Milano Weekend. Day1

As my friend asked me, "Do you have someone in Milan, so you travel there so often?". Well, I do not have, so far. I am simply willing to come to this city again and again, because it is already very familiar to me and I can orientate myself there very easily, and moreover I always find something new and exciting for myself at this gorgeous place.

Before checking-in I had some time for early lunch. And luckily, close to my hotel, I have found a nice Mexican place with authentic food.

As usual, I am staying not far from the main railway station. The main reason is of course more affordable prices there.

At this time a new hotel for me, kind of a boutique hotel, without the reception. Nicely decorated rooms and common spaces. Needles to say, that this hotel also hosts some kind of art gallery.

I always start my big walking in the city from the Duomo area. It is still February, and it is quite chill outside, but it makes me walk faster to get warmed and burn more calories.

The new spot in Milan for me was the Triumph Arch, located behind the Parco Sempione. It is a 19th-century neoclassical monument, built to commemorate Napoleonic victories. Still, after Napoleon’s fall in 1815, the arch’s purpose shifted - from celebrating military victory to symbolizing peace following the Congress of Vienna.

Some chill time in the courtyard of the Sforzesco Castle. 

There are actually three courtyards in the Castello Sforzesco, and they are absolutely free to visit. The Piazza d’Armi is the large central area, once used for military drills. The Corte Ducale is more refined, with elegant arches, once reserved for the Duke’s residence. And the Rocchetta, the most fortified, used as a last line of defense.

Continue walking down the central streets of Milan. Its getting dark, and the illumination is turning on, which makes the city look magnificent.

I could not miss visiting the Starbucks Reserve and ordering the brewed coffee there.

And a slice of pizza (or maybe it is called focaccia) for the dessert in some street-food place.

Only 22417 steps at the end of the day, but I feel tired and quite satisfied. Tomorrow I will try to make the day even more exciting.

Marseille. Day4.

The last day in Marseille. Weather is not sunny, but at least no rain.

Another discovery in the city is the prominent church near the port, the Cathedrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure, commonly known as La Major.

Its design draws inspiration from Byzantine and Romanesque styles, featuring striking striped stone facades and expansive interiors capable of accommodating up to 3000 worshippers. The cathedral's strategic location near the port was intentional, allowing arriving ships to view this monumental structure as a symbol of Marseille's significance as a major port city.

Close to La Major, the 17th-century fortress Fort Saint-Jean is located. It offers panoramic views of the Old Port and the Mediterranean. And it is also connected to the MUCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations) by a picturesque footbridge.

Before departure I had the lunch at the same Armenian restaurant, where I started my first day in Marseille. It was delicious as before.

My conclusion is that I should return to Marseille not once, and preferably in Summer. I expect, there are so many new things in the city and around.