Almost done with shots from the boat

We're about to set foot on dry land again (in the town of Bellagio). Before we do, here's a last handful of shots I took during ferry ride there.

More shots of/from Lake Como

This guy was very nice. Pretty hot, too, although this profile shot doesn't really do him justice.













Not to worry! We didn't stay on the boat forever. So if you're getting bored with shots from the boat... well, there are a few more, but we're getting there. Maybe one more set from the boat! :)

Next stop: Lake Como

Inside Milan's Central Station, where we caught the train to Como


View from the deck of the Lake Como ferry, looking at part of the main square. Next time we're in northern Italy, we'll spend more time here.


Marc was very happy, but I think I managed to catch him off guard. Also in this photo: his mom doing what she did throughout the trip--writing in her journal. It was a wonderful idea, since she has page after page of details to help her remember the trip.


Heading out of Como


More as we head out of Como


Heading out into the lake (and it's a big lake--more towns to come in future posts!)

Done with the Duomo

Next, across the street to the shopping mall! Ah, but what a shopping mall it is!


A plaque at the entrance


Marc and his mom shopping at a small stall near the entrance


A look inside


Marc and his mom (and some guy) outside a tie shop in the Galleria

Let's go inside, shall we?

I'm skipping some photos, but I think that was probably enough of the outside of Milan's Duomo. So let's have a look inside.

I've read that the Duomo's capacity is estimated at 40,000. I guess they'd need extra chairs and such, but it definitely is BIG. Here's a look...



People come into the Duomo to sit, pray, meditate and light candles...





And then there's the stained glass...

More from Milan's Duomo

Waiting for the elevator to the top of the Duomo


Up on the roof. This isn't full-res, of course, but the version you'll get if you click on this is large enough to really show you the detail of some of the stone work and sculpture.


View from the top




Check out the color of the stone--especially of the statue. It looks like it was just carved, and that sure isn't the case!


Across the street


Closer shot




More of the Duomo's roof adornment


Another look at the city from the Duomo's roof

Let's begin at the beginning

Our first stop was Milan, and the first place we went to visit was Milan's Duomo. It took centuries to build, and it's HUGE! Some estimates put its capacity at 40,000. Now that would be quite a crowd.

Aside from its size, the architecture and sculptures throughout the cathedral (that's what "duomo" means, by the way) are amazing. I couldn't get a shot of it from the front--to show you the whole thing--because it was covered with scaffolding. This, apparently, happens regularly enough. I guess a building begun in the late 1300s needs some upkeep.

To share some of it, I'll post some photos of particular elements. There are more to come, but let's start with these...


Click on the photo to see some of the detail better.


This actually isn't the Duomo. It's across from it. It's the front of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. I'll post some inside shots in another post. For now, I'll just tell you that it's the most spectacular shopping mall I've ever seen (a shopping mall built in the 19th century).


More of the outside of the Duomo.


The line for the elevator to the top of the Duomo.






The scene behind us while standing in line for the elevator. Nothing special, but I thought I'd share it anyhow. :)

I'm sure I've said this before (regarding other photos), but let me know if there's one you like and would like full-size. These are greatly reduced.

Okay, that's it for tonight. More soon!