MERCATO CENTRALE, MILAN
After enjoying Chieri as our home base for a couple of weeks it was time to venture out on our own to see where else out travels would take us. Our first stop was a scheduled lay over in the Milan Train station so we could have lunch at one of the most amazing food courts we have ever been to. Calling it a food court is unfair as that would lump it in with all the mall food courts which this place is NOT. Located underneath the trains on the West side of the station ( turn right as you exit ) there is a series of food vendors similar to Granville Island. Each one has a unique offering with a banner above with a picture of the proprietor next to the name. I didnt notice at first but in most of the places the guy in the pictures was the guy standing there offering you a sample of what ever goods they were selling. Once seated at one of the many small areas mixed amongst the stalls a waiter comes around and offers what ever drinks you want. Your choice an espresso, beer or a bottle of presecco with champaign flutes - in the basement of a train station.
BERGAMO ALTA
Our next stop was the oldest city in the region Bergamo Alta. A walled city high above the valley accessible by fanicular.