Milano

Racing through downtown Milano on our bikes, we immediately knew that riding in Italy would be different and the cars had the right to the road.

We took advantage of the city though and visited the Duomo cathedral which dominated the city center with extraordinary Catholic wealth rising high above us in spires and statues bright white in the clear sun. The interior was equally impressive with colorful scenes and immense spaces.

Another highlight included a visit to the WeeGee exhibit we saw in a very unusual very old building. Lots of photos placed on black walls inside a domed wall painted in a second story open space.

Despite our anticipation, the fashion capital held none of the glamour we expected to see walking around us. Cruising the streets, everyone looked European but not exceptional and I even felt remotely appropriately dressed!

Fortunately, every night Nadia took care of us and helped us to order ourselves and push forward with the biking portion of the journey. Amazingly, one of the most memorable parts of our stay were the relentless mosquitoes! A surprise for an urban location but they were present and ate us alive all night. More info later but needless to say, we covered 325 km in 3 days riding afterward to reach Venice. And what a city. Lots more later.