By Nick Wilder
Duomo of Florence
My wife, Keven, and I owned the Chiasso stores in the 1980’s and 90’s. Every couple of years we would travel to Milan to source new products. We loved the style and sophistication of the city but did not have a chance to return until this fall. We combined our trip to Milan with a visit to nearby Florence to see our friends Jim and Stephania Dion who retired there a few years ago. A highlight of our Milan stay was a visit to the avant garde Prada Museum which included a room filled with giant upside down mushrooms. We also happened into a smashing mandolin concert by Chris Thile known for his work with Nickel Creek and A Prairie Home Companion.
Our time in Florence was dominated by the art of Fra Angelico. His work was featured in a special exhibit at the Palazzo Strozzi and his permanent collection of wall drawings at Museo San Marco. His religious pieces are so moving that I was tempted to attend a church service.
Approaching Milan over the Alps
Chris Thile in concert
At the Prada Museum
Making pasta in Milan’s Brea district
Gallery of Modern Art in Milan
Milan’s Duomo Cathedral
Milan buildings made of gingerbread and chocolate
Milan train station
Fra Angelico
Japanese couple posing for wedding pictures outside our hotel
Ponte Vecchio
Keven with Jim and Stefania in their stunning home
Fra Angelico
Merry Christmas from Florence
View from the Baboli gardens above the Medici palace
