Travelog: D7 Milan, Italy: 20 hours

DESTINATION : MILANO, ITALY
Travel period : 03-04.05.2013

DAY 7

claimed to be de Italian capital of high-end fashion and also de second popular city after Rome, it sounds like there are a lot to see. I've been to Milan once (literally) during my study days in Glasgow and it was truly a horrible experience. it all started with de hotel that has received up front payment but these people were so unprofessional that they didn't have our rooms ready when we arrived (we did inform them about our late check-in). to make things worst, they were overbooked and we were told that no rooms were available. it was already late evening and I remembered we went to almost every hotels and hostels but they all seemed fully occupied (ahhh... we forgot to carry along our Prada). we had no choice but to spend de whole night at Milan Central Train Station (not to mention about de distinct smell) and took de earliest train to Venice.

and for de second time, I still don't like you, Milan.

maybe it was partly our fault as we rented a room for 4 instead of 5. we politely asked (we did ask) if it was okay as we needed to depart early at 0400 de next morning. staff A agreed initially, but staff B who came in during night shift didn't allow. okay fine, so de boy and I walked away and rented another room from their recommended hotel down de road. 

Via Dante.

this is de famous pedestrian street of Milan with many luxurious brand name stores, local boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. de street was decorated with flags of different countries for Milan's upcoming expo. and yes, there was no sign of Malaysia.

how about a cup of coffee getting a Gucci?

Piazza del Duomo.

no we did not purchase de tourist day card since we only stayed in Milan for less than one day practically. Piazza del Duomo is a beautiful area with annoying people who prey on tourists with de most incredible basilica. but again, beware of guys who prey on tourists and give away "free" pigeon feed and bracelet around de area. they'll come to you and say "it is free" (again something is wrong with de definition of "free") and also offer to take pictures. once you took over de pigeon feed it will no longer be free. people of same gang approached in a glimpse and demanding for money. it may not cost much, but you'll have to pay something to get rid of de troubles (€5 or so). and yes, pity my brother in-law who had this bitter experience and it was just only 5 minutes of him being distant from us in front of Duomo. they sort of forced him to feed de pigeons. anyway, survival tips is try not to stay alone.

saying no to free bracelet.

please stop bugging us.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in de evening.

one of de world's oldest shopping malls since 1867.

de only thing positive about Milan is perhaps de branded goods are relatively cheaper here (these are luxurious goods so they are expensive anyway). in claiming tax-free at Malpensa airport, be sure to allow ample time at airport and do not expect efficient service. de queuing and receipt stamping are some of de tedious sequence of events required, so be prepared to study beforehand to work for your refund. remember to ask for a 'VAT return form' upon purchase, keep these receipts, and pack de unused goods in your hand carry luggage to get ready for possible inspection at de airport. alternatively, there is also a tax-free centre in de city (only for selected brands) where you can get your cash back before leaving de country. however, you'll still have to queue for stamping at de airport.

go feed pigeons be branded chics!

Spain is after Italy, check out Travelog: D8-D9 Madrid, Spain.

END