Milan was gang-graffiti-covered, but clean for a large city. We walked miles around the city rubbing elbows with the locals. Haves and have nots. Beautiful people and people making do. Haute couture and grungy edginess. The most sacred and terribly sacrilegious.
We flew into Linate, rode a shuttle and slept in a local apartment thanks to air b&b. Explored Milano Centrale and thwarted a pickpocket. Hiked to the Gothic Duomo and spun on the bull's balls in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II for good luck. Ate fresh pasta then shivered our way through cold gusts and a unseasonably cool rainstorm. Meditated in Santa Maria delle Grazie then ogled at the 20' x 30' DaVinci's The Last Supper. Toured an exhibit of original DaVinci documents...what a genius.
High speed train to Venice where we literally circumnavigated the city on foot. Challenged to meet up with Caroline & Tom Miller but never-say-never Mary & Greg made it happen...albeit dark and closing in on 9:00 p.m. as opposed to the 7:00 p.m. they were expecting. We understand that getting lost in Venice is to be expected but we almost elevated it to an art form. Stumbled through St Mark's Square in the dark and revisited the next day. Walked around Dodge's Palace and viewed the Bridge of Sighs. Wandered in and out of shops appreciating Murano glass. Was unimpressed with the touristy feel of Rialto Bridge. Greg described the whole city as elegant decay, but loved the quaintness of gondolas on the canals.
Boarded our cruise ship and set sale as we bid a sunset-hues-washed Venice arrividerci. Settled in to our room before touring the decks. Enjoyed good company with surf and turf on the side before heading to the theater for a variety review of upcoming shows. I was escorted to the stage to participate in one of the magician's illusions. No worries; still in one piece. A day at sea before our first stop on the Greek isle of Corfu.
Internet on the boat is slooooooooooooow. Will upload pictures as I'm able.
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