Attending a football game was a new experience for me – and
one which I feel I may repeat.
An elated evening with the fans of FC Barcelona left me
hungering for more adventure – so I’m off to Milan.
Travelling the 12KM back
to Barcelona airport via local bus, it took just 25 minutes and a 5 Euro fare
before I stepped through the doors of the departure lounge.
A marvel, really, when you consider that I would have spent
all that time and more, several hundred years ago simply preparing my ship to
leave port.
After being hustled through a large metal machine which I’m
told is part of the security process, I am asked to open my bag for a quick
search.
This is certainly new. Aboard my ship, security was as
simple as looking a man up and down. If he looked respectable, he joined the
crew. If not, he was swiftly removed. However, I’m told times are different now,
so I comply without question.
After a quick chat with the staff – who speak a fascinating
and new localised branch of Spanish – I climb on board a shiny big airplane to
experience my second journey in the sky. I’m still stuck by the lack of space and the
thought that I’m travelling in what is essentially, a tin can in the air.
However, I am also impressed by the amount of people they
have managed to fit into this craft – which is likely around the same size as
the bow of my ship. And in the corner of my eye, I see a man and woman dressed
smartly, and preparing a trolley. I have a feeling that we may be fed and
watered on this short voyage. Excellent news.
My ticket details that this flight takes just over an hour,
and I’m travelling for a good price as I booked my flights via Toowist. There
were multiple options available, and I found I was spoiled for choice!
Hence I now have a rather larger budget than previously
anticipated for my accommodation once I reach my destination…so I can choose a
hotel rather near one of the many attractions I’ve been advised by Toowist to
visit.
Touching down at Milan Malpensa, I’m graced with a multitude
of options for reaching the city. I can travel via express bus straight to the
financial capital of the north, or I can catch local transport to nearby
Gallarate and jump aboard a forwarding train.
I decide to queue amongst a range of other travellers for
the express bus, which drops me at the front of Milan’s stunning train station.
The Stazione di Milano Centrale seems the perfect location for exploring this
beautiful city.
Toowist has a vast section on Duomo – one of the largest
Gothic cathedrals in the world. Dazzling in the morning sunlight, I join a
group of tourists for a closer look at the building – which is not unlike some
of the greatest treasures I laid my eyes upon as an intrepid explorer.
After surveying the sights and sounds of Milan from a great
height, I return to solid ground to further my exploration of the city.
After consulting my Toowist guide once more, I pay a visit
to Museo del Duomo to learn a little more about the history of the building.
The museum displays the 700-year-old history of the
construction of the cathedral in a variety of ways, and I take great pleasure
in viewing the impressive walk in wooden models, and façade designs from
several centuries ago.
There are also a variety of sculptures – I’m fairly certain
I’ve met a few of these great gentlemen on my previous travels.
After a day of exploring Milan, I head off to find a bed for
the night – for tomorrow I shall be visiting the Sforzesco Castle.
Oh, the life of a traveller…
Glad you made it to - and enjoyed - Barcelona
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