I didn't expect to enjoy industrialized, fast-paced Milan because I assumed that it would lack the charm and historical merit that most of the italian cities I've visited possess. But I actually LOVED Milano! The people were kind, the city was relatively clean, and the juxtaposition of the incredibly old with the incredibly new was fascinating. For example, the duomo (which is breathtaking) stands among Armani stores and modern restaurants. Unlike other italian cities where there is a historical center to which all tourists flock, Milano has history sprinkled all over the place, the contemporary city built up around the treasures.
The most incredible experience I've had in Italy so far happened this past weekend. We climbed to the top of the duomo, and the view left me speechless. You can see the whole city, and beyond the city the valleys, and beyond the valleys the snow covered Alps. That was the first time I've ever seen mountains (excluding air travel)! Not only was the view incredible, but getting to observe the details of the spires was equally wonderful. When the duomo was built, the architects had no idea that millions of travelers would climb to the top to admire the craftmanship, yet they put so much effort into making the details on the roof just as gorgeous and flawless as the intricacies of the ground level. I could live on the roof of that duomo. Bellissima...
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