Milano

Taking off from Santander we had a beautiful view of the coast along Cantabria. After a short flight we descended towards Milan city with glimpses of the Italian alps. It was dumb luck that saw us take a flight with lovely departure and arrival views. 

We actually weren’t intending on visiting Milan this trip but, like a lot of places, it found its way onto our itinerary due to the necessity of getting from A to B. As it happens, Santander isn’t that close to the starting point of the Bernina Express: Tirano, Italy (originally our first destination after a month in Spain), so flying became more attractive, as did two nights in Milan.

I was still sick come Milan so it unfortunately rather reduced our explorations, not to mention restricting the delicious Italian food I could try. We did have a lovely sunny day to explore the grand Duomo di Milano (gothic cathedral), as well as its museum, and walk around town a little bit. The Duomo took around six centuries to complete which is not surprising when you are on the roof amongst the many sculptures, pinnacles and spires. Part of the cathedral was having maintenance work done whilst we were there and I imagine it would constantly need something to be restored or maintained.    

Duomo di Milano

Overlooking the city

On the top of the cathedral

Disturbing but amazing sculpture of
"St Bartholomew Flayed"

Enjoying the view

Trying to capture the depth and and
angles in this beautiful maze

Inside the cathedral

Spectacular interior

Amazing windows

Vivid images in the windows 

Massive, grand arcade in Milano

Beautiful archway

From Milan we took a train to Tirano with the aim of boarding the Bernina Express early afternoon. The latter train is more famous for its fantastic scenery but our first train had rather beautiful views too. This is not surprising since the journey takes you through the mountains and past Lake Como before arriving in Tirano. We had lunch in Tirano, checked our tickets were okay and had a very quick poke around. It must be getting close to the Grand Final because I spotted a Sherrin in a café window in town!

Out the window on the train to Tirano

We should drop in on Lake Como sometime!