“Congratulations, Stacy, you are one of the winners…” is an email I have received never… before last week, when I got an email stating exactly that!

I was thrilled just to win something, and even happier when I realized that the message was from Margie Miklas, blogger behind the popular Margie in Italy blog, and author of three books: Memoirs of a Solo Traveler: My Love Affair with Italy; Colors of Naples and the Amalfi Coast; and My Love Affair with Sicily.

Image Credit: Wikipedia

“Milan is not exactly a major tourist destination when you compare it to Rome, Florence or Venice. It is a big city and more business-oriented. It certainly has its attractions though and today is the day to see them. Coming up the steps of the Metro at the Duomo stop, I cannot believe the sight in front of me. The Duomo is right here, larger than life, this huge Gothic cathedral, and seeing it for the first time almost takes my breath away! I always thought the Duomo in Florence was an incredible sight, but I think this is even more spectacular. It can hold 40,000 people and is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. The Duomo in Milano is the only Gothic cathedral in Italy, and construction took over 500 years, with renovations always continuing. It truly is an amazing sight! ”

–Margie Miklas, Memoirs of a Solo Traveler

I’m so looking forward to my armchair trip to Italy via Memoirs of a Solo Traveler.  Want to travel along too? Here’s a link to Margie’s site with details on ordering your own copies.

In addition to her books, Margie shows us Italy through her eyes on her blog. Here are a few of my favorite posts:

• The Allure of Italy — A Matter of Perception
• Italian Lifestyle – Photo of the Day
• A Trip to the Hospital in Venice

Whether in the real world or the virtual world, I wish you happy travels, and happy reading!

This post first appeared on Prayers and Piazzas. First time here? I invite you to share a little about yourself and your love of Italy by signing my guestbook.