Milan Day 3

This morning we went on top of the Duomo. It was an indescribable experience - probably one of my favorite experiences ever on a vacation. The weather was perfect and the views were spectacular. We walked all over the roof and just couldn't believe the amount of work and detail that went into this magnificent building. The following are just a few of my favorite pictures. The Duomo is worth a trip to Milan just by itself.









After leaving the Duomo, we sought out a really creepy church called San Bernadino alle Ossa. This is a church where all the decorations are made from human bone. Yes, that's right... human bone. The nice man working at the church explained to us that it was a place to contemplate death. However, another church was built adjacent to it that is bright and filled with light where worshippers can go to contemplate happier things. It was just as creepy as it sounds.





Next we visited one of Napoleon's homes. Milan was actually the capitol of the Roman Empire for several hundred years (although I don't think it was during Napoleon's time). Unfortunately it was one of those places where we weren't supposed to take pictures, so I only have the outside and the artwork in the entry. It was beautiful.




We also found the horse designed by DaVinci which took over 500 years to finally complete. It was finished according to his instructions and specifications about 10 years ago and is a gift from the United States. Notice my goofy husband pretending to be trampled.




After out busy day, we took a train to Venice and collapsed in our room. We are fitting a lot of fun into each day! The train was nice - we passed mile after mile of vineyards.

Milan Day 2 Evening

We headed back out tonight to see some of the shopping district and get some more gelato. We wandered around to see some other churches and will go back tomorrow.

This was quite a mall!

Me having gelato and window shopping.

Milan Day 2

We started the morning at the Castle of Milan. This castle was started in 1368. It was primarily for defense through the 15th century but was also a focus for artists and sculptures for centuries. From the 16th to the 19th century it was used by occupying forces for barracks and storage. Napoleon began what was to be a grand redesign in 1800, but it was never realized. We spent hours walking around.

Upstairs overlooking the inner gardens.

There are walkways all around this little area connecting parts of the castle with light streaming in from above. I thought this was a beautiful area.

The is La pieta Rondanini by Michelangelo... the real one, not a copy. Workers were standing all around telling people not to touch it. Pretty cool.

The sun was shining through this window and it was stunning.

Massive sculpture.

In one of the courtyards.

Near one of the entrances.

Outer walls.

Outer courtyard.

Dallin would have loved this castle. Ed made this quick video for him.

We also visited the Duomo, the third largest church in Christendom. This is actually the most famous general tourist attraction in Milan. You don't need tickets for this (like the last supper) and the admission is free (except to go on the roof - which we will do tomorrow). There are 3,500 statues and 135 spires on the exterior. The interior is massive with 52 huge pillars (one for each week of the year) a completely accurate sundial, dozens of chapels, too many statues to count, a crypt, a treasury and even a nail allegedly from the cross of Christ. The nail has been kept in a rock crystal box on a sun window near the ceiling since the 1400s. Many of the windows are actually painted instead of traditional stained glass. It's impossible to take pictures of a place like this. It's dark inside and so massive that the flash doesn't help, but it was an amazing experience.

Construction was begun in 1391 and took over 500 years to complete, not to mentions repairs after many wars.

Milan Day 1

We arrived in Milan Early this morning, hopped on a train to get to our hotel and caught a couple hours of sleep. We then took the metro to see a few of the famous churches of Milan. It was pouring rain most of the day, but we huddled close under our little umbrella and had a great time wandering the streets.

Santa Maria delle Grazie is a beautiful church which was built (for the first time) in 1465. As with most churches here, it has been damaged by wars and had sections re-built over the centuries. It was even used as barracks and a military warehouse during Napoleon's suppression. Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper is in the refectory, but we couldn't get tickets even 6 weeks ago when we tried to reserve them online. It was beautiful.








The Sant' Ambrogio church is not the most famous church in Milan (due to The Last Supper), but it is the most important to the people. Construction began between 379 and 386. It has also been re-built many times due to damage from wars and time. It was amazing to see how the artists and sculptures from so many centuries contributed to the overall look of the church. Ambrogio was a stalwart man and even denied entrance to his church to the Emperor. He was loved by the Italian people.

The bell tower on the left was built by monks in 1100.

The marble pieces on the left date back to the 400s. The wooden pieces are from the 1500s.

This mosaic dome is done with real gold pieces. It was created in the 400s and has been restored recently. Amazing.

After spending time in the churches, we sought out a famous gelateria, Chocolat. It didn't disappoint. Divine is the word that comes to mind.


Dinner was exceptional as well. We didn't want to walk far in the rain and didn't need to. Pizzaria a Piccolo Napoli was fantastic and we had the cutest little elderly waiter. I wanted to take his picture, but was too embarrassed to ask.

A guy from New Jersey was eating in the restaurant as well and agreed to take our picture. Thanks guy from New Jersey!

We're having a great time and tomorrow is the last day with a chance of rain for the rest of the trip. Gotta go and Skype the kids!

Busy Saturday

We had lots to do yesterday - not to mention getting ready for Grandma Seguine and our trip!

Taylor and I started the day by participating in the Autism Fun Run. We have several close friends who have children with Autism and this was a great way to join them in support for a cure. Taylor actually ran the mile (thanks to our friend Vicki), but I walked and helped pull the wagon carrying cute little Andrew.


After the run we were off to Council Rock North high school for a lacrosse game. Ed, Dallin, and Taylor were already there volunteering with our youth group for the Special Olympics of Bucks County. It was oddly convenient that they were in the same location.

Taylor's team won, by a lot. Toward the end of the game the coach gave specific instruction that every goal had to be set up by running a series of plays. Taylor ran around the back of the goal to set up and then suddenly sprinted past her defender and scored as she came around the other side.

Her coach yelled, "Taylor what was that?"
Her response, "Coach she was teasing me and said I couldn't score. I had to."
Coach just laughed and shook his head. "OK, I'll let it go this time."

After finishing lacrosse and Special Olympics, we headed off to Cami's softball game. Long story short, she had a rough first scrimmage and was feeling nervous about her first game. We spent a lot of time working with her and she did great. She hit 3 of 4 at bat and played very well in the field. She was beaming and waving whenever possible.



We finished the afternoon with a little slip-n-slide party in the backyard. A great day.