As we did not stay in Venice, we left our not so practical hotel in Padua this morning. I slept and did my make up on the bus today as per usual.

We arrived in Milan around 11:30 am, and I was stunned. It is such a beautiful city, but nothing I could ever afford with the expectation of some post cards. We were able to tour the Duomo of Milan today.

This cathedral is such a work of art to me, as I am in love with gothic architecture. I was very excited to finally see some stained glass windows too. Our tour guide for the day, Simoné, was wonderful. He recommended an excellent place for lunch where I enjoyed a deep fried tomato and mozzarella calzone, plus a mixed berry and custard calzone.

He also took us to a castle where Michaelangelo’s work is displayed. I was excited when Simoné referred to Piéta, and I also had a feeling I was one of few people who knew what he was talking about. He showed us a picture of a different Piéta that Michaelangelo was working on when he died. It was such a unique piece because it was unfinished.

Checking into our final hotel today also meant saying good bye to our tour guide Matteo, as he had to guide a tour in Barcelona. I waited downstairs with a group to say goodbye, but I passed out! I was physically exhausted from yesterday’s trip to Venice. I hope Matteo understood….

Tomorrow we have media visits again, so I need a good night’s sleep.