I had breakfast this morning with 2 of my hostel roommates, the guy from Greece and the other guy, a teacher from Sicily. The Sicilian didn't speak English and the Greek didn't speak Italian, so at times I attempted to act as the translator. Not a very good one, but still somewhat enjoyable. I hope this trip inspires me to keep up with my Italian, even though I might not have a lot of opportunity to use it, I don't want to lose it. Right now I'm waiting for my train to depart for Milan. Nervous about havin to take the metro with my heavy bag once I get there, curious about what the next hostel will be like.
Thank goodness for the year I spent in San Francisco, the metro was a breeze today because of all those times taking the BART. I took the metro from the train station to the Duomo stop, and when I came out, there it was - that beautiful, intricate white cathedral greeting me. I went straight to the hostel, and after checking in and dropping off my stuff (and enjoying a beer as my free welcome drink), went back to have a proper experience of the duomo. Went inside, paid for a wrist band so I could take pictures, which I did. Tons. The inside is giant, with thick stone columns and a ceiling so high. There are intricately carved sculptures on the walls and ceiling, and colorful, bright stained glass windows. Just amazing. I then took the long staircase to the top, which is really awesome because you get to see all the spires and buttresses up close, and then you get the view of all of Milan. In the afternoon I found food, then walked around - people watching and slipping in and out of churches. I enjoyed a gelato at a place recommended to me by a coworker who used to live in Milan - pistachio ( which I'm digging!) and black sesame - interesting, but good. Now it's the time of day when I start to fade a little.
