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The morning begins with a city tour of Milan. Milan is a metropolis in Italy’s northern Lombardy region. Milan is known as a capital of fashion and design. Milan is home to the national stock exchange and is a financial hub known for its high-end restaurants and shops. <\/p>\n
We begin our morning visiting the Gothic Duomo di Milano cathedral which is one of the most impressive structures in Milan. The cathedral has taken over six centuries to build. The cathedral has more statues on this gothic-style than any other building in the world. Over 340 statues, 135 gargoyles and 700 figures surround the cathedral. Views of the famous Madonnina, the gold-colored statue of Mary that stands on the cathedral\u2019s highest spire is magnificent. Above the apse (the arched part above the altar) there is a spot marked with a red lightbulb. The lightbulb marks the spot where one of the nails of Jesus\u2019 crucifixion was allegedly placed. <\/p>\n
Following the Cathedral, we head off to La Scala opera house in Milan. Most of Italy’s greatest operatic artists have appeared at La Scala. The theatre is regarded as one of the leading opera and ballet theatres in the world and is home to the La Scala Theatre Chorus, La Scala Theatre Ballet and La Scala Theatre Orchestra. The theatre also has an associate school, known as the La Scala Theatre Academy which offers professional training in music, dance, stage craft, and stage management.<\/p>\n
As we depart the La Scala opera house, we have a couple of hours to explore the city of Milan. Many head off to shop in the Galleria and others look for a classic Italian meal. The Galleria is Italy’s oldest shopping mall and a significant landmark of Milan. The Galleria is within a four-story double arcade in the center of town. The Galleria is named after Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of the Kingdom of Italy. It was designed in 1861 and built by architect Giuseppe Mengoni between 1865 and 1867.<\/p>\n
Later in the late afternoon, we connect with each other for a group meeting, and John takes us off traveling with sharing with the group.<\/p>\n
As we drift off with the Traveler, John brings us back announcing our surprise visit for our Milan finale, as we head off for a private viewing of the infamous, Leonardo da Vinci\u2019s mural \u201cThe Last Supper”. <\/p>\n
In celebration of our last nite in Milan, we gather in communion for a gala dinner. After dinner we drift off into sleep on the Travelers night train.<\/p>\n
In Loving Service,
\nLove and Light Julie <\/p>\n
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