Steps today: 24 664 / 16.26 km
It was back to the Lake District again today to visit Arona.
It was overcast, so the beautiful views of blue skies with mountain backdrops that we had yesterday were not to be had this time, but it was gorgeous in a different way and the fact that it was overcast turned out to be a blessing in the end.
We started with a walk along the water and then 'veered inland' to climb the hill up to the Colossus of San Borromeo. This is why we were so thankful for the overcast skies - we could NEVER have done this on a sunny day.
This is the second largest bronze statue in the world after the Statue of Liberty. It's closed on Mondays so we could not climb up and look out his eyes, too bad, the views from up there must be outstanding. As close as we were, it was impossible to get a good idea of it's size since there is nothing around to compare it to! I turned back to take a picture as we were walking away, but it didn't help.
After, we walked some more to get to the Fortress, but that was closed too - so we only got as far as the panoramic look-out
Check out the creepy abandoned house overgrown with weeds we saw on the way! Nowhere near as beautiful, but it sure is interesting.
We decided that was enough of Arona after lunch, and headed back to Milan getting back by about 3ish.
We did some sightseeing:
Devil's Column (these holes were allegedly caused by the Devil's horn when he banged his head against the marble column)
Temple of Victory
The Needle, Thread and Knot art installation (too many people in the way of the knot, so I'll have to be content with my pictures from previous trips)
Sforzesco Castle Fortress
I wanted to climb the Branca Tower to get panoramic views over Milan, but the sun was starting to come out so forget it... turns out it was closed anyway. This was a big day for closed attractions! I suppose you could say I didn't do my homework.
The Arco della Pace
And finally: Aperol Spritz O'clock!
After this, we took a tram back to the Duomo / Galleria to start looking for a place to have supper... it was getting too hot to walk.
We decided on a place near the Galleria, about a block away, and sat inside to get a break from the smokers. It really sucks that smoking is still allowed.
I FINALY tried Risotto Milanese which I have been meaning to do for a few trips now, and it was not bad. I did feel however that the recipe might have been even tastier in a non-touristy restaurant... but I didn't hate it. And yes: prosciutto AGAIN!
This was our last night in Milan, and I didn't want it to end yet! We saw that the café overlooking the piazza had a bunch of front row seats available, so we pounced for a night cap.
We quickly discovered why all the tables were empty... Monday night traffic!
And so, around 8PM, we ended our day, and our time in Milan. It was a great :)
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