many things. I was honestly... mesmerized. And its not an easy thing for me to be mesmerized. * I wanna see the Mona Lisa!*
Anyway here are some cool things about the place. The only allow 25 person in the area the painting is. And you are only allowed in the place for 15 minutes. And you have to like pass various rooms - I thought was for security. Where you wait, door opens, you go in. door closes and you wait for a moment before the door ahead opens and you're released. The reason this is done is to change the air. You know, scared the painting is destroyed. Quite cool actually.

The ticket to see The Last Supper.
Then we headed back to the agency and hailed a cab. It was so cold!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Worst than the morning. I was shivering, and my mouth... chattering. When we were just a turning away from the hotel, this car was blocking the entry into the junction. And she was on the phone. So the cab driver started honking. But the person didn't move. So he continued honking and then showing the finger in a Mr Bean kinda way. but he was pissed off. And it was hilarious! I contained my laughter. Then eventually she leaves and driver still honking at her swearing and showing the finger. Paid for the ride and faster went out.
Went to the room, took a shower and rested. Dinner was at the hotel. Hmm, don't want to go into details la. Horrible dinner. I'll just say it sucked and it was dry. And I wasn't hungry anyway, so yea. return to room. Thank God I showered already. John showered. And julz decided not to. YUCK!! Ok so its winter. No swear (literally!) but its still YUCK! I mean, I was sleeping on the same bed. Ahhh, but what the hell. =)
Goodnight!~ (such an awesome day! And tiring too. All that walking!!)
Next post: 16 December 2007 - More Shopping! Teaser: What does Jacq get so excited about? Even if she's NOT seeing/touching it.Labels: Milan 2007, Travels