Monday, May 31, 2010

Day 31 - Saturday 22nd May - Milan, Italy - Lecco, Italian Lakes District







Day 31 - Saturday 22nd May - Milan, Italy - Lecco, Italian Lakes District
Left Paris early to fly to Milan, Italy. Once at Milan's main airport we left our main suitcases at stored luggage and took only our small hand luggage cases with us. We caught the train to Milan city centre and here was our first clue that there was a major soccer game to be held when we saw so many fans in blue and black soccer outfits. We caught a cab to collect the car we would be driving for the next few days. It was a silver Nissan Micra. Small, compact and most importantly an automatic. Once again I (Georgina) drove but this time I had to drive on the wrong side of the road - remembering 'passenger to the kerb'. Parked the car nearby and walked to the Brera Art Gallery.
Walked to the Duomo and there were literally hundreds of people milling around outside this beautiful church. The art gallery was lovely then we made our way through the lovely old, cultured and fashionable Milan to the church where Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper" fresco is located. Fortunately Tonia had organised a booking for us as only 15 people are allowed in at a time for a 15 minute viewing and it is sold out months in advance. It was a bit surreal seeing this fabulous fresco painting.
Then we walked through Milan to the Duomo and there were now literally thousands of soccer fans in this square all chanting, letting off sirens or flares and singing. Amazing! There was a soccer grand final of some sort with Milan playing. We had to stick close together so we didn't lose each other.
Headed straight for the car to leave Milan. It was too difficult driving in Milan and on to the motorway. This time we had a GPS so it was easier to work out where to go. We were headed for Lecco on Lake Como. The motorways weren't too bad and despite being worried about driving on the wrong side of the road it was okay.
We arrived at our hotel called Hotel Bella Vista and it was lovely. Our room overlooked the lake towards the mountains across the lake. It was really beautiful. Had dinner at a nearby restaurant before returning to our room. All great!
Georgina

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