Wishing everyone A: "Very merry christmas to you all with lots of love for a good 2010. "...
Wishing everyone A: "Very merry christmas to you all with lots of love for a good 2010. " Chrissie x X
Member since:23.11.2002
Reviews:188
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In 1984 I decided to see a bit of italy and get a job nannying out there. I ended up working for a lovely milanese family with 4 children,ranging from 4 mths,to 9yrs. who lived in a street called Via Lazorrotti.By summer we visited the mother of my boss-the countess of naples,no less, for the obligatory 6 week summer holidays!(That was fascinating,and would take another op just to describe her extensive villa,dungeon jewels/artefacts and her lovely ordinary friendly nature.) If you have ever been to Milan,then you would know how busy,lively,crowded and noisy it is.I find it similar to London,smog-wise,and in summer the temperatures soar into the hundreds,and it is very,very humid.(not my
favourite summer time place!) I used to soak myself in the little half tubs they use out there at least three times a day because of perspiration. However,I had a good time. We used to visit the shops and the parks with the children which was always nice,but- The market place was my V.fav place! All those delicious stalls,fresh beautiful fruit,peaches,pomegranates,melons (not as large as the southern Italian climes,but almost!) It was here I learnt to pick out and haggle bargains,attempt the language,smell all the heady Aromas,observe the teeming mixtures of cultures-the North Italians are possibly the more calmer,"dignified" and the less tempestous;unlike the Neopolitans which they call the gateway to the south.(My napolitan husband is very excitable in nature)
I have always found plenty of blue eyed,blonde haired milanese;tall and more like the north Europeans,both in looks and nature,tho' of course,they are still itallian,and wave their arms about and haggle away on the stalls.
Piazza Duomo is great for open air cafe's and bistros.The famous and very imposing and grand church(cathedral) in the square is a must to visit. The bright orange electric tramm buses are plentiful,and cheap-a must for the tourist wanting to pack in a lot.
I wouldn't recommend the underground after dark alone-like all cities,not entirely safe from pick pockets,and the like. There is always plenty of live music and dancing of course... Piegons are everywhere,and fluttering around the lofty church spires they add to the grandeur of the great Architectural sights-which are in abundance. The milanese pride themselves on city slick fashion,and there are fashion houses styled on the great Rome but I honestly couldn't tell you what they are like,as being hideously expensive-I never went there to be tempted!!
Though I did buy my "Honeymoon outfit" there- which cost me £100 in English money-17 years ago,and that was just the dress! which I thought was quite enough. Most of the houses in Milan are of course,huge stone floored City Flats-italy is highly populated and there just wouldn't be the room for ground houses. The villas and country side are very pretty. I love the charm of the flat,orange roofed villas with grape vines clinging to the walls and posts. What I love about the banks offices and houses over there,are the luxurious style-and -their size! Huge tall ceilings, vast floor areas impressive mosaics,huge stone coloums... the fountains,and polished marble everywhere!-an architecturist delight! The Romans sure knew how to build,and their influential mark is felt very predominantly, everywhere.
As a city,Milan isn't my ideal holiday place,as it is so industrialised, too humid,quite rainy,and over crowded,and not a little bit drab,sorry!(I did live there for 9mths.so I know what I'm saying!) Milan also has one of the highest levels of pollution in Europe-it is common to see people riding their bikes in an attempt to be healthier-green,and many office workers wear masks over their noses!! A typical Milanese dish is meat balls,fresh fish,white chicken,and salads,with lots of beef in breadcrumbs-And-wait for it,minced, raw horse meat-with salt pepper,and lemon juice.I'm afraid I did try it,and yes,I liked it.(But do I hear you throw up your hands in horror and distaste!!?)lol!
So,- if you are interested in Fast,noisy hectic crowds,loads of shops,cafe's elegance and roughness bars,shopping,fashion,retail,trade,and the twangy accent of the North itallian,then go there. "Prego!non dimentica mai!" Happy visiting!
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Hello, No offence you did a great review but I am half Milanese, I completely disagree with you. The city is beautiful and yes the countryside is nice because some of my family live there but the city is great for a holiday-Ms19
MALU 10.03.2003 18:45
I don't know Milan, I've only stayed there for hours several times, but I think you've understood it well.
AnitaM 03.03.2003 00:37
I would love to visit Italy one day. Very descriptive op.
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Jan 2nd, 2003
very helpful by (100%):
