June 10, 2025, A Stroll with Dino

On June 10, 2025 we were greeted by Dino, one of the Milan Greeters who met us in the morning. He was delighted to introduce us to his city. Greeters are an international association that, when possible, provide local individuals to meet and greet tourists and show them around. This service is entirely gratuitous. It is just something local folks do to show, with pride, their city. We have used them in a number of locations and have been delighted each and every time. Dino was one of the best.

He met us at our hotel and before we knew it we were on our way. One of our first stops was to take in a view of “the finger.“ It is a sculpture that faces the financial heart of Milan, the stock exchange, and is apparently intended to send a message.

We told Dino we would be visiting the Borromeo Islands in Lake Maggiore. So, since we were only a brief stroll from the “Finger” to where the Borromeo family resides in the city, he took us to their residence for a visit. Located in Piazza Borromeo, it is the red brick building at the end of the street.

According to Dino, most homes in Milan, especially in the past, were painted in a yellow color. The house on the right is in the traditional color.

An interesting wall with arched windows which we saw near the Piazza Borromeo.

Milan at work.

As we strolled around the city was alive and vibrant, people everywhere going who knows where; for a cup of coffee or a business meeting. Blue suits on the men seemed the uniform of the day, every day, day after day. And, JoAnn mentioned that, unlike other big cities, Milan is clean, no trash on the streets and very little graffiti. But, trust me, I can find graffiti when I set my mind to it. In this case though, I couldn’t find much. Have a look. Believe it or not, I find graffiti interesting and in many cases another form of art (but not in this case).

Then we were off to the Ca Granda. Originally a hospital, it now is part of the University of Milan, a major university in Europe. When the hospital was constructed in 1456 it could accommodate over 1000 people at any one time and was extremely progressive. Here are a couple of photos of the school.

How you feel when you did not do well on your last exam.

Note the Torre Velasca in the background. According to Dino, it’s the only thing visible from the courtyard.

A change of pace. A small side street.

Then over to the fashion district for a glimpse of luxury. Here are a couple of photos taken as we ambled along. Let’s start with a pair of 1,500 (or more, I’m not sure) Euro shoes with butterflies on the straps. Next is a display window I liked. Sorry about the reflections in the window.

This is the Grande Disco by Arnoldo Pomodoro and is located in Piazza Meda.

A couple of representative buildings in the same area.

The inner courtyards are absolutely gorgeous. Here are just two.

Another small street.

The we headed over to the area of the Pinacoteca di Brera where we had lunch and then visited the Pinacoteca.

The most famous work of art there is “The Kiss” by Francesco Hayez and represents the spirit of the Italian fight for independence. Notice the man’s foot on the step as if he is about to take his leave. It is truly a passionate piece.

To be clear, Hayez did three versions of The Kiss. Another version hangs in the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana. It is a water color and was painted as the second version of the scene. The above is the third painting and the most famous.

Art restoration is a true art.

And, one more before we leave the Pinacoteca. It is a Venice canal scene.

A photo of Dino, JoAnn and me. He is a very likable person and very interesting. Thanks Dino for an interesting and insightful morning.

Eventually JoAnn and I made our way back to the Spadari al Duomo and enjoyed an aperativo in the little lounge. The lounge is really delightful.

Two more pictures of the lounge.

Tomorrow we find our way to Stresa on Lake Maggiore.