I visited Milan back in the Spring of 2006. Much of it was a blur as I slept through most of the first three days with jet lag. There was one night that I clearly remember…. but that adventure and others like it will be included in my upcoming book of that unforgettable trip!

We arrived in Milan around 5’sh in the afternoon to drop off the rental car. Surprisingly enough, returning the car was fairly easy and fast. We literally pulled over in front of the office, the rep came out, looked the car over and asked for the keys and that was it.

The Glam Hotel was less than 10 minutes walking distance from the drop off. I picked the location because it was just across from Central Station where we’d be catching a bus the following afternoon. Once we arrived, check-in was easy and the hotel was everything as advertised. Colorful, modern, eclectic and sophisticated with all the perks. The staff were professional, friendly and accommodating. Our room, spacious and comfortable with a wide angle view of Central Station and the surrounding area (photo from the window pictured above).

The next morning we had a scrumptious buffet breakfast in the hotels restaurant. Then it was time to pack up and check out. We had the hotel hold our luggage then headed out for a long walk to find the magnificent nineteenth-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

The galleria is Italy’s oldest shopping mall. It was designed in 1861 by Architect Giuseppe Mengoni and built between 1865 and 1877. The Galleria was named after Vittorio Emanuele who was the first king of the Kingdom of Italy.

As we entered the beautifully designed galleria I couldn’t believe my eyes. Upscale shops such as Prada, Versace, high class restaurants and a glass canopy that stretched as far as the eye could see (photos shown below).

It has been said that the galleria inspired the Eiffel Tower and London’s Crystal Palace. Just outside the galleria we came upon the Duomo Cathedral nestled in the heart of the city. I was mesmerized not only by the countless intricately carved statues and spires but also the sheer vastness of the building.

It started to drizzle as we headed down one of the 4 thoroughfares to visit the world famous upscale shopping district they call Quadrilatero della Moda. The area is a maze of crisscrossed streets showcasing visually stunning window displays of boutiques and showrooms.

For a fashionista visual display artist like me, I was in heaven! It completely changed my current design process. I realized I was being too “safe”.

I was on sensory overload! I do regret not getting more photos of the shops, but thankfully managed to get a photo of one in particular that resonated with me ( last photo). These boutiques were designed to create a shopping experience. Which is why I created Bella Nicci Studio. Maybe it is also why I enjoy working in the Architectural Industry.

Wishing I could stay longer, I made a pact with myself to one day return, solely to explore fashion.

Time had passed all too quickly….. Arrivederci!

Next stop………..Zaragoza, Spain.