Milan

Finally jumped the ditch to Europe last weekend, very exciting! Amazing views of the ?Swiss alps as we were flying in, and landed in gorgeous sunshine - good start :) Managed to navigate our way into town and then got a bit lost finding the hotel as my reference point was a bit off - whoops - But on the up side had a bit of a walking tour of north Milan haha. First day spent wandering around the city. The Duomo Cathedral was incredible, made of marble, with over 130 spires all with life size statues on top, was started in round 1300 and not finished until 1850s by Napoleon - crazy! But its beautiful. Further down the road is the Costello (castle) which is also amazing, has bit of a Spanish feel to it. Through the other side is a lovely park with a kind of replica to Arc du triumph. Saturday I did some window shopping through the fashion district which was full of all the big names in fashion, gorgeous looking clothes but was too scarred to go inside cause the door men were massive and scary looking! haha. (I will send you some pics bec) Then headed to the public gardens which were pretty. In the afternoon went on a tour of some of the main attractions, and also got to see 'The last supper' painting by Di Vinci, which is in a little church, covering the back wall. It was really interesting to hear all the symbolism behind it. Also went to La Scala - the opera theatre where many of the big name operas were first performed, the theatre has 7 levels of boxes! Sunday I channeled my inner racer and hit the Monza F1, which was very cool. We were sitting at the first turn so got to see some excitement. In the evenings I enjoyed the local cuisine - pizza, pasta, wine and gelato! yum! All in outdoor seating in the lovely warm evenings. I think I could easily live in Italy! Monday headed just south of town to the Navigli district which is made up of a number of canals, was quite cute, but sadly full of graffiti. Was meant to be home Monday night, but the plane was delayed then cancelled, ah well guess you get what you pay for with budget airlines! So had an extra day soaking up the sunshine as had to wait for the following night for a flight home. But a great weekend :)
Still currently unemployed, Jen is back in a week and then we head off on our UK tour for two weeks which will be great fun. And hopefully will have a job sorted for when I come back, cause will need to start earning some money again!

Milano!

Arrival at Orio Al Serio Airport

Duomo Cathedral

Trams!

Dumo from side

Pinacoteca di Brera Art Gallery

Costello Sforzesco

Castle entrance

castle courtyard

Pretty fountian

Me and Todd

Park behind the Castle

Gelato! SO YUMMY!

Navigli Cannels

Cannel boats

Itilian Anna

Monza turn 1

After the race

Racer Girl

Yum!

View coming in - Nice

London with Jen

Have just had an awsome week hanging out with Jen in London. Was great to have her here and catch up again. Have had a jam packed week full of fun. On Monday after J had a good jet lag nap, we went down to Notting Hill where they were having their carnival. It was crazy! So busy with people, there was a parade through the town (kinda like the cuba st carnival but 10x bigger!). On tuesday I took Jen to all the touristy spots, changing of the guards, Big Ben, Westminster, London bridge etc.. and we just had a wander along the river. Wednesday we went on the London Eye - which is like a massive feris wheel where you are in a big pod and just slowly move up higher, has amazing views over the city, and we had a lovely clear day (well clear for London!). Then did some shopping, Harrods, had a classic pub meal and went to see Wicked the west end show - which was amazing! its a spin off of the wizard of oz and tells the story of Galinda and the wicked witch. The sets where amazing, with people flying across the stage! haha, oh and the costumes! (bec you would have loved them!) they were incredible. Was great fun. Thrusday we went down to Brighton for the day, which is a cute wee seaside town, had lots of cool botique stores and just chilled out by the sea. We hit the zoo in the afternoon on Friday which was fun. They have an awsome open monkey enclosure where you can walk through and the monkeys are just running about everywhere and get really close. They were so cute! Then went out to brick lane which is known for its curry houses, and has great deals. (unfortunatly dont think ours was of the best quality as had some sore tummys the next day! )
Saturday we caught the boat down to Greenwhich for a picnic down there for my bday which was really nice and low key, has some great views from the hill where the observatory sits. Got spoilt with prezzies which was lovely - thanks guys! was awsome to be sent a care package with squiggle tops! they are the best! (thanks mum :) ) Dropped J off very bright and early sun morn for her contiki and have been a slob since! haha. Currently unemployed after my last contract finished so looking for a bit of work for sept. Heading off to Milan for this coming weekend, first trip to Europe! Yay so excited! Then will be off for a UK tour with Jen when she is back at the end of Sept for two weeks. Great birthday month :D

Jen and Anna do London

Buckingham palace - nice guard

changing of the guards

thats a big bridge!

smile theres sunshine!

Classic phone box

view from london eye

Big Ben and Westminster

The eye

Wicked stage

Brighton

aww so pretty!

cute monkey!

giants