Milan... A City of Fashion and Faith....

Above is the local train station... pretty to look at, but I opted for the 45 minute walk to Milan City Center, a fashion capital in the world, but surprisingly also very industrial... not near as "glamorous" and "polished" as I expected... an interesting twist to my visit. The Galleria Mall and the Duomo Cathedral made it well worth the flight and walk. I hope you enjoy! (click to enlarge photos)

There were military soldiers and police present throughout the city. I had been warned by friends and co-workers to be careful for "scam artists" who not only try to manipulate you for $$ by forcing you to buy bird seed and cheap handmade yarn bracelets, but even try to rob you!... I guess where there are hoards of tourists, there is also the opportunity to take advantage. Oh, the beauty of the Duomo Cathedral! (The man on the horse is Vittorio Emanuele II, the first King of Italy). I don't think I've ever seen a more majestic church. The details in the architecture were endless and incredible! I'm so grateful too for a young co-worker (on a prior flight) who told me to be sure and take the elevator ride to the roof. I have since discovered that most of the crews I've been with didn't know there was an elevator... it was the ULTIMATE to walk high atop the church and take in the details of this building close up, as well as the breathtaking views of the city and the crowds below!

Finally at the TOP! Even having taken the elevator, this was quite a trek! And the trip down on foot almost made me dizzy (not a first!) as the steps circled round and round and round... etc... etc. ok... you get it! Ha!!

You know my love for interesting sidewalks and tile, etc... above is the floor in the cathedral and below is the same floor illuminated by a sun-lit stained glass window. The floor, as well as ALL of the church is made of marble! To add to the beauty, there was a mass going on... the Scripture... the hallowed singing of a Priest... the congregations humble response. Although I am not Catholic, it moved me to tears and was an incredible blessing to feel the Lord's Presence in this place... as Scripture says... "His Word does not return void and He truly is EVERYWHERE!

Leonardo DiVinci... an important person in Milan's history...

The Galleria (Vittorio Emanuele II) Mall... famous for it's designer stores and glass dome roof. It also has the fanciest Mc Donalds (Mc Cafe) I've ever seen. And don't forget, once again beautiful tile work on the sidewalk floor. And there's a story! Well, I had decided ahead of time that I wasn't going to do my usual souvenir shopping or even eat out... all I wanted to buy was a nice Italian leather purse... or NOT! The least expensive purses in this shopping area averaged around $300 Euros, or over $450 U.S. bucks!! Yikes! Where are my reading glasses when I need them!! Even a Dolce Gabanna tiny little I-pod case was a "whopping" $285 Euros! Whew! Back to reality? I REALLY like my new leather purse that I bought AFTER my trip in NJ at the Macy's Memorial Weekend Sale! Ha!!





Choose your transportation... train, trolley, bus, on foot (like I did)... or remember how Amsterdam has it's bicycles? Well Milan has motorcycles... everywhere... men, women, young and old... it looked fun, economical and very pratical.

Or maybe you'd like to keep up with the stylish image of Milan? Then check out this ride below... it got more than a few stares... hmmmm... I wonder if he's SINGLE?!! HA! Ciao' from Italy, Baby!! Vroom! Vroom!! xo

Lisboa, Portugal

My little room... small, but ever so classy! All in leather and dark wood and fresh flowers always add such a nice touch! And just look at my view below? Have you ever seen such pretty sidewalks? Lovely!


So many "public squares"... I can only imagine the community gatherings that they've had here in times past...

Sidewalk cafes... local performers and a good meal with a cool drink...

Local shopping... so much to see! Beautiful hand embroidered tablecloths, tempting bakery goods... a nice way to spend the afternoon!
Lisboa (known as Lisbon to the English)... the people here really know how to live simple... to enjoy and relax! A leisurely pace... so different from what we're used to... we could maybe take a lesson from them? Ahhhh... so nice!

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle... it honestly looks like a movie set out of Hollywood... but it's REAL! Habitation of "the rock" goes back as far as the 9th Century BC.... huh?? That's OLD!! It intrigues me more than ANY structure that I've seen... such history! such beauty! I hope you enjoy this glimpse... (click to enlarge photos)


Young soldiers guard the castle... after I bought my ticket an older gentleman told me that he too... many years ago... was a young guard just like these... wow... what a heritage...
Come on in!... oh... wait... look at the photo below... are you friend or foe?? You might want to think about it before you enter!

Breathtaking views from up here on the hill!

The Royal Jewels of Scotland are here.... they were absolutely beautiful... what was it like to wear them? Such royalty... did you know that Prince Philip is the current "Duke of Edinburgh"? He is the husband of Queen Elizabeth of England.

The castle on the hill... wouldn't you love to know the people who dwelled here? Did they feel "safer" to dwell behind these walls? Did they appreciate and enjoy it's beautiful view? How did they spend their days? A marvelous adventure!