Dolci (Sweets)

This bakery had the best cream puffs. I tried both the sugar dusted and chocolate cream puffs (first row bottom shelf). But the cannolis filled with cream (top right on bottom shelf) were even better. Mmmmm...

Fall Colors

Fall colors in the mountains north of Milan.

I finally put my hiking boots to use.

Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna

Ferrara, is another beautiful city surrounded by a medieval brick wall.

There are lots of pedestrian-only walkways in Ferarra. On a Sunday morning, this piazza is a busy marketplace. In the city center is the huge 14th century Castello Estense, which is completely surrounded by water.

The castle is extremely well preserved. Inside, I was lucky enough to catch a costumed reproduction of... I'm not sure what... but the loud drums and the flying flags were entertaining.

Agriturismo Le Pradine

An agriturismo is basically a working farm that rents out several rooms to tourists. This place outside the town of Ferrara in the Emilia-Romagna region is just breathtaking.

Rows of vines, heavy with grapes... And leaves falling in beautiful autumn colors...

Mantova, Lombardia

Piazza Sordello in the historical center of Mantova.

And look, half the town gathers round to catch a wedding in progress. The bride is being accompanied into the church by her father. Most of the guests are already in the church, so most everyone outside are just curious bystanders.

Sardegna Flavors

Piovra con patate (octopus with potatoes) and dadolata di tonno fresco (diced raw tuna). Amazing appetizers at Baia Chia, a Sardinian restaurant.

Shopping in Milan

The Milanesi love their shopping. And they bring their dogs! I took this at the Benetton store nearby.

And they take window shopping seriously. People actually come to a complete stop in front of store windows and STUDY the displays. Wow.

Multi-colored sneakers are very a la mode!!!

And when you get tired... you can stop for some sweets at this bakery on the corner of Via Pagano and Corso Vercelli. Yum!

Cibo dalla Puglia (Food of Puglia)

Burrata... this interesting looking package is creamy, melted mozarella wrapped in regular fresh mozarella and tied with a string! This is from the region of Puglia, the heel of Italy.

And for dinner one night, I had orecchiette con cime di rapa (with turnip tops). The turnip tops are a seasonal specialty, available only in the fall and winter. Orecchiette con cime di rapa is considered the 'royal' dish of Puglia. Tastes great!

Lago di Como

Bellagio... the real deal! Not quite like the Las Vegas version.








.... and on the other side of the lake... Varenna!
It's really pretty, and much less touristy than Bellagio.

L' appartamento

Living room









Dining/family room

My Apartment in Milan

I'm settled in at my new home for the next 2 months. It is a 1 bedroom apartment in a really old building, in downtown Milan near the shopping area of Corso Vercelli. I found out later that Da Vinci's famous Last Supper is only a short walk from here.
Here is the front door to my apartment building. The two windows on the far right on the ground floor are mine. Check out the Smart Car parked out front.

Our Shophouse

I've been meaning to post this but the dial up internet connection at home was just too slow. Dad owns one half the minimarket, and his good friend Uncle K. owns the other half.


The other shophouse we bought this year is nearby. Here is the view from the 1st floor. The ground floor is rented out to a car accesories store, and the top floor to a maid agency.