This is the year to visit Milan

Posted on May 9, 2015 Updated on May 10, 2015

I was lucky to have the chance to visit Milan and see Expo Milan during the first week. After all the articles about graft, missed deadlines, poor signage and all the other negatives, I really was not certain I would be impressed. Do not let the complainers sway you. This is a once-in a-lifetime event. I visited about 3 days after the opening. It is true, there is 20 per cent unfinished, some of the directional signs are not perfect and some of the exhitions did not work perfectly. BUT…. It is an amazing accomplishment to put together and pull off something of this scale. And by week three all the bumps will be fixed. Go!

I arrived by Metro. Very easy. I had no idea how long the walk to the entrance was. Next time I think I would take a bus. Not as convenient, but it gets you much closer.

This is one of the many long walkways. Eventually you walk into a huge,very well organized area with colored separations For different kinds of tickets. I had a prepaid ticket with an open date and went through a yellow aisle. There were many people to answer questions and direct yoU, speaking many languages. You go through security similar to the airport. All this took about half an hour from when I left the Metro.

Then you start. Basically it is a very long wide promenade with side streets. Lots of food, lots of interesting exhibits.

Just to warn visitors. Bring sunblock and a hat. It will be very hot soon. They have many places to stop or sit but many are in the sun.

And, allow two days to dio it justice. I spent 7 hours with a number of rest stops and I saw most of the pavilions and exhibits but I want to spend more time in a few places.

One not finished, but gorgeous — The Japan Pavilion

There is so much to see. Great concepts, great amounts of plantings and it is well covered by helpful volunteers to direct you or answer questions.

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES — Sustainable food

My advice; find your way to Milan this year. Not only for Expo Milan, but the city has many events throughout the year. I saw the DaVinci exhibit at Plazzo Reale as well as the exhibits at the Triennale di Milan, a fabulous building and museum that has an “Arts and Food” show now.

My main reason for being in Milan though was to get honey from Sardinia. I have all the types and prices in my newsletter. Well, it will be as soon as my computer cooperates. This shopping trip has been a great success. If you are not on my mailing list and want to be, email me at ‘ExpresslyItalian@aol.com’ and I will add your name.

Great pure honey with all the health benefits you can use. And this is only a sampler of the available types.

This trip I am bringing not only honey but spices from Mauro Berardi in Rome at Campo dei Fiori, olive oil from Tuscany and sun dried tomatoes from Sicily. Do not wait if you want something, quantities as always are very limited. I am shopping to introduce everyone to the tastes and foods of Italy that never reach outside Italy.