Justin's Journey

Since there was a mixed up for my lodging, I had to book a night in Milan, instead of staying in Piacenza. Thanks Cristina for helping me get online in Piacenza, provided by the city. It’s very convenient. I then walked around the city, checked out a couple of church, browsed the farmer’s market, and played at Cristina’s Monkey Gym. It’s a nice city. Cristina has a beautiful place for teaching pilate and gyrotonic. Tall and beautiful ceiling, big windows, and wide space. I am really impressed how she built the studio and provide the service to her clients with care. Oh, I also learned that it’s “probably” not a good idea to hang up side down after lunch… 🙂 I said good-bye to Cristina (and really appreciated her hospitality) and headed to Milan by train. It was a hot humid day. The the directions/signs at the central station was not clear. It’s a big city and not as clean/neat as other places that I have been to in Europe. I managed to find my hotel in Milan, and went to the Teatro Alla Scala for Monteverdi’s opera: Il ritorno di Ulisse in patria. I walked by the cathedral and the gallery, and reached the opera house. The process of getting the ticket was a bit hectic. The seat was not that good, considering the price that I paid. Although I know Monteverdi’s opera is not necessary the most exciting one, the production was very simple and slow. The music and the singing were great, but lots of VERY slow movements on the stage with symbolic staging. I was bored after the first act. The hall was beautiful and the music with period instruments was nice. Maybe I was tired. I headed back after the first act without feeling guilty. Especially, another couple who sat in the same box also decided to leave. I didn’t get or like Milan too much so far. I will explore the city more tomorrow, and maybe I will find the charm of the city.