Made it to Milan

Plans are designed to never work out. So after checking on the net, but being unable to purchase due to bad connections, the tickets from Avignon to Switzerland, and finding there was suppose to be a bus on Saturday morning, I went to the ticket office on Friday to be told that there was no bus to Switzerland until Wednesday-not happy. I went to check the trains, yes I could get one for 180 Euros, not going to happen. Back to the bus station, what buses can I get to Italy or Austria-nothing to Austria, but I can go to Milan on Saturday night, arriving Sunday morning. So I booked the ticket, and then had an extra day to spend in Avignon, not too happy.

I managed to pass my two days quite pleasently however, looking at the city walls (and walking the whole lenght), going on the 4 historical walks around the city, going inside the Palace of the Popes, and going over the bridge of Saint Benezene, then some time spent in another historical village just across the river.

The bus to Milan was another epic adventure. To begin with the bus was late and arrived at 9 instead of 8.30 (apparently this doesnt count as late as I was supposed to get a phone call if the bus was going to be late)-I was beginning to think it was not going to arrive. Then at 10 we all got kicked off so we could buy food, whether we wanted to or not. 11.15 found me off the bus again, this time to change buses, and waiting 45 minutes for the next one because it was late. At 3am we were kicked off again to buy food, whether we wanted it or not-why I would want to eat at 3am I dont know, I had been happily asleep. 8am found us once again off the bus for, you guessed it, more food-mind you we did have to buy the food ourselves if we wanted it. The bus was supposed to get in at 8.15, but needless to say it was late, and got in at 9. Luckily there were some friendly Italians who had been on the bus with me who helped me to buy a ticket and get to the right train station to get to my hostel.

After finally arriving, I left my bags there, and went out to spend the afternoon exploring Milan-there isnt a whole lot here, but I went to the castle which was quite nice, and had a lovely colony of cats living in the moat. I then wandered back to the cathedral, which was georgous, and after wandering around it for a while, climbed up to the roof which gives you lovley views across the town, and over to the mountains, which thanks to the lovley day, you could actually see. Unfortunately, they kicked us off before sunset, as it would have been lovely. After buying some gelati-yes it is cold here, but I am in Italy, you gotta try the foods!!! I headed back to the hostel, and hopefully a nice undisturbed nights sleep.