Milano and Florence

Feb 20 and 21 Train to Milano and Florence
Happy birthday Janny (Feb 20)

We left Zurich early and boarded the train for the 3.5 hour trip to Milano. We all agreed that one day we will have to return to Zurich to do a proper job of touring it since we spent most of the time in the country.  

The train ride through Switzerland was spectacular and the weather and terrain was so varied from green grass, to frosted trees, to snow covered mountains.  The miles and miles of dark tunnels provided a stark contrast to the beautiful blue sunny skies. 

We passed through the picturesque Lugano and Lake Como (no George Clooney sighting ladies : ) and arrived in Milano in the late afternoon. After checking in at our hotel, we wandered around the city and stopped to have some traditional pizza and wine of course   

Next we happened upon the Carnival festival, evidently. A huge event for the people of this region.  Thousands upon thousands of people wandered the streets, many dressed in costumes and others spraying silly string and shaving cream and throwing confetti and paper by the tonnes.  Hard to believe this would be allowes in a city with such beautiful buildings - it literally littered he streets, buildings and windows  The street cleaners were kept busy all evening long.  We walked for miles and were amazed by the amount of people milling about.  It made our own Canadian fireworks festival look like a country fair.   

At the centre of town, we toured the Duomo Cathedral, an incredible architectural structure.  Next we wandered through the "fashion district" of MIlan and saw stores such as Prada where it was not uncommon to see shoes priced at 800 Canadian dollars;
Armani, Louis Vitton, Bulgari, Paul and Shark, etc.

After miles of walking, we rewarded ourselves with some beer and snacks.  It's not uncommon for people to eat outside despite the chilly temperatures of 13 degrees C, so we decided to do the same. 
As we made our way back to the hotel. I spotted a Gelato shop and forced everyone to try one.  Mmmmm!! 
The hotel bar provided a great backdrop for a birthday drink for Jan and viewing the Olympics ski jumping.

Feb 21 Sunday

The day was spent seeing other Milano attractions and stopping for pizza (and wine of course -detox begins the day we get back). 
We are now on the train on our way to Florence where we spend the next 3 days touring and shopping.  While on the train, we shared a bottle of wine and a game of Euchre (Bill and I kicked Jan and Jim's butts). 

So we have just visited the incredilbly beautiful streets of Florence where we ate a traditional Italian family style meal. It was cheap and excellent. More designer shops by the dozens.  There must be so Manu wealthy people who can afford to shop like this.
We are staying in a bed and breakfast in a upper apartment building. It looks sketchy from the street, but is totally quaint and romantic inside. 
We have an early morning all day city tour tomorrow and look forward to theamu sights of this beautiful city. 

Buonasera