Exploring Italy, The Secret Garden (maybe), and of course, Food

The weather is fantastic and the snow is just about gone...so, I'm out exploring!!!  Throughout Italy there are numerous abandoned homes, villas and maybe even castles (at least, in my imagination).  I went hiking up in the hills of Dolzago and there my adventure began....  By the way, all my photos for this segment were taken with my phone and I must say, I'm very impressed with the phone!

Off in the distance could that be castle turrets?

The Secret Garden, by Frances Burnett maybe leading to a castle?

I kept on going up the hill despite the scary looking tree!

 

I thought of all the fairy tales I love:)

 

A watering hole?

 I kept going...well....

until this door stopped me and the sound of a big dog barking or what???  I'll keep you posted:)

 

Beautiful Lake Lecco

Church at Lecco

 

The old and the new in Milano.

Look closely and you'll see a Starbucks...in Milano?!  How can they do this in Italy where you get the best coffee in the world?!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Milano with my friend Pinuccia

This was my first time in Milano and I will be going back in another week.  I have known Pinuccia for about 12 years staying at her lovely LeTraverse in the beautiful village of Pienza (going there this summer!).  We had a very special day enjoying each other's company!  Please see this website Milano to read about all the wonderful sights available in this fascinating city.  Divertitevi!

Enjoying a delicious lunch at Pinuccia's home with her daughter, Antonella.

 

The Duomo.  Photos do not do this magnificent cathedral justice.  When I came around the corner, I was absolutely star struck!!!  It's Italy's largest cathedral and the fifth largest in the world!  Come see:)

Even on a cold winter day, the crowds were everywhere with long lines to get inside the cathedral and heavy security!

Plaza in front of the Duomo.

 

La Scala, the premier opera house and I know one of Pinuccia's favorites. 



Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the oldest enclosed shopping malls in the world with renowned stores like Armani, Prada and the list goes on (see below).

Now this is the way to shop...surrounded by beauty!!!

We were getting ready to hop on a tram.