Last June 2017, I had a short layover in Milan before going back home to Bordeaux.
4 hours, to be exact.
Well, technically, it was 7 but I had to cut a few hours, with a one-hour bus ride back and forth to the airport and I had to be back at the airport an hour before my flight.
Weeks before I started my trip, I was already looking into how I can use that six hours to see Milan. Bearing in mind that I will be landing at a small town far away from the city, at the Bergamo Airport (Orio al Serio International Airport). I found a bus company that offers a round-trip bus ride from the airport to Milan Central Train Station. It takes two hours for the round trip, which left me only four hours to see Milan. I thought about leaving my bag at the train station and just walk around the city, have lunch somewhere, get my bag back and take the bus ride back to the airport.
When I arrived at the airport, I was thankful enough that it wasn’t big. It would’ve been so frustrating to get lost trying to get to the bus stop. I quickly went out the airport and saw a bunch of buses that will take you to Milan. I looked for the right bus and got on quickly since it was about to leave.
When I arrived at the central train station, I went directly to KiPoint and left my backpack. I bought an all-day pass metro ticket and went straight to Duomo di Milano. As I was marveling at this huge church, there was this stranger who walked up to me and asked if I wanted a photo taken. I declined politely because I can do it on my own. After I took some photos, just out of nowhere, he grabbed my hand and put a bunch of bird seeds and instantly, birds were flying into my hand, fighting over to get some food.
I tried taking a video actually, but I was still in shock at that moment. Then that same stranger took my phone, and thankfully, he didn’t run away with it and just took some awesome photos. He was about to put another batch of seeds, but I insistently declined and took my phone back. It was then after I had my phone back, he asked for money. I told him I didn’t have any change, and that I was sorry. He was cool with it, and he left me alone then. I quickly walked, not ran, away from him.
I walked closer to the Duomo and was in awe of the details of the façade of the church. I wanted to get inside the church, but I realized that I wouldn’t have enough time to see everything and would just end up wasting my money. Instead, I went inside the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. I was amazed at the paintings high up on the wall at the octagon and I even overheard a tour guide that said, that those four paintings represent the different parts of the world, but I couldn’t really tell which part. LOL.
I didn’t know what else to do or to see and mostly walked around the Galleria. I saw a Leonardo Da Vinci’s museum inside the Galleria and still, I didn’t go inside because I might not have enough time. At one point, I witnessed an Indian star (I don’t know who, but if anyone recognizes her, let me know! I want to see the full video), who was shooting a music video. I watched them for awhile then head out and looked for a restaurant for a quick lunch before I head back to the airport.
I will come back soon to this beautiful city and will make sure I get to see Leonardo Da Vinci’s, the Last Supper.
Wow, such a brave soul to be able to still find time ambling around knowing that you only have 6 hours to get back to the airport. While reading your post, especially on the stranger giving you a bird seeds, which I thought it goes the other way. Anyway, the church has a beautiful facade and the intricate design is truly stunning. You must be very happy to use your 6 hours ambling around Milan.
I was. 🙂 I’m glad I did it too.
Shucks! You are brave. I might’ve freaked out (or caused a scene)! lol. Good thing, you got cool photos and video. Looking at them made me feel nostalgic! I’ve been there several times and been planning to go back. Someday…
I want to go back and stay longer!
That bird feeding thing is a well known scam in Europe. Similar is the scam where someone will hand you over a rose or a friendship band like band – before you can realize – like a friendly gesture. And then next moment they will start asking for money
I’ve seen those in Paris!
The story with the stranger reminded me of this old man in Taiwan who insisted to take a photo for me and my friend. He was also insistent so I really thought he would ask us something in return, turns out he was just being a good samaritan. Glad that the guy didn’t push you or didn’t get aggressive when he couldn’t take money from you. I think this encounter would unnerve me, especially with all those birds eating on my hand (didn’t the pecking hurt you?).
So lucky of you to get to Milan, Italy is one of my dream countries of course.
I actually have a video of all the scratches the birds left. 😩
That must have been a scary moment for you with that stranger. Good thing that he was not persistent about the money. Though I must say he did capture a great picture :). Sorry couldn’t recognize the star for ya !
It was terrifying! But all is good. Lol
I think it happens a lot in Italy. Lots of scammers as they say. I don’t know if it’s true. Hey, how are you? Just got the chance to drop by.
I don’t know about that either. Lol. I’m doing good, thank you. How about you?