The trek to Italia- Milano per favore

After a week of gluttony and relaxation, i continued my travels to the fashion capital of the world -Milan! It was about a four hour trip by train from my corner of France to Milan. Luckily, I arranged to have an old jolly man waiting for me at the station there. My grandpas family on my dad side is originally from Milano and came to Monroe Wisconsin in the 1950's to make parmaesan chesse. Some of our relatives still there and so I arranged to meet and stay w/ them for 2 days. My distant relative Sandro met me at the station. Sandro used to work for UPS in public relations. His English was impeccable and he had so many wonderful stories about traveling the world and opportunities he took advantage of. For example, he drove an indy car in Indianapolis and sat in the Air Force's F4 Phantome jet! Anyway, Sandro took me to there 3 story house in the suburbs where I met his mother-in-law Rosie (my grandfathers 1st cousin) her two daughters, Fluvia and Nella, and all four of their children, Robert, Stefano, Laura (30), Marta (23), Stefanos girlfriend Vanessa, and Lauras boyfriend, Masssimo. I had a 4 course meal with them that night including pasta pomodora, proscuitto & melon, pineapple, and apple cake. We drank regular and sparkling red wine, strong italian coffee, and sambusca - an famous anis flavored liquor in Italia that knocks your socks off! The conversation was a mix of English and Italian. Only the three young girls, Nella and Sandro knew any english so it was a comedy of errors. I was so happy to have the experience of our cultures mixing, to laugh with my cousins, and to discuss the worlds problems from a European and American viewpoint. American film, tv shows and music are universal, therefore we compared favorite singers and actors, and declared our desire to see the new Sex and the City movie. I felt really comfortable and at home. That night, i stayed in the same flat with Rosie who does not speak a word of English. We had some trouble communicating, but bear in mind that people are people no matter what they speak or where they live. With a little respect, patience, and lots of gestures, we actually became close by the end of my second day. Rosie gave me the best gift ever for my train trip to Rome. She gave me a huge box of Lindt Chocolates! How she knew that is my favorite is beyond me, but we had a connection it seemed and I felt a twinge of sadness leaving her. I think she even said the next time i come, hoping it would be for my honeymoon, she might not be there....
Early the next day, Sandro took me to the station where i deposited my bag, and then to down town Milan to explore. I first discovered the Costello (castle) Sforzesco where Da Vinci had his studio at one time. It is one of Milans best known monuments and was damaged in WWII and was orginally built to defend against the Venetians. I only took a look before going to the Duomo. The Duomo is the second largest church in Italy. It was inspired by the work of Michaelangelo and has beautiful views of the city from its rooftop. So i took the elevator to the top and took some amazing snap shots! The flying buttresses were so beautiful - i cant wait to see the photographs. After the church, I wandered in the fashion district of Milan near Teatro (theater) alla Scala (a very well known opera house) and to a galleria (covered outside mall) of shops like Prada, Louis Vuitton and to street via Monte Napoleone where shops like Cartier boast extreme prices and beautiful wares. Needless to say, I didnt buy anything but enjoyed window shopping among some of the most expensive brands in the world. My day in Milan ended with lunch in the public park and walking back to Milano Centrale, the train station. Although my stay in Milan was brief, i feel i was able to experience the best it has to offer. Between a day with my family and a day in the center I was able to get a good feel of what the place was about. Industry. Fashion. Somewhere that I dont think I would want to live but maybe will visit again someday.