Today we had an earlier call time than expected. But, we needed it because we had tickets to get inside the Duomo in Milan at 12:30pm. Once we made our (3+ hour) trip to Milan, we had our final walking tour.
We started with meeting our guide, Simone. He took us in the Duomo… it is a stunning gothic style structure. The spires, the windows… all so amazing! It is one of the more beautiful cathedrals that I have been in during my various travels.
One of the more interesting elements was the unique stained glass windows. In most cathedrals, they share a similar style. These windows were all so different and, though the shape may have been the same, the stories they told and uses of color were all so different from one another. Most cathedrals have a more uniform approach to their windows.
After the Duomo we had lunch. I had a small pocket like sandwich fills with ricotta and spinach (similar to, but not a calzone). I then had a little time to explore and do a little shopping. We then picked up our walking tour and checked out some other notable Milano spots.
One of the landmarks was a giant hand that was seemingly giving everyone the middle finger. It is actually located outside the Italian stock exchange… there is definitely a metaphor in there somewhere!! It officially is called L.O.V.E. and stands for: Libertà, Odio, Vendetta, Eternità (Freedom, Hate, Vengeance, Eternity).
However, Simone said that there are many interpretations… one is to view the statue from the opposite angle. It then becomes reminiscent of the fascist hand symbol… a reminder not to let the country go down that path again. Whatever it means, it is definitely a talking point! Apparently it was only supposed to be there for 3 weeks. It instead has been there since October 2010… a little past that 3 week deadline! Apparently the people of Milano even decorate it for the appropriate holidays!
We also got to see a castle located centrally in Milan. It now (the majority of it) serves as a museum. A fun element is that the moat that has once served to protect the castle was drained and now houses a cat colony. Only the woman that feeds and cares for the kitties is allowed in what was once a rather deep moat!
Dinner was with the group. We also said goodbye to Matteo as he heads to lead another group in Barcelona. We welcomed Serena. She seems nice and I am sure will guide our group well in our last days in Italy. Tomorrow we are back to our professional visits!