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    Okay, Italy then

    Right, I've done it - I've booked a flight in and out of Milan for about tuppence - no doubt I'll find out I'm expected to serve drinks on the flights there and back, or at least hold my right arm out of the window and flap. But basically, I'm flying into Milan on June 1, flying back the following Sunday. I want to look in at Bergamo I'm intending to venture down to Rome as well, even though it's a bit of a trek. So far, that's the plan. Any Italian OTFers around that week? Ursus? Spangly, Liq?

    #2
    Okay, Italy then

    I expect to be around (though there is a small chance I may have to go to Kyiv) and would be honoured to buy you lunch (seriously).

    Milan and Rome are doable in a week; though as we've all said before one can easily spend a lifetime in Rome and not see everything worth seeing (this is not true of Milan). Florence is on the main line between the two, but I would be wary of adding it on lest you suffer from culture fatigue (though if you've never been there . . .).

    Bergamo is one of my two favourite daytrips from here (the other being one of the Lakes).

    Are you flying into Orio al Serio, Malpensa or Linate? If the former, it may make sense to go to Bergamo first, as it is 15 minutes away.

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      #3
      Okay, Italy then

      What Ursus said about Florence. Trip in itself.

      I know I always say this, but watch the episodes of Civilisation called "The Artist As Hero" and "Grandeur And Obedience". It's (superior) Grand Tour history, as you know, but a lot to be said for it as you'll be a tourist.

      Get up very early one day and do the walk over the bridge to the Castello San Angello, then up through Bernini's colonnades to contemplate St Peter's. Then go and join the queue for the Vatican museums. When this opens, hare round to the Sistine Chapel and get there before the crowds. Have a good look at all the frescoes in there, then double back to Raphael's School of Athens, which is the best work of art I've ever seen.

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        #4
        Okay, Italy then

        Cheers, Ursus - that's very kind, and I will take you up on that. Florence I will be giving a miss, I've "done" it. Will be in touch nearer the time.

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          #5
          Okay, Italy then

          wingco, you've got a pm.

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            #6
            Okay, Italy then

            Replied, many thanks.

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              #7
              Okay, Italy then

              Returned.
              They really need to sort out the pm notification thingy.

              To provide some longer term value to the thread, here is a quick precis on Bergamo:

              If you are going to Linate, it makes sense to make Bergamo a day trip from Milano. The trains are frequent and take an hour, and then there is a 15 minute walk (or shorter bus ride) to the funicular that goes up to the "Villa Alta" (which is by far the best bit of the city, and where the Duomo and museums are).

              Our favourite place for lunch there is a restaurant/wine bar called Donizetti that specialises in local wines, cheeses and salumi (smoked meats), which is about 100 metres from the top of the funicular (up the hill to the right, on the left). They have a large pergola where you can eat outside, as well as a wine cellar type thing one can dine in.

              If you walk through the Villa Alta to the other end and out the gate (passing a number of good ice cream places on the way), you will see another funicular, which will take you to the fort/castle thing that overlooks the city and provides views of the Alps, as well as a starting point for some nice short walks.

              You can get a ticket good for a day on all local transit (including the furniculars) for 3 euro at any newsstand.

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                #8
                Okay, Italy then

                I'm flying out to Rome on 1 June. We might be busy looking at flats seeing as the one we were supposed to have was given away under our noses, but I'm sure I can let you buy me lunch or something. Deal?

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                  #9
                  Okay, Italy then

                  Excellente. Got your PM, Ursus, details absorbed, appetite for Italia duly whetted - I really don't think I can carry on working this afternoon after this . . . Liq, hope to see you in Rome. Hope there's some decent curry houses . . .(inserts "inserts smiley thing").

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                    #10
                    Okay, Italy then

                    Faakin' hell, Liq.

                    Has Spangles sent some of her mates from the Sud to sort the dastardly landlord out? I can recommend a ridiculously expensive lawyer, but direct action is more likely to produce tangible results before 2025.

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                      #11
                      Okay, Italy then

                      It's all to do with residency and the fact Italians see tax as something to play hide and seek with.

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