8th Month: Touring Milano

Milan is the one of Europe’s main cultural centers. Known for its food, fashion, football, and cosmopolitan vibe, this city is on many visitor’s European itineraries. But I do not care one jot for any of this. My sole reason for visiting Milan is because dearest pal Kathy has relocated her life to live as an expat here. Farewell Sydney; hello Milano…

Touring Milano, Lombardia Italy - with a 32 week Seahorse in utero

Touring Milano, Lombardia Italy – with a 32 week Seahorse in utero: art inside the Park Hyatt Milan

I am buzzing with energy even before leaving Dubai. Last time I saw Kathy was two months ago as she transited from Sydney en route to Milan, for good. I was 24 weeks pregnant and we celebrated hard over a few sultry days and nights.

And so, on Saturday 12th October at exactly 32 weeks pregnant I board EK091 bound for Milan. A mere 6 hour flight is music to my ears; after all this I interpret as representing time exactly for two excellent movies and two services (dinner and snack) though no one is impressed when the captain announces the hour-long delay out of Dubai, least of all me, however comfortable the crew make me feel (I am given four seats to myself, mercifully, and thus stretch out).

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Touring Milano, Lombardia Italy – with a 32 week Seahorse in utero: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

A northern Autumn means crisp air, grey skies; ample opportunity to wear jackets and wraps, boots and woolen tights. Kathy and I waste no time. Embarking on our walking tour we take in a handful of the city’s best attractions (arguably some of the most sought after sights in all of Europe): the fashion world’s premier neighborhood, the Quadrilatero d’Oro; Milan’s main cathedral, The Duomo; the most stylish shopping mall on Earth, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II; Castello Sforzesco; Parco Sempione and the various canals and bridges that criss-cross this beautiful city.

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Milan’s Duomo

Milan is one of Europe’s great urban tourist destinations. While it is not the best place in the world to have a budget vacation, I struck it rich by staying with Kathy, the consummate hostess. We experience both the modern and historic attractions of the city, spent without regret on fabulous food and best of all, caught up on our friendship.

A decadent meal taken inside Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, at legendary restaurant Biffi

A decadent meal taken inside Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, at legendary restaurant Biffi

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