We have arrived in Milan

 We have made it back to Italy - this time we are starting in Milan. 

However - *record scratch sound here* Shannon got pulled for extra security and wasn’t happy one bit!

 

We did not enjoy Premium Economy seats for the flight from JFK to Milan.  We both chose different rows so we would each have window seats.  

Shannon did not make friends with her seat mate - as she spilled water all over him and his computer bag.  Thankfully the computer wasn’t in the bag!  Missy’s seat mate was rocking bold fuchsia pants - he was very kind and funny.

Once we got to Milan and were going through Immigration etc Shannon continued what she started in Kansas and had to go through the ‘special’ line along with tons of other folks - It did take a while and she rewarded herself with a coffee -  more like a shot of coffee - she ordered wrong 

 

We took the train - Malpensa Express from the airport to the city, then got a taxi to bring us to hotel. 

This hotel is rather unique - it is part of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuel II - which is a shopping arcade that was built in the 1850’s.  The hotel is quite artsy and we did score an upgrade to a room with a small patio 

I’ll get more pictures of this shopping area tomorrow.  Also - the Milan Cathedral is right behind me as I took this picture.

It takes a while to get to our room, a lot of turns, a few steps, a hallway filled with Black Light art.

We went out and explored the shopping - all luxury brands - Chanel, Tiffany, etc.  We ended up getting gelato - 

Tomorrow we are seeing The Last Supper - we are both very excited about that!

Off on another trip!

 Good morning

Shan and I are off on another adventure - sitting at the airport awaiting our first flight.

Where are we going???

Starting in Italy - Milan, Verona, Venice, bologna, Florence, then boarding a cruise with stops in Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, and Turkey.  Once we disembark the cruise we will be in Istanbul for a few days before heading home.

We have a long day of flying but it’s well worth it!

More to come from the very fashionable Milan

Back in Japan for a Couple Days

 Hello all from Narita Tobu Airport Hotel! 

Our flight back home on Thursday was cancelled and rescheduled for Saturday.  So here we are in an airport hotel with a ton of other people and various airline flight crew.  (Seems to be the go-to hotel for the airport)

But back to the beginning - 

• we saw the flight change - 
• then the time changed for the flight 3 times in a couple of hours.  
• When we checked in at Changi Airport in Singapore - they didn’t show any cancellation for that leg of the flight.  Weird right? 

By the time we got to the gate - they were calling our names to make sure we knew the flight had been cancelled and rescheduled- so nice of them 

Back to this amazing airport.  Again it’s just stunning.  It’s also luxurious- as in couches in the gate area, lounging areas with what could be pool chairs (poor description) plants.  It was no where near as ratty like some of the US airports.  I failed you all in not taking any pictures.  Sorry!

Once we landed in Japan, the American Airline staff were great.  We did receive hotel and food vouchers.  Easy peasy - no fight or discussion - just yes - let me get that taken care of for you.

So during all of this Shan and I were looking for other flights back to Kansas and Florida. Why?  We booked that segment separate from the flight to Japan.  Why?  Missy couldn’t get a flight from Florida at a reasonable hour to make it to Dallas in time for the afternoon flight to Japan.  So we just booked Florida/Kansas to Dallas on a separate ticket and spent the night in Dallas prior to Japan flight. 

So with the international part of the flight being rescheduled - we had to reschedule this separate flight.  So now Shan gets in at a reasonable hour in Kansas, while Missy arrives in Florida after midnight.  YUCK!

We are planning on visiting the Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple today since it is nearby. 

 

Botanic Gardens

 Beware - there will be about 8 million photos posted of the 210 million photos we took!

Before that - just in case no one goes to the end of flowerama - we had a late lunch at Chatterbox - Asian inspired food.  

I had the Beef Hor Fun

Shan had the Mandrian Chicken Rice - which is a world famous hainanese dish.

For dinner - we went to one of the nearby “malls” to grab something sweet.  By the by - these ‘malls’ have Gucci, Tom Ford, Rolex, Burberry, with a ‘food court’ on the lower level.  Anyway - we saw these guys making and filling dumplings. 

Also Shannon played the ‘big sister’ card in the gift shop.  I saw some cutting boards - really nice wood and size - she sauntered up to me and said…”If you buy that I’m telling Tiffany on you”. Really funny moment!  😂

The Botanic Gardens are huge - over 100 acres.  We initially started in the very special Orchid Garden.  Which as it happens - is also where we finished our time.  That damn “Sweat” Gene got us good.  I hate it!  Especially when you see others in cute outfits - not sweating - or men in a sport coat - not sweating.  I curse you all!

Anywho there were tons of beautiful orchids - you will see our very honed photography skills - Sam - Shan’s friend who IS a professional photographer should find the humor in us calling ourselves professional photographers -

Here goes - 

This rooster was greeting everyone.  

On our way out we saw 2 of these - Monitor Lizards.  

This palm tree was huge - we couldn’t wrap both hands around the frond stalk. 

Look how tall these orchids are - at least 7-8 feet tall.  They are supported by rebar.