Milan Day Two - October 6

Today, our last full one in Italy, was to be a full one and we were going to use the city metro extensively to get around. So I got up early and went to purchase all day metro tickets for everyone. After breakfast we all headed down to the Udine metro stop. A few minutes later we emerged from the Lanza stop to meet our tour guide, Fedra, one of the best and most energetic tour guides I have ever met.

Fedra and ancient map of Milano

 She was obviously doing something she loves. We started at the fortress Sforza at the northern most point of the old medieval city.

Then, walking down the main shopping street we took a little detour to the stock exchange. Looking at the monument below it is apparent that not everyone is enthralled with the stock exchange.

Stock Exchange - Milan

Universal Symbol Outside Stock Exchange

The tour ended in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (a high end shopping mall) and just then it started to rain.

Lunch on our own and then we met back in front of the city Duomo or cathedral to take the metro to the church of Santa Maria Della Grazie and DaVinci's Last Supper. The famous painting is extremely fragile and to protect it entry and exit are very restricted. Only 25 people at a time are allowed in to see it for a maximum of 15 minutes. Entry and exit are through air locks designed to minimize the infiltration of moisture, dust, and sudden temperature variations. A facility tour guide explained the process used by DaVinci, the symbolism that runs through out the portrait, and the history of the painting. It was thoroughly fascinating.Unfortunately we were not allowed to take any photos.
Returning to the hotel we had a little time to relax before dinner. Tonight we had our last supper in Italy in the Navigli district of Milan at La Ricceta di Mame (Mama's Recipe).

This started off with a series of appetizers served family style. Then a choice of a seafood (calamari) or a beef dish, served individually.
Departing on the metro again we returned to the hotel.



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