Now I'm changing my travelling strategy for good. Instead of Asia countries which I always go before the pandemic, I shall go beyond my comfort zone to faraway countries like Europe or USA. My logic is to fly far and when done, come back to Asia countries. I need to feed my soul with more travelling to see the world.
So first stop after we can start travelling freely, Central Europe. So envy many of my friends and colleagues have been to Europe already. And before that I can only watch online or travel programs and longing to go. But now no more. I'm going too! Both Mister and I are mountain tortoise NO MORE! You know I'm serious when I booked the 11D8N Central Europe Highlight tour since December 2022 though the trip is in April 2023. I know it will be a tiring (jetlag included) and rush trip, travelling to 6 different countries in 11 days but that's my chance to see which country is worth a revisit by us. Must fully max out the value of this tour. So the tour starts from Milan, Italy. Let's get started!
Time Difference: 6 hours behind Singapore
Flight Time to Milan, Italy: 12 hours 30 mins (direct flight)
Currency: Euro
CASTELLO SFORZESCO (SFORZA CASTLE)
The Sforza Castle, also known as Castello Sforzesco in Italian, is a historic fortress located in Milan, Italy. It was built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, and it served as a residence for the Sforza family, as well as a military fortress and a symbol of their power.
The castle was heavily damaged during World War II, but it was subsequently restored and today it houses several museums and art collections. The museum collections include ancient art, applied arts, musical instruments, and Egyptian art. There is also a section dedicated to Michelangelo's last sculpture, the Rondanini Pietà.
The Sforza Castle is an important landmark in Milan and a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world. It is also used as a venue for cultural events, such as concerts and exhibitions, throughout the year.
DUOMO DI MILAN
Duomo di Milan, also known as Milan Cathedral, is a famous landmark and one of the largest churches in Italy. It is located in the heart of Milan and is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture in Europe.
Gothic architecture is a style of architecture that emerged in Europe during the late Middle Ages, from the 12th to the 16th century. It is characterized by its intricate and ornate design, featuring pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. Gothic architecture is known for its dramatic and imposing appearance, with its tall and slender columns and elaborate decoration.
The construction of the cathedral began in 1386 and took nearly six centuries to complete. The cathedral was designed by numerous architects over the years, including Simone da Orsenigo, Francesco Pecorari, and Giuseppe Brentano. The most famous feature of the cathedral is its spires, which rise to a height of 108 meters (354 feet). The cathedral also has numerous intricate carvings and sculptures on its façade and interior.
The cathedral is home to numerous works of art, including stained glass windows, frescoes, and sculptures. One of the most famous works of art in the cathedral is the statue of Saint Bartholomew, which was sculpted by Marco d'Agrate in the 16th century. The statue shows the saint holding his own flayed skin, which is said to be a reference to the martyrdom he suffered.
⭐Duomo di Milan is a popular tourist destination and attracts millions of visitors every year. Visitors can climb to the top of the cathedral for a panoramic view of Milan (book your tickets here), or explore the cathedral's interior, which includes several chapels and altars. Or if you want to save that money, a photo stop right outside Duomo di Milan will do.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the world's oldest shopping malls located in Milan, Italy. The Galleria is named after Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of the Kingdom of Italy, and was built between 1865 and 1877.
The Galleria is known for its elegant architecture and beautiful glass roof, which was designed by Giuseppe Mengoni. The structure has a cross shape and is made of cast iron and glass, with intricate mosaics on the floor. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with a variety of luxury shops like Dior, Prada, Gucci a few to name, cafes, and restaurants. I didn't shop there but just admiring their architecture as we walked through the crowd.
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) was an Italian artist, inventor, and polymath who is widely considered to be one of the greatest geniuses in history. He was born in the small town of Vinci, near Florence, and trained as an artist in the workshop of Andrea del Verrocchio.
Leonardo's artistic output included paintings, drawings, and sculptures, but he is perhaps best known for his masterpiece, the Mona Lisa. He also painted The Last Supper, which is considered one of the greatest works of religious art ever created.
There are many statues of Leonardo da Vinci located around the world, but perhaps the most famous one is located in Piazza della Scala in Milan, Italy.
The statue was commissioned by the Società per le Belle Arti ed Esposizione Permanente (Society for Fine Arts and Permanent Exhibition) of Milan in the late 19th century, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Leonardo's birth. It was designed by the sculptor Pietro Magni and unveiled on May 10, 1872.
PIAZZA DEI MERCANTI
Piazza dei Mercanti is a historic square located in the heart of Milan, Italy. The square has been an important center of commerce and trade since the Middle Ages, and it continues to be a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The architecture of Piazza dei Mercanti is diverse, with buildings dating from different periods of Milanese history. The Palazzo della Ragione, also known as the Broletto Nuovo, is the most prominent building on the square. It was built in the 13th century and served as the city's courthouse and government center.
⭐The local guide got us to try talk on one side of the wall which can be heard on the other side of the wall. Must be diagonally. And it works! Simply not echoing but you can hear it like the person is talking right beside you. Amazing!
GELATO
Gelato is a type of frozen dessert that originated in Italy. Similar to ice cream but a richer, creamier texture and a more intense flavor. Gelato typically has a lower fat content than ice cream, and it is churned at a slower speed for a denser, smoother texture.
⭐Chanced upon this gelato shop, Cioccolat Italiani while we exlpored the area and it has a long queue too like the recommended shop, Amorino. So concluded, flavour on point and creamy. Never leave Italy without trying their Gelato. Remember that!
1ST DINNER IN MILAN
Milanese cuisine is known for its rich and diverse flavour. So the tour agency arranged our 1st dinner in Milan at Ristorante Terraferma. Especially to try Risotto Milanese.
Risotto Milanese is a classic Italian rice dish that originates from Milan. It is traditionally made with arborio rice, saffron, butter, onion, white wine and parmesan cheese. The risotto came as a surprise for me because of some undercooked rice. Buttery taste and nothing else. Each table is given a basket of bread for you to use to clean up your plate of risotto, as told by the tour manager.
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| Pork Cutlet with Mixed Salad with Tomatoes and Fries |
Cotoletta di Maiale (also known as pork cutlet) is a traditional Italian dish made with thinly sliced pork loin that is breaded and fried until crispy. On first look, it didn't appeared to be like pork cutlet to me.
Not our usual French fries. The fries are thinner than shoestring fries, more like shredded fries to be honest. A little salty in taste and you don't feel too much of its crispiness or crunchiness due to the size in my opinion.
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| Spritz Al Tavolo |
⭐Lastly, a popular Italian cocktail and must-try Spritz Al Tavolo according to the local guide. Orangey with strong alcohol taste. Have to stir it well to get a good overall taste. You can adjust the Spritz for a stronger or weaker taste.
For dessert, we had lemon sorbet. So creamy, unlike what I thought it should be, icy type. Italian style more like egg meringue with lemon flavour. Everything an eye-opener for me on authentic Italian cuisine.
HOTEL BREAKFAST
A typical hotel breakfast in Europe can vary depending on the country and the type of hotel, but there are some common elements that are often included.
Firstly, there is usually a selection of hot and cold beverages such as coffee, tea, juice, and sometimes hot chocolate. Then there are typically baked goods such as croissants, bread rolls, and pastries like pain au chocolat, often accompanied by butter, jam, and honey. Cold options might include sliced meats like ham and salami, cheese, yogurt, and fresh fruit such as sliced melon or berries. Cereals and muesli are also often available, along with milk and yogurt. Some hotels also offer hot food, such as scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, or baked beans.
The difference I saw between Asian and European hotel breakfast is no noodles or rice and they provide a basket of whole fruits. You thought it is for display but no, for you to consume. Throughout my trip, the breakfast I always get for myself in 6 different countries will consist of croissant, pain au chocolat, sausages and scrambled eggs.
RECOMMENDED TO VISIT: Duomo di Milan, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
⭐Interesting Facts that I have learnt:
- Car plates for countries in European Union (EU) will bear a EU flag and alphabet represents the country they are from, like I for Italy;
- There is a tipping culture in Europe but not mandatory like in the US;
- They will serve you the next dish when they see that you finish your first. If not, you thought why aren't they serving up food when you are done (for some, their food barely touched).
So that's Milan for you peeps through my eyes. Stay tune for my next post on Switzerland! Enjoy for now.
Milano video is up! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: All the above were paid by writer. Not sponsored post.