I was joining my better half for a work cum holiday in Milan. As I landed the airport at Milan and got on the bus to Centrale I couldn't help notice how much Italians love to talk on phone..and it is 'intense' talking.(Indians would certainly call them "dramebaaz") I believe it comes from the fact that Italians too have very close knit families or perhaps are over-possessed with a sense of concern or maybe they just sound like that! The bus was packed; it was season time-summer time and everybody vacationing out in the sun to get that perfect golden tan.
I was to be in Milano for only a couple of hours as friends had recommended Rome and Florence. However did make it to the Duomo which I would say is breathtakingly intricately finished. The detailing and the scale can't just be captured in a picture but here's one for a memoir...
Walking down the street near the Duomo one will see the biggest and best of brands of the fashion capital. I loved the old world charm blending into the new as I walked past the stores slurping onto the yummy peach flavoured gelato.
A longer than long day due to the time difference wouldn't end as the sun was up even at 9 in the night. As our stomachs began to rumble we found a pizzeria and had the yummiest thin crust!
The next morning was an early train to Rome. We took the superfast to reach as early and explore the city however the train broke down and we were stranded for three hours in the middle of nowhere. Everybody was shocked as this was a rare case. As people started falling sick due to the heat even the managers aboard did not know what to do. An engine finally arrived and we changed our train and ended up traveling unreserved on a slow train...sigh the roman holiday! However beautiful views of sunflower laden fields, countryside living, castles and tunnels made up for the disastrous start.
Rome in July is hot..very hot..but traveling around is still easy if you buy the Roma Pass. It is valid for three days on any public transport and also gives you discounts on museum visits. Rome is where one would find cobbled streets. Trastevere is the place to be as it is next to the river and also this is where the carnival takes place at night. We booked by chance and were lucky to be right in the middle of all the attraction! From flea markets to stores, eateries to live music and entertainment - it is all here.
Our first day was to begin at the star attraction of Rome - The Colosseum. Even the museum built around it is interesting. However, the view by the night is the best way to sum up a day. Since we are both art lovers we picked as many museums of interest on our visit. However Rome can be a beautiful shopping experience too. And if too tired simply soak your feet in the nearest fountain and cool-off!
At walking distance from our place was the Vatican city. Home to the Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo, I knew this was much more than a holiday... perhaps a pilgrimage! I recommend booking in advance on the internet as we did else we'd have ended up in a kilometers long a queue in the sun to get in and lost precious time being inside. Both the Vatican Museum and the St. Peter's Church next to it are breathtaking and huge and take an entire day to cover.
Firenza or Florence is a city frozen in time. Cobbled pathways, the typical architecture, the subtle love for style in everything is what makes Florence worthwhile. It is undoubtedly picturesque and we know now where Michelangelo came from and what inspired him. Churches, another Duomo and loaded museums particularly the Uffizzi is a must-see. It houses the stunning works of Alessandro Botticelli in particular. Florence is also a popular destination for shopping. Though I was mostly interested in soaking-in the culture and the breathtaking views.
The view from atop a hill gives a spectacular feel of the city.
Even though the dreamy holiday is over and as I now sit to write about it here I miss tossing coins in Fontana Di Trevi and wonder when will I next see it again.
