a plunge into italy

Before I start, I must warn you that I will be putting in ridiculous, but true from our experience "recommendations". They are to be taken semi-lightly. ;)

Milan was definitely quite the plunge into Italy. Not one I'd recommend, either.

Tired and absolutely worn from our lack of sleep and the long hours of sitting on the plane, we thought it would be nice to finally get out. The only issue upon arriving at the airport was that we needed to take the metro to the Duomo to see our first sights.

Recommendation #1 - If you're traveling for the first time, don't go right from the airport to go sightsee. Find your lodging and take a nap. No matter how ready you think you are. :) We learned that. The very hard way.

But unfortunately, it was quite the challenge to find yellow line three, and we got very lost. Suffice it to say, we didn't get to the Duomo until much later than we anticipated.

But when we did manage to make it there, we ascended the steps with great hopes... and instead of being able to enjoy it, we were (as I said) assaulted by people that only wanted to sell you their stuff or rob you. One of the two.

 Recommendation #2 - When anyone that looks suspicious approaches you, don't even look at them. When you catch their eye, then they know they can get you!

 The next part was stressful too. We didn't leave our luggage at the train station (bad choice), and we certainly couldn't take luggage into the Duomo. So Mom insisted that she stay outside with our luggage, and I go in. Well, that was hard enough to leave her. But when I went in and discovered that my batteries (both pairs) were almost shot, I was in tears. Because I had forgotten to bring my battery charger, I knew I couldn't take pictures with my good camera the whole trip! So, on top of being tired, worried, and already having had harrying experiences, it was just such a stressful time. :(

 But once we got into the Victor Emanuele shopping center, things were better. No guys trying to get your money (one huge relief) or attempting to sell you selfie sticks. :P

And lastly before we left Milan Centrale, we enjoyed resting on some benches and admiring a neat remembrance of Leonardo on the first day! I'm excited to see more of him later. :)

After catching the metro again, we checked into our room (I got experience reading a map because we had to find our Airbnb place ourselves) we were so relieved, and so tired. We both napped for awhile.

After resting, we caught the metro to the expo, which I won't really go into. Suffice to to say that we enjoyed it at night when there was no music and most of the exhibits were closed. :) The worldview was hard to deal with, and it was a bit depressing.

 But one of the best parts was that there was no wait on going over the HUGE net that night, and when we went the next day, we saw the line was extremely long. :)

 One of the most refreshing parts was smelling the flowers that were growing on the sides of the entry to the Expo. It was simply lovely,

Poland, in my mind, holds the award for the best pavilion. Their rooftop garden was the best thing ever after being bombarded with unpleasant music and lots and lots of people and oppressing heat. Poland had it down - they had classical music while walking through the garden, not many people were up there, and they provided "Sopot" fans for everyone to take. :) And yes, everyone had them. :D They were the rage of the Expo!

Anyhow - all that to say... it was an amazingly interesting first two days in Milan.

And with that, I will end with this last recommendation:

Recommendation #3 - Don't start your Italy trip in Milan if you aren't used to big cities. It's frightening! :D

P.S. Excuse the awful writing - I'm about to go to bed. It's WAY past my bedtime (12 something?)