End of Berlin & Start of Italy

Berlin now seems to be a distant memory.  We had a great time there, and hopefully we'll get the opportunity to go back at some stage.

Yes Corry, that's what a palace looks like!

For the last few days, we decided we should get out and have a look around the city, so took the opportunity to head down to Potsdam.  About an hour's train ride out of Berlin, this is a great day trip if you feel like getting out of the hustle and bustle of the main city.

Potsdam is sort of like the Palace Capital of the region.  The Sanssouci Palace and gardens are absolutely magnificent.  On top of this, the architect designed a reservoir for the palace in the style of ancient Roman Ruins, absolutely fascinating.  From the top of the ruins you can see all the way to Berlin.

Yesterday, we packed up our bags and said goodbye to our cute little apartment in West Berlin, and flew to Milan, arriving late at night.  Another day, another country!  Even better, no customs, no passport check, picked up bag and was in Italy!  These Europeans have their heads screwed on right, it's easier to fly between countries over here than it is to fly between Auckland and Wellington.

Our cute li'l Berlin apartment

Still, it feels completely different.  The language is much more flowing, people seem more relaxed (yet crazy - our taxi ride to the hotel bordered on terrifying), and there's generally a more full-on attitude.

Today we've spent hitting Milan's high lights - the Sforza Castle (feeling very The Borgias right now) had a Milan Fashion event right in the middle of it!  Still very impressive.  Then through the side streets, passing by the Pinacoteca di Brera, and the Scala Opera House.

Finally onto the Gallery Vittoria and the Duomo.  These are both absolutely stunning structures - the Gallery is full of beautiful shops and restaurants (well out of our price range!), and the frescoes and architecture are both astounding on their own merits.  The Duomo towers above its surroundings and is simply stunning.  Well worth the look around inside.

Large pointy building...

 Well, that's about it for the last few days.  We have one full day left in Milan, and then we're off to Venice.  Should be fun!