DAY 134

Tuesday 22 November 2011

The breakfast spread

Waking up to a gorgeous breakfast spread put out by Paola and Paolo, we were brought all the way up to cloud nine when we realized we could each take a BATH. Don't worry, we've taken plenty of showers this trip, but Dian especially had been missing her baths, and we knew we were in the lap of luxury when this became an option.

Paolo's favorite church in Milan

Coming by Metro into town, we visited what is in Paolo's opinion the most beautiful church in Milan, architecturally. True, it did not have the same glitz and glam as most world-famous churches do, but it became clearer as Paolo explained the architecture and its origins how special it is.

We'll miss this sight

Because we wanted to get a start on driving to Montpellier earlier than later, we began walking back to the Metro station when Dian stopped in front of an old tailor's shop. He was the only one in there, and was surrounded by antique irons and thimbles, not to mention racks and racks of clothes he had made. We all squeezed in to have a look around, and the man was very nice and, as we learned, was a big fashion figure in the 70s, and even did work in Japan for years. He is famous for creating a sport coat out of only one piece of material, minus the attachment of the sleeves and exterior pockets.

We wished him luck, and stopped quickly in a music store, where Nicole was sad to see no new Kasabian album, but Paolo found a CD he liked, and Charles decided to treat him! With that we left for the station.

Getting on the Metro, Paolo's phone rang. After a bit of talking, he said it was Paola, wondering whether we wanted noodles or meat for lunch. We did not even think we would be getting another fabulous meal, but after looking at each other wide-eyed, Charles meekly said, "Meat please?"

Of course the STEAK meal did not disappoint, and we were left rolling from the table again. As another parting gift, the couple gave us three bracelets, a necklace and a mini good luck elephant for the van, not to mention a bundle of food for the road! With this we said goodbye to Paola, and Paolo walked us to our car. With the confidence of a new great friendship having been made, we didn't say goodbye, just "see you later."

Drove for a ways, then stopped for the night in a rest stop.

View from Paola and Paolo's