Girls Day Out!: Milan

What do you get when you have 3 girls (and baby) on a train to Milan?!?!? Trouble?... Maybe.. but you also get an adventure you'll never forget.   During Dulce's first day in Torino, we decided to go to Milano the next day.  Since Jill wasn't going to be working, she came along too!  I must say, it was an adventure and we LOVED every minute of it!

Most of this post will just be photos.. except for one story that must be told..

smiling faces at Porta Susa Train station in Torino

V was hungry so I fed her....then the ticket guy came by and kicked us out of 1st class.  Our tickets were for 2nd class and we didn't really bother to look at the compartments before finding our seats.

Despite being shunned to 2nd class.. we were still in good spirits!!

Once we got there, the fun began!

by telling Dulce to go stand in the fountain.. and she did!!

and making sure V was covered and kept cool since it was a very hot day.

Walking through Castello Sforzesco

and making sure we get plenty of photos..

Dulce praying that she's not jinxed by taking a picture of this..

(which read... You could be next!!)

Walking through the Galleria is a MUST!

No trip to Milan is complete until you stroll by all of the posh stores and window shop!

I especially love D&G arm floaties!!

V& me @ D&G

Valentina at Valentino!

(this is where the fun begins!!)

Look at V's face!!!  I didn't notice it when I took the picture but afterwards, as we were walking I realized she had pooped and needed a diaper change.  I mentioned that I needed a bathroom or a bench to change her.  As we walked, we found a bench but by the time we crossed the street it was taken.  So, as I tried to figure out where to change her, Dulce suggested we go here...

Yes.... that's right.. I changed my daughter's poopy diaper at Armani!  We walked in and looked for an elevator and for the bathroom but couldn't locate one easily.  So, I asked one of the 'security' men for the elevator.  He asked if I wanted to leave and I said I wanted to go to the 1st floor.  He asked me to follow him and we did.  Then he walked us to the other side of the floor (which was like 5 steps) and said, "down there, to the left".  As we walked past the elevator there was another guy waiting for us with is arm stretch out.  When we reached him all he said was, "prego".  We walked through the back of the store, he held the door open and then pushed the elevator call button.  When the doors opened he said, "prego" again and then pushed the button to go to the 1st floor.  At this time, Dulce, Jill & I are just looking at each other wondering why they just couldn't tell us where the elevator was.

When the doors opened, there was ANOTHER guy who then said, "prego" as we exited the elevator.  We could here on their headsets that there were talking to each other about us because we heard, "have they arrived?" "Yes, confirmed, they arrived."

SERIOUSLY?!?!  All that fuss for use to use the elevator.  As we walked onto the floor we passed the bathroom. I went in and told Dulce and Jill I'd meet them.  I tried to change the baby as fast as I could but I guess I wasn't fast enough, because in the mean time, Jill & Dulce were getting looks by the security people because they were wandering around picking up the same shirt 5 times... just waiting for me!  When I came out, they were ready to leave but I didn't want to seem like one of those people who just go into a store for the bathroom (even though I was) so, I walked around a bit just to seem like I was interested too.  We were ready to go but we wondered if we needed permission to use the elevator so, Jill asked the guy and he then ran in front of Dulce to open the door for us and then ran again to get the elevator.  Once it opened, he started with the "prego" again.  This time Jill pushed the button to get to the ground floor and this guy.. pokes his head into the elevator to make sure we pushed the right button.

Uh... there were only 2 buttons.. 1st floor and ground floor. Where else were we supposed to go?!?!  So, when we arrived on the ground floor... there was the guy from earlier.. and his "prego".  Once again, we heard, "blah blah blah.. ground floor."  "Yes.. confirmed, they arrived"  By this time, we just wanted to get out of there. So, instead of leaving through the main entrance, we left through another door.  We couldn't tell if we were treated like VIP's or criminals!

While I was in the bathroom with V, Jill took a picture (similar to this one) and they got scolded and told they couldn't take pictures inside of Armani!

By the end of the trip we were just so exhausted... not even V could manage to smile for the camera.

I think this picture pretty much says it all...

Have you seen.....

this....

I love it when people introduce me to new things... so much that I want to share them with everyone.  So, for today I give you... Mila's Daydreams.  Seriously, this mom is way too creative for me.. and has got lots of time on her hands.  I do, however, love the concept.  Imagining what your baby is dreaming about and then creating it.... too cute for words!!  As I mentioned to my friend Tiffany (who posted this site on her Facebook), this would never work with V.... as she doesn't sleep unless I'm cuddling her.  Maybe one day... I'll finally use photoshop (since I have it) and I can do something similar.

Mila's Daydreams

Vele d'Epoca di Imperia

This past weekend (9/11-9/12), we took a trip to Imperia.  Located on the Ligurian Sea, Imperia is the perfect weekend getaway.  It's easily accessible with a train and depending on your needs, there are several schedules to suite you.  We took the 7:30am train which take the "northern route" through France.

Our trip was for Vele d'Epoca.  Every 2 years, the city holds a Regata.  It's kind of a big deal as TONS of people turn out every year.  Carlo had gone back in 2004 and really enjoyed it.  He had been looking forward to it and we luckily were able to find a hotel at the last minute.

So, arriving was a cinch since there are 2 train stations depending on where your hotel is located and it walking distance to anywhere you want to go.  Once we settled into our hotel and freshened up, we took a walk into town to check out the action.  I found it to be very relaxing and peaceful. I didn't think much of it until I walk up some small stairs near the pier and saw this.....

I immediately fell in love with Imperia.

then I turned around and saw this....

and this...

As we walked, we saw so many boats and yachts all from different parts of the world.  There were flags from several countries along the boardwalk.  Since we were there on the anniversary of 9/11, I wanted to pay my respects by posing with Valentina in front of the American Flag.

And because we are in Italy, we did the same with the Italian flag.

We continued to walk and admire the boats that we'll never have..

and watched the town light up the sea below..

By the time we were ready for dinner, it was 9pm and all of the restaurants we went to were full.  We finally just waited at one until they could seat us.  The wait for a table was only 30 minutes but by the time we actually ordered and got our food it was 10pm.

Since we were in Liguria, we had to definitely have some Focaccia!

and because you can't go to the sea and NOT have seafood...

This was seriously.. the best seafood dish I've ever had!  I always thought I hated Mussels and Clams but to be honest.. I had never tried them until now.. and holy moly are they freakin' yummy!!  I especially enjoyed the fact that the owner brought out a live lobster to show me what an 'Astice' was. 

(Since Carlo blanked out and couldn't remember what it was called in English)  

Because we ate so late, we missed the 11pm fireworks (because we were still eating) and by midnight we were done.  The only thing that could have made this night better was if the restaurant actually served coffee.  Yup... NO COFFEE for Carlo!.. I asked him if he was absolutely sure we were still in Italy!!

 We had a great time and will definitely go back before the next Regata.

Vele d'Epoca di Imperia

click here for site

La Mole Antonelliana

I've posted pictures of The Mole before but now, I thought it was necessary to do her justice and write an actual post about it.  This is my most FAVORITE place to take visitors.  I simply love the style of the building.... from the architecture, to the inside decor, it's absolutely beautiful.  When we're not in a hurry, I love to take people inside to tour as much as we can.  Luckily with Dulce, she wanted to go to a museum SO... I took her here.  The Mole is home to the National Museum of Cinema.  This museum not only pays homage to cinema but also to early technology in film making in the permanent collection.

Let me warn you now... there are TONS of pictures!! 

As you enter into the museum, you walk into a huge room with different types of displays.  The first are several interactive mirrors, lens and optical illusions for you to have fun with.  It's the introduction the entire collection and sets the mood just right; showing you exactly how the human eye sees light and picture.  As you make your way through, you come to several more cases and displays of early forms of cinemas. From stills to silent moving pictures, you're given a quick history lesson into the art of the cinema.  There are so many rooms and and displays that it's hard to keep track of what you've seen so, make sure you pay attention.

       

Making your way through the different rooms, you will pass by SEVERAL glass cases filled with cameras. Mostly old but definitely very cool!

Once you've finish the introduction, you're then taken to an elevator where you will begin another part of the museum.  This part of the permanent collection is dedicated to the artistic, technical, & business side of the cinemas.  As you exit the elevator you'll see yourself on a huge screen (see right).  You're now famous!!  Photography is allowed at the museum (obviously) but be careful with your flash.  Using it too closely to a security camera will cause the alarm to trigger and it will be quite annoying.  (trust me...  I know!!!!)  This is probably one of my favorite parts of the museum.  Although it's not as interactive as the first part, it still very much exciting and entertaining.  From original contracts to wardrobe, this floor has a little bit of  quirkyness (is that even a word).... and I love it! 

How could you not love a giant stool with giant shoes?!?!

or.. the opportunity to pose next to hundreds of movie stars!

You can also browse the many movie posters and maybe even purchase one at the gift shop.

The exhibition at the time of our visit was titled: Rebels: Marlon Brando & Anthony Quinn.  To view, you enter into the main section of the Mole. Winding around the perimeter of the building, you follow along the path as you encounter photos, video, & movies.  As you do, you can't help but look all around you. Up, down, across... everywhere you look there's more and more to take it.  That's why at this point, it would be a good 2 hours since you entered and you've barely scratched the surface.  (Good thing they have a caffe in the museum... you'll need it)

photos along the museum wall

One of my favorite parts is the Green Screen.  At first people think they are just looking at themselves on the screen with a movie.  What they don't know is that it is broadcasts on another screen.. usually with another movie segment.  Example: 

Dulce is posing with shot from The Matrix

Not knowing that a few minutes later, she's in scene from another movie

As you make your way back down the ramp, you spot your next destination... the bottom floor... with lounge chairs!! (yes.... it's time to rest!... maybe!)

Once you get to the bottom floor, there's a lot more to see and do!  Everywhere you go, there's a room with a different theme and movie clips playing.  You can easily sit, rest and be entertained at the same time.  We've literally taken hundreds of photos so, I've only chosen a few to give you an idea how much fun this place is!

You can walk inside a huge fridge...

and have a seat on a toilet

and your friends can join you too!!

Glow in the dark

and work on some scientific equations at the same time!

 & Play bartender at 'Caffe Torino'

Scope out your favorite movie poster! (Grease is STILL the word!!)

After all of that.... take a break and lay in one of the many lounge chairs that are waiting for you.  These chairs have speakers in the headrests so, you'll be able to hear the music on what's playing on the screens.

There are 2 giant screens, each one showing different clips.

As you sit and rest, make sure you look directly up... that's your next stop!

The ticket for the Panoramic view can be purchased alone or along with the Museum ticket (which I recommend).  Your taken to the scenic balcony by a glass elevator and you're able to see the entire museum as you go up.

Unfortunately, I have yet to capture the Alps when I go to the Mole.. but one day I will. Regardless, the view is still worth it!

Even Valentina has already seen the city from The Mole!

La Mole Antonelliana

Museo Nazionale del Cinema

click here for website