As we strolled the streets of the bustling city of Milan in Italy we noticed many restaurants. I guess in Italy they are all Italian restaurants. Even the Chinese restaurants in Milan were set with white table cloths. This place however was surely upscale and minutes before the noon opening we could see the waiters discussing their strategy as they made sure they were ready.
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Preparing for Lunch
Americans have some dates burned in their memory. September 11 and December 7 are two notorious dates where Americans were attacked, killed and suffered extreme hardships. It is important as Americans to remember these dates and honor the fallen. However, as citizens of the world we MUST remember today as well because it is the 75th anniversary of Kristallnacht. Tonight were the first attacks on Jewish homes in Germany. At least 91 Jews were killed in the attacks, and a further 30,000 arrested and incarcerated in concentration camps. Jewish homes, hospitals, and schools were ransacked, over 1,000 synagogues were burned and Jewish businesses destroyed or damaged. Millions of others experienced death and torture by the lunatic Hitler. We must never forget and always honor this day. Things are much better in Europe now for Jewish people that have remained or returned over all these years. However, recently when visiting Italy I saw it was still necessary for soldiers to guard the synagogue in Milan and heavy fences kept out even curious tourists like myself.
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Synagogue in Milan Italy
Milan was a wonderful part of our European tour a few years and we met great people, saw fantastic sites and ate exquisite cuisine. On one of our last days there we were looking for something off the beaten track and saw in a tour book a small note that said not to miss the canals of Milan. I thought Milan has Canals? That’s crazy, so off we went. This is not Venice or Bruges but the canals are lined with antique shops, clubs and bistros and offer short canal boat tours. The colorful buildings help to create an interesting ambiance.
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Canals of Milan
I am sure many people that visit Milan in Italy are there for the fashion, the churches and the history of an old Italian imperial city. Many people say that Milan is the “New York” of Italy and like New York has some interesting museums. When we first entered the Da Vinci museum I was a little pissed off. It seemed like all the hands on exhibits on the first floor were closed. However, as we moved through the other floors my mood changed from crappy to elated. The exhibits were wonderfully presented and the light and design of the interior was spectacular and even though everything was in Italian, it was easy for a foreigner to comprehend.
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The Da Vinci Museum
The famous film director Robert Altman was once asked why all of his movies had at least one murder. He said, and I paraphrase, “…you don’t have to too much of a plot if you have at least one murder scene.” So here it is once again, my 8 minute epic videograph of Europe and make sure you wait for the murder scene! You can see more of my Videogaphs by clicking here.
L’ Europe Roulante from Richard Burke on Vimeo.
Horses are a popular theme in the modern cultural history of Milan. Maybe it’s because of the story of Leonardo’s horse. Leonardo’s horse is a sculpture that was commissioned of Leonardo da Vinci in 1482 by Duke of Milan but never completed. The late Charles C. Dent of Allentown, Pa. – a retired commercial airline pilot dedicated the final 17 years of his life to bring The Horse to life. While Charles C. Dent passed away in 1994 his organization continued and completed the statue in 1999. The statue stands as a symbol of goodwill between the American people and the people of Italy. I don’t know the background of this sculpture which is adjacent to Il Duomo but can’t help but think that in some way it is related to Leonardo”s Horse. You can see other imagaes for Italy and Europe on my commercial gallery.
Milan Horses Sculpture
One of the ways you stay married for 42 years is to have open,honest and continuous conversations with your spouse. As a photographer I am lucky since my wife was and still is my best model and when shooting my wing woman. I love taking photojournalist and candid pictures of people and my wife is always pointing out the pretty woman and in turn I always alert her to the studly men. I took this one for her in a park in Milan Italy and want to share it with my female fans. You can see other images at my photojournalist gallery.
One for the Ladies
The Cathedral Santa Maria Nascente is the seat of the Archbishop of Milan and is commonly known as Il Duomo. However, Il Duomo is used also in reference to other Cathedrals in Italy, the most famous being the one in Florence. Although you are not allowed to take Photographs inside, I managed to take a couple of shots before being discouraged. It is certainly a magnificent Cathedral and the largest in Europe outside of the Vatican. It took six centuries to build, just imagine that kind of commitment. You can see other images and purchase prints on my commercial gallery.
Cathedral Santa Maria Nascente
Human statues are fun to watch and seem to be very popular in Europe. During our last trips we encountered them in Amsterdam,Paris,Milan and Como. In Paris we saw two or three different ones. I am amazed at how still they can be and enjoying watching other people’s reaction to them. . This one had some problems though, it was very hot and he or she was squirming around in their suit creating some weird poses for a mummy. You can buy a print of this one and see other images at my European gallery.
Human Statue
Milan is the wonderful bustling commercial center of Italy. Some call it the New York City of Italy and as you would expect from any business center it has wonderful hotels, restaurants and a rich history. It was also the home of Leonardo Da Vinci and in the center of the city is a large plain building honoring the man and his inventions. The inside is as spectacular as the outside is plain. You can see all his inventions and how the man lived in the renaissance city of Milan. This image is one small slice of the second floor housing two magnificent globes that he made and are lighted from within. You can buy a print of this image and see others at my commercial gallery.
Leonardo Da Vinci Museum
Imagery Photography 