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Milan – one day trip

Gosia — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 16:01:05 +0000

The airport in Bergamo is an excellent hub for farther travel across Lombardy and other regions in Italy. If you have a free weekend, no plans and around 40€ in your pocket, I invite you for a short one-day trip to Milan! In order to save on accommodation, it’s best to buy tickets for the morning flight and return in the evening. I flew from Warsaw early in the morning, while on the way back I took advantage of Ryanair (departure at 9.20 pm to Warsaw – Modlin Airport). Total cost ticket was around 20€. From the Orio al Serio Airport you can get to Milan by bus. There’re many operators like: Autostradale, Oriosuttle and Flixbus.Tickets can be bought online even for € 4 and 9 € for return ticket. Latecomers can buy tickets at the desks located in the main hall. Bus stops are in the front of the entrance to the airport. Most buses go to the Central Station in Milan, and the journey time is less than an hour. The first tourist attraction is the Central Station – Milano Centrale, located in a beautiful historic building. It is perfectly connected with other cities in Italy, so travel to Milan can be extended for example with a trip to the beautiful Lake Como or even farther to Verona, more you can find here. The train station is located right next to the Centrale Fs metro station, where a yellow metro line runs towards the famous Duomo Cathedral. Metro in Milan is one of the most modern in Europe and the ride is a tourist attraction itself. It’s worth sitting in front of the car, which is driven automatically by a computer. Regular ticket costs 1,5€ and is valid for 90 minutes. At the price of 4,5€ you can also buy a 24-hour ticket, for all modes of transport in Milan (data from 2018, full price list you can find by clicking here. Travel you can plan here. Public transport map is available here. Metro station is located in Piazza Del Dumo right next to the famous Duomo Cathedral. The Duomo enchants at first sight. It’s one of the largest sacral buildings in the world. Indeed, it’s not that big like famous Basilica in Lichen in Poland but it’s unique due to the amount of decorations and marble figures on its facade. Anyway, it’s not surprising, it was under construction for about half a century! The construction of the facade of the cathedral was speeded by Napoleon Bonaparte himself, who wanted it to be ready for his coronation. What’s more, Napoleon’s figure was located on one of the towers of the Duomo. Duomo cathedral has over a hundred towers, but there is no bell tower at its peak. In fact, there’re bells inside, but they’re used only for special occasions, because vibrations could damaged the fragile decorations The amazing towers of the cathedral can be admired from the top terrace. Admission to the terrace is quite expensive as it costs 12,5€ but it’s worth it. A more expensive ticket includes admission to the Cathedral. However, the interior of the Cathedral can be seen after getting off the terrace, that’s why you can only buy a ticket to the observation deck. Tickets can be purchased here. Next to the cathedral is the most famous arcade – the Gallery of Victor Emanuel. Milan is considered the capital of fashion right after cities like New York, Paris or London. The famous Fashion Week is organized here. The Gallery is said to be the oldest shopping centre in Italy, here you can see boutiques of the most famous fashion designers. An important point on the tourist map of Milan is Castello Sforzesco. The castle is surrounded by Sempione Park – the largest park in Milan. Here you can take a rest by the lake, go to the viewieng tower and Japanese garden. Park ends on the Arch of Peace. A visit to Milan can be the opportunity to try local dishes. Contrary to popular opinion, pizza and pasta are not typical dishes for Lombardy. The most popular dishes are for example: ossobuko (stewed calf’s foot) or busecca – sliced tripes with beans. I’m not a fan of offals, so I ordered a safe option – Risortto Milanese – rice with saffron. While my friends were served crispy, aromatic pizzas, I received something like this… Tour cost:– flights around 20€– bus on the route airport- Milan – airport around 10€– urban transport tickets 3 €Usefull maps and applications are available here.

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Metz – the city of mirabelles

Gosia — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 20:34:43 +0000

Metz, the capital of Lorraine is located in the northeastern France on the banks of the Moselle and Seille rivers, around 43 kilometers from famous Schengen. We won’t hide the fact that our visit in this “untouristic” city was in a fact connected with its good location, close to Luxembourg and cheap transport by Flibco. However, apart from its perfect localization and bus connections, is it really worth visiting? Well and truly, it’s worth visiting in view of its 3000 years history which is reflected in diverse city’s architecture. Here you can see beautifully decorated cathedrals, ramparts dated as far back as 13th century, numerous boardwalks stretching along Moselle river and parks. We started our trip from Avenue Foch, where Flibco stops. This avenue is famous for a tower which is a part of former fortified walls and beautiful villas divided by a park. This avenue adjoins the railway station which at first sight looks like a church. This part of the city has a different, German architecture. The German part consists of stark buildings which are built from grey stone. It differs from French district which is mostly painted in mirabelle plum color – the symbol of wealth in Lorraine region. Why mirabelle? The answer you’ll find further. The most magnificent edifice in Metz is St. Stephen’s Cathedral It was built by connection of two churches in 12th century. It façade doesn’t differ much from other shrines in France, but it’s regarded as one of the most beautiful there. It hides the secret in a stark, gothic interior decorated with wonderful stained glasses which total surface reaches 6500 square meters. It’s no wonder that it’s called the God’s Lantern. Additionally it’s one of the highest churches in France. Apart from amazing stained glasses or sculptures, there’s a bath which dated back to the Ancient Roman’s times. It was used for christening purposes. Next to the cathedral you can see interesting building – Marche Couvert. It matches perfectly with the famous Place d’Armes architecture. This former bishop’s residence, nowadays houses a covered market. You can find here a large variety of traditional food made by local producers. You can buy here not only fruit, fish or meat but also you can taste local cheese, pâté, cakes, confitures and famous eau de vie – liquor made of mirabelles – the flagship product of Lorraine region. Lorraine is a realm of mirabelles. The festival of this little plum is organized here in August. The unique atmosphere of this market is created by the interior of this former palace and the stalls which are kept in an old – fashioned style. Additionally, there’s an outside market located just in front Marche Couvert. You can taste here local honey, freshly baked bread and delicious sweets. Marche Couvert is the quintessence of France where the way of presenting for example simple potatoes or tomatoes should deserve credit in famous Michelin guide and the art of haggling poses a great challenge to tourists who speak only in a language from the “worse” side of the English Channel. Our linguistic ignorance knows no bounds. Our strenuous efforts to communicate even in Molier’s language were ineffectual. The second famous shrine in Mets is Temple Neuf. It was built during the German rule, between 1901-1904. Then it was a military church. Many local residents were protesting against it, because it didn’t go together with the city architecture. However, Germans decided to make of this temple the symbol of their rule. Although the intentions weren’t honest and devout, the final effect is stunning. Perfect location certainly makes Temple Neuf exceptional. It’s located on the green, tiny islet decorated by numerous flowers. Its appearance surprises, as well. Grey stone contrasts strongly with pink and violet decorations, what is unusual for such buildings, especially those intended for the army. The most beutiful view is from three bridges: Pont des Roches, Pont Saint – Marcel and Moyen Pont. First two are decorated with flowers and make perfect background for the church and from the third one you can admire this temple from the other, interesting perspective. Temple Neuf adjoins to the oldest working opera in France. It’s located on the Place de la Comedie in the surroundings of the picturesque garden. During intensive sightseeing it’s Worth visiting Place St. Louis, where in the shade of colonnade you can sit in an atmospheric café. Not far from Place St. Louis is the Metz icon so called Gate of the Germans (Porte des Allemands), which is the part of fortifications built between 13th and 15th century. The gate is actually a one of the oldest such castles in France. ” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]

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Dublin – city in the green island, flowing black Guiness…

Gosia — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 02:14:18 +0000

Dublin like the whole Ireland, surprises by its diversity. There are certainly more Polish people than citizens speaking in native Gaelic language. In this city we can experience every possible atmospheric phenomena in one hour. Dublin isn’t only a city of economic wonders but it’s also the place where tradition merges with modernity. Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral are the oldest buildings in Dublin. But the most famous building is the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. The most surprising is the fact that St. Patrick who is mainly associated with dancing and beer didn’t like this alcohol and to make matters worse he wasn’t even Irish. He had been held captive in Ireland and after a short episode of escape he decided to come back to the green island where he spent the rest of his life on missionary work. The symbol of the Ireland is the clover which is connected with St. Patrick. He used this plant to explain local people what is the Trinity. It’s well worth seeing the Trinity College. It was established by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592. Among a lot of famous people who studied here, we can list: Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde. In the library you can find beautifully decorated manuscript – Book of Kells which was written in 800. There’s beautiful boulevard, close to the Trinity College, on the Liffey River. Here you can admire modern buildings with Samuel Beckett’s Bridge and Convention Center. There’s also the monument which was built in the memory of thousands casualties of the Great Hunger. It was caused by a mushroom strain which damaged potato crops – the main Irish staple. Between 1845 – 1849 the population of the Ireland decreased by 20% and resulted in great emigration mainly to the United States. The biggest monument is The Spire of Dublin, called also the Monument of Light, which is located at the O’Connell street in the city center. With the height of 120m it’s one of the biggest sculptures in the world. The Spire is the symbol of 21st century. It was built in the place of former monument – Nelson’s Pillar which was destroyed by IRA attack in 1966. Obligatory point is also Guinness Storehouse – the place of the production the most famous Irish alcohol. In this building we can learn about history of this beer which has been producing there for 250 years. In famous bar called “Gravity” which is located on the top of the factory, we can feel this history on our palates and admire Dublin panorama. Guinness factory is one of these places, which are worth visiting in Dublin. It’s not only the place of the beer production but also it is inseparable part of the history and identity of the city. This Brand became famous, not only in view of stout beer production, but also on the editorial ground. „Guinness Record Book”, has come a long way from the secondary book to widely recognized publication. Obviously Guinness tastes the best in a real Irish pub. During our trips I like observing people and their habits. These are elements which determine the uniqueness of the place, its culture and people who live there. Every visited country has had different so called “drinking culture”. Irish variation reflects people’s way of life which can be seen in their optimism and openness. In this so called “round system”, newly met pub friends buy each other beer. The popular Irish saying is derived from this tradition. It is said that: “it’s impossible for two men to go to a pub for a one drink” Pub crawling is widely practiced at St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street, with the most famous Temple Bar, located at the street of the same name. Also Irish cuisine deserves attention. Its main ingredient are potatoes which are prepared in various ways. Very popular dish is also “fish and chips”, which is served with vinegar. To my mind Guinness tastes the best with Irish stew. Ireland is famous for whiskey production. This 40% alcohol is made from: barley, wheat, oats and rye and in contrast to Scottish whisky it is distilled three times. Name whiskey is used solely in relation to alcohol produced in Ireland and USA. On the basis of whiskey, they produce another popular Irish alcohol – Baileys Irish Cream and Irish Coffe which consists of this alcohol, coffee and wiped cream. There’re a lot of “Dublins” in the Word, especially in Irish enclaves in United States and Australia. Nevertheless only one Dublin with its diversity, capricious weather and wonderful, outgoing people, is unique. ” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]

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