TILTING AT WINDMILLS - THE LEGSYBOYS' EURO ADVENTURE

AWESOME....AND WET

Shock, horror, we've awoken to blue skies and sun rays coming through the windows. We head straight to the Duomo, and if it appeared awesome in the prior afternoon's drizzle then this morning it is breathtaking. We go inside for a look and it's truly immense, giant marble pillars are everywhere, like trees in a forest. Regardless of one's religious leanings (or lack thereof), it would take a fairly cold hearted person not to acknowledge the sheer majesty of the edifices that have been created in the name of Christianity - and any other religion for that matter.

A sea of pillars

How about that!

The 'mist' is incense

Very charitable!!!

We didn't have a week to spare!

Catholic holy water..

The Duomo was commenced in the 14th century and took 600 years to finish - yep, the early part of the 20th century. It's the 3rd largest church for left footers in the world (Behind the Vatican and Seville) and the 5th largest of any denomination. We decide to go up to the roof and this time we really do take the steps instead of the lift - all 230 of them. The roof is a gothic candoglia marble masterpiece with amazing views over the surrounding plaza. And here's a scoop for you - the Catholic church has initiated a new holy water substitute - check out the photo in the gallery!

......more holy water

Up on the roof.....

Gargoyle or Daffy Duck?

.....that's more like it.

Don't ask me how, but we get separated making our way down to the ground; given there's only one staircase, this is clearly a 'miracle'. Less miraculous, but highly predictable, is that by the time I get to the bottom and walk outside, the rain has returned and this time it doesn't go away. After re-uniting outside it's time for lunch and I have a little treat in store. We enter Italy's most luxurious department store, La Rinascente; trust me folks,there's nothing low end here, certainly no 'red spot' specials, and this is purely for window shopping.On the 7th floor is the food hall and numerous places to eat.

....and a decent coffee

La Rinascente Chocolate Bar

Il Bar

Checkin' out Stella..

Buzz, Paul Smith & suspicious shop asistant

The restaurant I've chosen, Il Bar, has a glass wall and ceiling that allows you to look directly onto the Duomo. Even in the rain it is a rivetting view, and best of all, it's not unreasonably priced. Afterwards we have a look at kids' fashion; the Aimster tries on some Stella McCartney gear (her favourite designer) and looks great, whilst Buzzy looks magnificent in a Paul Smith 3-piece suit with a price tag to break the Italian Treasury!

We have a 4.30 appointment at the Convent of Santa Maria della Grazie - fear not, we haven't gone devoutly rabid. This is the home of Leonardo Da Vinci's "The Last Supper" (Travel Tip: It is essential to book online if you wish to view it). We are in a small group and allowed 10 minutes with a very knowledgeable guide. The work was commenced in 1495 and has had an extraordinary life, at various times ignored, partially destroyed by priests to insert a doorway(!), used as a wall by firing squads, and was one of only 2 walls in the refectory that survived a direct bomb blast in WWII - it's enough to make you think there's a greater force at work. It has been returned to its original state, which is very poor. The whole wall is supported by steel beams to keep it up, and the painting is in serious decay; despite that, it is fascinating and well worth seeing. Some authorities claim it's the most visited of all Da Vinci's works; personally, I doubt this as there is a daily tidal wave of people funneled past La Gioconda in The Louvre. Regardless, it is a genuinely moving experience we all recommend, and fortunately Leo Di Caprio was nowhere to be seen!

Santa Maria Convent

Da Vinci's "The Last Supper"

Through the pouring rain, we head back towards the centro plaza and stop off for refreshments and then on to a local bistro for dinner and early night. Tomorrow is a big day.....with its share of difficulties!!

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