FunderfulWorld

Our after-school routine has stayed pretty much the same for about a year now.

I pick up my 4-year old son from school, we take the metro and get off at one of the major train stations of Milan. After a session of reading maps, watching trains, listening to announcements and discussing the information on the displays, we head homeward. An enjoyable stroll. We peer into shop windows, read restaurant menus, grab a coffee and juice sometimes, greet friendly folks with a ‘Ciao’.

During conversations with friends in Italy (over a cup of cappuccino, of course :)), a popular topic of discussion is the charming cities of this country. And one town that many folks have fallen in love with, is Lucca. Reason enough to plan a getaway to the Tuscan town.

In the regional train from Florence to Lucca, we rarely took our eyes off the windows during our journey though the picturesque Tuscan countryside. The first signs of spring were already visible – bright yellow flowers peeking out from verdant gentle slopes, hidden birds whistling melodies from the branches of a tall tree, a brook of clear water gurgling on its way through a field… and passengers having loud animated discussions about how they would spend the day in Lucca.

Spotting the contrade while walking in the streets of the historic center of Siena was a fun way to explore the Tuscan city.

But, of course, we had “bigger” sights to discover. And as always, there was something in it for each of us.

A weekend in the medieval Tuscan city of Siena. A city well-known for the Palio horse race in the Piazza del Campo, brought to the big screen by the Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.

We walked the narrow streets of the well-preserved historic center (another UNESCO World Heritage Site! :)), in search of signs of the 17 contrade (neighborhoods or wards) of Siena that fiercely contest the Palio.

Just outside the Cadorna station in Milan, is a beautiful, unique two-part sculpture – Ago, Filo e Nodo i.e. Needle, Thread and Knot. It was one of the first “attractions” of Milan that I paid a visit to. Little did I know that I would soon pass by it at least a couple of times a week.

Our morning promenade of discovery in Luxembourg had been remarkable, and we were eager to resume the journey.

It was time for a stroll in the gorgeous Vallée de la Pétrusse. As we descended from the vantage viewpoints overlooking the valley, we passed Rue St. Ulric and then, Rue St. Quirin. The verdant valley gave us an entirely different perspective of the city. The walls of the ancient fortifications rose on either side. The various shades of green glistened in the sunshine. Families walked by (enjoying the weekend break). Kids shouted in glee while riding the miniature train. We ambled along the path, settled down on a bench to watch the world go by, and then, walked some more. The Vallée de la Pétrusse was a beautiful green world.

The war memorial, the Monumento ai Caduti, also known as Tempio della Vittoria, is situated a short walk away from the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio. This beautiful monument was closed to the public when I visited. I managed to take some pictures from outside.

In memory and honor of the brave souls.

Paris? No! 🙂

The Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace) at Piazza Sempione (Parco Sempione) on a gorgeous spring day in Milan.

Wishing you peace and triumph in your personal goals! 🙂

I’ve always loved walking around a city or town to explore it. Sometimes with a destination in mind, sometimes without. Sometimes in a happy mood, sometimes in a sad one. Sometimes brimming with energy, sometimes a bit tired. Sometimes in sunny weather, sometimes in the rain. Sometimes for an hour, sometimes for hours. And every little journey brings with it a little souvenir – of people, of places, of conversations, of discovery.

On a bright sunny morning, we began a day-long promenade of discovery in the city referred to as the “Gibraltar of the North”, owing to its strategic fortifications (which are now a UNESCO World Heritage site).

Armed with walking maps from the Tourist Office at Place Guillaume II, we were all set to explore the city of Luxembourg.

In the midst of this city known for its high GDP per capita, lies an ancient quarter waiting to narrate its tale: of tumultuous history, of fierce battles, of foreign occupation, of patriotism, of dreamy castles and strong fortifications.