On our first morning morning in Milano we woke up to very unusual quiet noise outside.
No footprints of people trotting to work, no noisy traffic queueing, even though we were not on a main street.
Then we looked out of the window.
A winter scene awaited us. Huge soft billowy snow flakes! Falling swirling, softly down. It had obviously been snowing for a while, as everything had about 6 inches, or a palm span, of snow - trees, parked cars fences, footpaths, motor cycles - wait til you see the pics when I work out how to load them! What was most amusing that nobody pushed the snow off their vehicles before driving off! So all moving traffic had a thick layer of snow of top - like a layer of icing.
After breakfast Chris and I set off walking in the snow to our arranged time to view the famous Last Supper fresco which we anticipated was about half an hours walk away.
What fun it was, walking in the crunchy snow! I have not done so for years!! We soon found out that it is best to walk where someone else has been so that we do not walk into pot holes, and that the salt which is liberally scattered everwhere quickly turns the snow to much wet slush in the gutters and to ice on the roads where no ice has been scattered.
To our surprise, we were a day early for our booking!! So back to trudging along the Milano city pavements in the snow - fun..... Then we discovered a very interesting art exhibition by a renowned Italian Artist Sifano (pardon spelling - will change it in due course) of his work from the 1960´s to 1990s. Some of it was nostalgic because during this time the role and acceptance of modern art, along with protests etc in the sixties and seventies was rather contraversal. I am sure that there is a website somewhere.
For much of the day we wandered around the city square, visited the Duomo, which looks very clean having had the outsides restored to their marble coloured glory, but the inside was still dark, and visited Chris´favourite department store Rinascente (pardon spelling). We found out that many of these particular stores have, when they can, roof top cafes often out in the open. This one looked straight out to the Duomo at roof height - an excellent way to view the beautifully carved roof top. I went up to the roof on an earlier visit to Milan about 8 years ago a stunning and peaceful place to rest and reflect, especailly, as at that time, there were thousands of visitors down below! There was a much smaller crowd there today - another reason for travelling to Europe in winter!! Oh and did I mention the Milano sales? And the people travel to Milano to go shopping at the winter sales?? Wait for my next blog......
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
No crowds or Queues in our Winter Holiday in Milan, Italy
We travelled to Milan, Italy, by plane over the snowy Swiss Alps, descended through a low bank of cloud, and landed in cold foggy and frosty like conditions at Milano Airport.
Our Milano Friends met us, we dropped off our cases at the hotel and went for a walk along the canal. So cold!! I was so pleased I had 3 coats!! It was freezing!!
The canal area was a place of contrasts. One small section had been closed off and filled in. Around here it was dirty, littered with dog poo and cigarette butts, and had graffitti everywhere. Just across the narrow road, and around the corner, where the canals were filled with water and were used, were shops and cafes, and some hardy people with market stalls.
This area had always been the working part of Milano, warehouses and homes. We were shown a trough of water, which apparantly was used for domestic washing. Today the warehouses and homes are very expensive apartments and restaurants with one or two shops thrown in. However the outsides, as required by regulations look exactly as they did many years ago.
Apparently this canal area is extremely busy in the summer - everyone in Milano comes here, to dine but not today in the very cold. In fact, when we came by the next evening to eat, we had lots of choices from many nearly empty restaurants.
At the end of our brisk cold walk on this our first day in Milan we retired to the car, to inspect some interesting buildings our friend discovered elsewhere in the city.
it is so easy travelling to Europe in winter - you can go anywhere and there are no crowds and queues!
But wait - read more in my next blog about queues.....
Our Milano Friends met us, we dropped off our cases at the hotel and went for a walk along the canal. So cold!! I was so pleased I had 3 coats!! It was freezing!!
The canal area was a place of contrasts. One small section had been closed off and filled in. Around here it was dirty, littered with dog poo and cigarette butts, and had graffitti everywhere. Just across the narrow road, and around the corner, where the canals were filled with water and were used, were shops and cafes, and some hardy people with market stalls.
This area had always been the working part of Milano, warehouses and homes. We were shown a trough of water, which apparantly was used for domestic washing. Today the warehouses and homes are very expensive apartments and restaurants with one or two shops thrown in. However the outsides, as required by regulations look exactly as they did many years ago.
Apparently this canal area is extremely busy in the summer - everyone in Milano comes here, to dine but not today in the very cold. In fact, when we came by the next evening to eat, we had lots of choices from many nearly empty restaurants.
At the end of our brisk cold walk on this our first day in Milan we retired to the car, to inspect some interesting buildings our friend discovered elsewhere in the city.
it is so easy travelling to Europe in winter - you can go anywhere and there are no crowds and queues!
But wait - read more in my next blog about queues.....
Travelling in winter from London to Milan
We flew from London to travel to Milan Italy (and left the last of my cold behind, thank goodness!!!) and had spectacular view over London city before flying into clouds.
Then we flew over the Swiss Alps. What a spectacular view!! There were narrow blue lakes following the contour of the land, snow covered mountain ranges which looked as if they had been combed, sharp snow covered peaks, some of which seemed to have large footprints on them, and snow covered towns nestled in white valleys. As we descended into the Po Valley we flew closer to the alps, as close as we sometimes fly to the Remarkables Mountain Range, in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Then we flew lower into the Po Valley, over many snow covered villages and fields - uh oh -
what is that up ahead? A very large and low bank of thick cloud was smearing its way towards us. We knew the clouds were low because there were several tall chimneys belching out snow through the top of the clouds.
We few into the clouds, and according to the captain, had 20 minutes before landing! It seemed to take a very long time to fly, around and around, just above the clouds. Round and Round. Was the pilot looking for Milan? How would he know when and where to land? After a very long time we slowly descended into this mass of grey cotton wool. It took 20 seconds, because I counted, to go through the clouds, which were as it turned out, at ground level.
Welcome to Milano Italy! And to our next adventure....
Then we flew over the Swiss Alps. What a spectacular view!! There were narrow blue lakes following the contour of the land, snow covered mountain ranges which looked as if they had been combed, sharp snow covered peaks, some of which seemed to have large footprints on them, and snow covered towns nestled in white valleys. As we descended into the Po Valley we flew closer to the alps, as close as we sometimes fly to the Remarkables Mountain Range, in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Then we flew lower into the Po Valley, over many snow covered villages and fields - uh oh -
what is that up ahead? A very large and low bank of thick cloud was smearing its way towards us. We knew the clouds were low because there were several tall chimneys belching out snow through the top of the clouds.
We few into the clouds, and according to the captain, had 20 minutes before landing! It seemed to take a very long time to fly, around and around, just above the clouds. Round and Round. Was the pilot looking for Milan? How would he know when and where to land? After a very long time we slowly descended into this mass of grey cotton wool. It took 20 seconds, because I counted, to go through the clouds, which were as it turned out, at ground level.
Welcome to Milano Italy! And to our next adventure....
Pubs in London during winter
Wnen travelling to London in winter, whether is is to sight see, visit the museums, galleries, shop and take advantage of the winter sales, it is a good idea to relax and recouperate in some of the many pubs which are found on every corner. Not only are the London pubs smoke free, they are warm, well appointed, clean, tidy, and serve great food and beverages. The decor is very interesting, too. As well as the traditional English theme, the decor in some places is rather bohemian chic, or exotic. As soon as I have worked out how, I will include a couple of pics.
We were staying on the outskirts of London City, and most Londoners were out of town on holiday, so the pubs, were quiet, we were told. However, when we called into one or two after eating in the local restaurants, they were full.
It was interesting to note that only one or two London Pubs had music of any sort. Appararently a pub must get a licence to play, live, and even recorded music. it was most pleasant to enter a warm cosy pub after walking and shopping at the London winter sales, and all the interuption to sipping a local beverage was the quiet buzz of conversation.
We were staying on the outskirts of London City, and most Londoners were out of town on holiday, so the pubs, were quiet, we were told. However, when we called into one or two after eating in the local restaurants, they were full.
It was interesting to note that only one or two London Pubs had music of any sort. Appararently a pub must get a licence to play, live, and even recorded music. it was most pleasant to enter a warm cosy pub after walking and shopping at the London winter sales, and all the interuption to sipping a local beverage was the quiet buzz of conversation.
Friday, January 9, 2009
The best thing about visiting Museums in Winter part one
You may have noticed that we have been writing a lot about shopping in winter, which s a great thing to do as the winter sales are on, and also that they are warm, as are the streets outside, as compared to open spaces. But we have been visiting museums as well! Not only because they are warm, but is it seems to be what one does when visiting the northern part of the world from New Zealand.
After our St Petersburg visit, we did feel a little museumed out,but upon reflection, each museum had its own uniqueness, and even though one may not be interested in museums as such, they are certainly well worth a visit when passing by.
For example, walking to the St Petersburg War Memorial on a snowy blizzardy day gave us a vivid dramatic experience on what it was like for Russian soldiers during the wars.
The Grandeur of Catherine the Greats Summer Palace, situated just ourside St Petersburg, which displayed the golden and now completed replica of the Amber Room, the opulent decor and table settings, wall hangings and other items, even though the gardens were snow covered, showed us the luxuries of the royalty. And the Pushkin Palace next door was a more down to earth, homely contrast of how royalty used to live.
The Hermitage, with its 2 million plus exhibits had many interesting displays.We saw only a few of the most significant, thanks to our guide. Catherine the great, thanks to her art advisors collected a huge number of arts from all over Europe and further afield. There was room after room of original artworks by many famous artists over the centuries including several halls of works by the french impressionalists. The Crouching Boy Sculputure by Michaalango is beautiful. Treausures, artefacts, tapestries.... all housed in a beautiful building in which each room is being restored to its original condition. Going outside into the bleak snowy square where the infamous Bloody Sunday incident happened all those years ago, it is hard to imagine that only a few weeks ago, a concert was performed by Elton John!!
A notable contrast to the European Art at L'Hermitage was the Museum of Russian Art. Here we saw many works which were more 'down to earth' than those of teh European Artists. The most interesting exhibition there was one of the 'Old believers' - Artists that kept alive styles of art of 'traditional Christianity,' a movement which for many years was kept underground. Artists seldom signed their work. The artworks and other treasures on display here, seemed to me, to represent the 'real' Russia. As in other palaces, all the rooms were being restored to thier original luxurious condition.
Not far away was the Church of Spilled Blood. It was decided by, I am not sure whom now, that a memorial be erected on the spot where a king was slain. This huge St Petersburg monument was constructed at the beginning og the 20th century, to be used once a year. In the 1930's becuase of the politics of the time it was shut down and used as a warerhouse. Recently after 15 years of refurbishment back to its stunning original condition The Church of Spilled Blood was opened to the public and today is on the must see list for visitors to St Petersberg.
Winter is definately the best time to visit museums in Russia
On to the Museums of London. We found out, in the Time Magazine, about the Bhuzantine Exhibition at the Royal Academy, and booked in. Very worthwhile - representing all facets of art from everywhere even on loan from museums we had previously visited. It was interesting to note that there was not contraversial subject displayed - I suppose this is meant to be a family exhibition - whereas I would suspect that some people might be shocked at seeing certain subject matter at other European and St Petersburg Museums.
No, we did not, but should have, visited the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, as well as the Charles Darwin London Commerative one, and maybe, or maybe not, Madam Toussards, but we did not. Our main purpose in London was to spend time with family and friends.
Oh, and the best reason for visiting museums in winter?? Part 2 to come....
After our St Petersburg visit, we did feel a little museumed out,but upon reflection, each museum had its own uniqueness, and even though one may not be interested in museums as such, they are certainly well worth a visit when passing by.
For example, walking to the St Petersburg War Memorial on a snowy blizzardy day gave us a vivid dramatic experience on what it was like for Russian soldiers during the wars.
The Grandeur of Catherine the Greats Summer Palace, situated just ourside St Petersburg, which displayed the golden and now completed replica of the Amber Room, the opulent decor and table settings, wall hangings and other items, even though the gardens were snow covered, showed us the luxuries of the royalty. And the Pushkin Palace next door was a more down to earth, homely contrast of how royalty used to live.
The Hermitage, with its 2 million plus exhibits had many interesting displays.We saw only a few of the most significant, thanks to our guide. Catherine the great, thanks to her art advisors collected a huge number of arts from all over Europe and further afield. There was room after room of original artworks by many famous artists over the centuries including several halls of works by the french impressionalists. The Crouching Boy Sculputure by Michaalango is beautiful. Treausures, artefacts, tapestries.... all housed in a beautiful building in which each room is being restored to its original condition. Going outside into the bleak snowy square where the infamous Bloody Sunday incident happened all those years ago, it is hard to imagine that only a few weeks ago, a concert was performed by Elton John!!
A notable contrast to the European Art at L'Hermitage was the Museum of Russian Art. Here we saw many works which were more 'down to earth' than those of teh European Artists. The most interesting exhibition there was one of the 'Old believers' - Artists that kept alive styles of art of 'traditional Christianity,' a movement which for many years was kept underground. Artists seldom signed their work. The artworks and other treasures on display here, seemed to me, to represent the 'real' Russia. As in other palaces, all the rooms were being restored to thier original luxurious condition.
Not far away was the Church of Spilled Blood. It was decided by, I am not sure whom now, that a memorial be erected on the spot where a king was slain. This huge St Petersburg monument was constructed at the beginning og the 20th century, to be used once a year. In the 1930's becuase of the politics of the time it was shut down and used as a warerhouse. Recently after 15 years of refurbishment back to its stunning original condition The Church of Spilled Blood was opened to the public and today is on the must see list for visitors to St Petersberg.
Winter is definately the best time to visit museums in Russia
On to the Museums of London. We found out, in the Time Magazine, about the Bhuzantine Exhibition at the Royal Academy, and booked in. Very worthwhile - representing all facets of art from everywhere even on loan from museums we had previously visited. It was interesting to note that there was not contraversial subject displayed - I suppose this is meant to be a family exhibition - whereas I would suspect that some people might be shocked at seeing certain subject matter at other European and St Petersburg Museums.
No, we did not, but should have, visited the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, as well as the Charles Darwin London Commerative one, and maybe, or maybe not, Madam Toussards, but we did not. Our main purpose in London was to spend time with family and friends.
Oh, and the best reason for visiting museums in winter?? Part 2 to come....
Saturday, January 3, 2009
A winter shopping experience in London and a Surprise Exhibition
Shopping at the winter sales in London is an experience not to be missed.
Not only is it warm in the shops, there are plenty of bargains to be had.
The best time to go is ealy in the morning, before the locals and visitors come out in droves later in the day, and then you can try anything on, without queueing!
Window shopping is great too. The clothes in the central London area, especially in the more expensive shops, are beautifully made and presented. But one must remember that we do not need warm winter wear, London style, in New Zealand!
The biggest surprise we found, was the National Geographic Shop, not far from Piccadilly Circus. Only open for 7 weeks, since just before December 2008, it is the flagship shop for National Geographic, to raise awareness and funds for the National Geographic mission to fund its research and travel activities.
In it we found 4 horses, life size, made of driftwood, which were constructed in honour of the 4 horses in St Marks Square, Venice. As we watched the sold sign was placed on them - at £5,800 each!
Also in the shop was a photographic exhibition - photos of famous National Geographic people, including Our Sir Edmund Hilary and Jacques Cousteau, logoed clothes, binoculars and other items needed for expeditions, adventure gear, books, maps, gifts - and unless you purchase something, it is all free!
But you might like to buy a delicious hot chocolate at the National Geographic Chocolate shop.....
Not only is it warm in the shops, there are plenty of bargains to be had.
The best time to go is ealy in the morning, before the locals and visitors come out in droves later in the day, and then you can try anything on, without queueing!
Window shopping is great too. The clothes in the central London area, especially in the more expensive shops, are beautifully made and presented. But one must remember that we do not need warm winter wear, London style, in New Zealand!
The biggest surprise we found, was the National Geographic Shop, not far from Piccadilly Circus. Only open for 7 weeks, since just before December 2008, it is the flagship shop for National Geographic, to raise awareness and funds for the National Geographic mission to fund its research and travel activities.
In it we found 4 horses, life size, made of driftwood, which were constructed in honour of the 4 horses in St Marks Square, Venice. As we watched the sold sign was placed on them - at £5,800 each!
Also in the shop was a photographic exhibition - photos of famous National Geographic people, including Our Sir Edmund Hilary and Jacques Cousteau, logoed clothes, binoculars and other items needed for expeditions, adventure gear, books, maps, gifts - and unless you purchase something, it is all free!
But you might like to buy a delicious hot chocolate at the National Geographic Chocolate shop.....
Friday, January 2, 2009
Travelling around London
When visiting a city like London for more than the first time, it is a good idea to stay in a hotel in a different area for each visit. That way you can get to know the city better.
This time we stayed in a suburb just north of Mayfair around the corner from Madame Taussards Wax Works, in Marleybone. Our hotel is one of a small street of boutique hotels, and very well appointed. We even have our own computer!
The whole area is on the outskirts of the Centre of London. According to a story in a local pub, the area was owned and developed into a fashion urban district. it was orginially inherited by a Miss Henrietta Cavendish and her successors, through the female line, have carefully developed the area. We can step out of our London Hotel, and within a few minutes walk through the boutique shops and numerous cafes of St Christophers Place to Regent St. We are also around the corner from the handy Baker St Underground Station, which can take us anywhere around London.. There are also many bus services in the area. The best way to get a round easily is to purchase an 'Oyster Card' and load it up with the cost of the fares. That way you can jump on and off double decker busses, sit right up at the top, and travel around, enjoying the sights.
You will have noticed that we have not reported much on our our activities. That is because we have not done much! During our first visits we rushed around all the tourist traps - Tower of London, London Eye, The Tate Gallery, etc, but we do not have to do so this time.
Also, it is winter, and cold. As mentioned in previous blogs, winter is a great time to travel. Nobody is about! (Except at the London sales, of course!). So we do not have to jump out of bed early and travel for hours on the bus or train, and we do not have to queue!!
Most mornings we breakfast at 9am latest, then start the day when the winter sun and temperatures have risen, at about 10am. Some times we have not even decided what to do! In London we have been enjoying spending time with family and friends. The best place to do so is in one of the many English pubs, but that is another story!
This time we stayed in a suburb just north of Mayfair around the corner from Madame Taussards Wax Works, in Marleybone. Our hotel is one of a small street of boutique hotels, and very well appointed. We even have our own computer!
The whole area is on the outskirts of the Centre of London. According to a story in a local pub, the area was owned and developed into a fashion urban district. it was orginially inherited by a Miss Henrietta Cavendish and her successors, through the female line, have carefully developed the area. We can step out of our London Hotel, and within a few minutes walk through the boutique shops and numerous cafes of St Christophers Place to Regent St. We are also around the corner from the handy Baker St Underground Station, which can take us anywhere around London.. There are also many bus services in the area. The best way to get a round easily is to purchase an 'Oyster Card' and load it up with the cost of the fares. That way you can jump on and off double decker busses, sit right up at the top, and travel around, enjoying the sights.
You will have noticed that we have not reported much on our our activities. That is because we have not done much! During our first visits we rushed around all the tourist traps - Tower of London, London Eye, The Tate Gallery, etc, but we do not have to do so this time.
Also, it is winter, and cold. As mentioned in previous blogs, winter is a great time to travel. Nobody is about! (Except at the London sales, of course!). So we do not have to jump out of bed early and travel for hours on the bus or train, and we do not have to queue!!
Most mornings we breakfast at 9am latest, then start the day when the winter sun and temperatures have risen, at about 10am. Some times we have not even decided what to do! In London we have been enjoying spending time with family and friends. The best place to do so is in one of the many English pubs, but that is another story!
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