There is something about the Milan night sky. Maybe it’s something about this particular latitude? No, because Nice and Monaco had the same beautiful blue sky late at night. Maybe it’s the ocean air? No, Milan is quite a ways inland and no ocean breeze to speak of.

Maybe is the air quality? No, Milan reportedly has pretty bad air compared to Nice and Monaco. So pollutants are not making a difference here. Well then can someone lend a hand here and identify what’s the key feature of Milan night sky that makes it such a brilliant blue? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and enjoy the slide show…

After the show, walking out, it was quite a thrill. All these wonderful Italians chatting away. We walked around the inside, not wanting to leave, taking pictures here and there. It’s a classic opera house in every sense of the word, nothing more, nothing less. But all the moreso. As confusing as that opera 🙂

As it crazy as it may sound, everyone in Milan kept talking about going out to an outlet center to shop for clothes. As a fan of outlets in Las Vegas and Palm Springs, I was excited about the opportunity to get my hands on some fine Italian goods. Imagine our surprise when this “amazing” outlet center turned out to be the same “amazing” outlet center… as Las Vegas and Palm Springs. Check another box for globalization. I’ll just get my Vans when I get back home.  But that horse in the fountain was unique and inspiring.

The main entry to Serravalle has an almost Disneyland feel about it. Maybe it’s the terracota colors or the faux facades, either way, It’s a Small World Afterall.

The horse is prevalent in Italian culture. It represents both the peace and strength of the people. But ironically, it’s Englishman Nic Fiddian-Green who created this sculpture, Still Water.

Just a little image wizardry. To imply the large cloud of smoke is coming out of the little funnel. Is it an announcement of a new Pope?

These hyper dramatic clouds hung over the location all day, but not a drop of rain fell. It was quite pleasant weather compared to Saturday.

Chips and Fries, or potatoes and chips as the Euros call them at Ham Holy Burger. Yes, this isn’t Milan, so we could finally get a burger with no tourist penalty points assigned.

It was nice to see Gucci featured so prominently, but wondered how it was that the store was situated in the shadow. Although the heavens seem the shine on the global Gucci label, at home, the marquee brand is in the shadows. Well, at least the actual marquee. But I guess since this is the back of the store, that means the entrance is basking in the glow of the heavens. I guess that halo has some real meaning behind it.

There is nothing more beautiful than a black and white photograph. I don’t want recess of our primitive minds comes out to play when color is removed from life. The dark shadows evokes our id, the bright whites give us hope of some sort. And when black and white is combined with ancient looking ruins, then the feeling is amplified. These photos are some of my favorite from our stop in Milan for the Gran Premio d’ Italia, the Formula 1 Italian Gran Prix at Monza.

The Park Hyatt Milano is a five-star hotel that exudes the luxury of upper class travel. Although a little smaller in size than other Park Hyatt properties, mainly due to the size restrictions of Centro Milano, the hotel is still nothing but class. At the entry of the hotel you were greeted by three guard dogs. Don’t worry, they don’t bite. The sculptures by artist Velasco Vittorio are a tribute to the dog friendly aspect of the hotel. They actually have a VID program, Very Important Dog, that offers such pooch pamperings as luxury bedding for your dog, fresh mineral water from designer bowels, and dog sitting services.

Where PHM shines is it’s location. You literally cannot ask for a better location for sight seeing, shopping and dining. Step outside the front door of the hotel, and you’re just feet away from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a wonderful, beautiful luxurious airy mall housing Italy’s favorite fashions. All the top and designers are here: Gucci, Prada, Dior, etc. But beyond that shopping, there are several eateries, and of course, the Duomo. This is the magic spot for tourists: Shopping, sightseeing, and Italian culture all in one location.

Back in the room, the bed setup is wonderful. A soft, fluffy pillow topping lulls you into a relaxed state as soon as you hit the sheets. A nice digital clock with USB ports to charge you phone. 3 shelves provides ample storage for various keys, change, tickets and any other baggage you feel a need to just dump out but not store away just yet. The pillows are perfect down with foam inserts that do a great job at supporting your sleep. Soft and gentle, yet the firmness is supportive and not a hard rock bottom after a few hours of snoozing. I slept like a baby! If you need more sleep support, there’s the spa downstairs, where the aromatherapy instantly lowers your stress level by 4 to 5 points. They also offer massage and steam rooms to help you unwind. I personally just took a seat in the teak chairs and a deep breath had me in another world realm of peacefulness.

To continue the peaceful trend, roll out of bed and into a luxurious bath. The bath is a full length tub surrounded by fine Italian marble and black ceramic fixtures. If a shower is more your style, then a spacious stand up glass shower will welcome you with a soft flowing rain shower hear, and a hand held soft flow head. A seating area in the shower can help for those days following wild Italian Grappa fueled nights.

After you’re up, get going with an in-room coffee via a small Illy coffee maker. The good thing is that there are enough stores next door to buy some new coffee flavors and/or espresso to really get you going. If you’re ready to grab a bite, the hotel is also home to the Michelin star restaurant, VUN Andrea Aprea, the more affordable dining at Dehors, and dining at the bar Mio which includes outside seating. There are also plenty of dining options close to the hotel, just a few minutes of walking and various level of gourmet. Immediately across the street is Granaio. This café/restaurant offers some wonderful dining options, great deserts, and of course, relaxing with Italian coffees in either of two outside seating areas as well as indoor seating.