A weekend in Milan

Spending a weekend in Milan, the fashion capital of Italy, in the last two days of 2106 was a side trip of my Switzerland tour. I took the 7am trip from Basel to Milan through the SBB train. The average journey from Basel to Milan is 4 hours and 40 minutes or five hours if it is a holiday or a weekend. Traveling alone, I enjoyed the breathtaking landscape of Switzerland from the train's window on my way to Italy.   I also had a nice chat with an old woman sitting opposite to me on the train who alighted at the fourth stations after Basel. I alighted at Lugano Station and switched train going to Milano Central. I admired the beautiful view of the Como beach when I passed by the place. When I reached Milan, I was fetched by Kuya Darius, our neighbor and family friend in my hometown, who is working and living there . I contacted him prior to my visit. A reunion with someone from your hometown whom you have not seen for quite a long time was a wonderful experience. We toured around Milan, visited the big shopping malls, and tasted one of the best coffee in the city. By early evening, we took the metro train to get to his place where I met his family. I thanked them for hosting me in Milan.

Milan Cathedral

By evening, I was fetched by Lewyn, my high school friend and classmate who is also based in the city, had a road trip around Milan, visited Arese shopping Centre, one of the biggest shopping centres in the city, and had dinner in one of the restaurants there.

The next day, Lewyn and I started strolling the city and visit as many places as possible as I had to leave early evening of the same day to return to Switzerland. We went to Piazza del Duomo, the main city square of the city. We visited the Milan Cathedral (also called Duomo de Milano), a Gothic-style cathedral which is the most impressive structure in Milan and one of the biggest catholic Cathedral in the world. The carvings and structure of the basilica was truly impressive. Just near the basilica is Milan's most famous mural, Last Supperby Leonardo da Vinci.

We strolled in the plaza. The area is crowded with tourists. All around it are bars, shopping malls, cafes and restaurants. By afternoon, we met Myrene and Rj, my neighbors in my hometown and the four of us had an early dinner before I took the 6pm trip back to Switzerland.

With fellow Tiaongins from Milan

My two-day visit was very limited. I know there are still many places to explore in Milan, but my weekend stay in the city made me feel like I was home despite I was miles away from it. Thanks to the Tiaongins in Milan for making the last two days of my 2016 a memorable one.