HAPPY EASTER: CIAO MILANO

What a wonder it is! 

So grand, so solemn, so vast!

And yet so delicate, so airy, so graceful!

- Mark Twain describing The Cathedral of Milan (Duomo) in 1867

            

            Happy Easter dear friends. Here's a story from my pilgrimage to Milan recently. As I sat awaiting the Holy Mass inside the Duomo (Cathedral) of Milan a few weeks ago, I pondered on the above-mentioned words of Mark Twain. The Duomo is an elegant contradiction, on one hand the church is so grand and vast. On the other hand, it is so delicate and graceful. What a magnificent house to worship God. 

            The Duomo is best known as one of the Cathedrals in Europe that was built following the Gothic style. It is the third largest Cathedral in Europe and fourth in the world. Dedicated to Saint Mary of the Nativity, it is the seat of the Eminence Archbishop of Milan. There is a golden-coloured statue of Virgin Mary on the spire of this massive church. The Catholic-devout Milanese call this statue as Madonnina. 

            The Duomo has been the sacred destination for pilgrims since its foundation was laid in 1386. Yet, those who call themselves art aficionados would treasure their visit to this church. Each of the statues depicting the holy saints and martyrs, as well as the paintings are excellent works of art. Not to mention the architecture wonders of the church itself, the centuries old wood and stone carving in each corner, including in the high ceilings, the stained windows. In short, there is a treasured art work in every corner in the church. 

            Aside from Duomo, there are various churches worth visiting in Milano. One particular church that I thankfully visited was St Maria delle Grazie. This church is a well-known one to tourists as it houses Leonardo Da Vinci's The Last Supper painting. This fresco painting was the leading story of Da Vinci Code blockbuster movie starring Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou, adapted from Dan Brown's best-selling novel. 

            Throughout my pilgrimages, I crossed my fingers to thank the graces of God. Only by God's infinite blessing that I could return to this beautiful city, and to undertake the pilgrimage during the season of Lent. 

            To JET, it would not be possible to conduct a visit, let alone a pilgrimage, without putting on Indonesian-designed attires. So, this time I chose to wear a bomber jacket made from Tenun (hand-woven) Karawang Gorontalo (Karawo), handsomely designed by Agus Lahinta. Gorontalo is a province that is located next to North Sulawesi province in the island of Sulawesi. To add its unique ethnic look, I wore a messenger bag made from Papuan wood, painted and crafted by Papuans. 

Catatan Singkat untuk Rekans Diplomat dan Sahabat Batik/Wastra

Jangan ragu mengenakan busana rancangan perancang Tanah Air dalam berbagai kesempatan, bahkan dalam peziarahan. Dalam kesempatan ziarah Paskah di Milan, saya kedepankan Tenun Karawang Gorontalo yang lazim disebut Tenun Karawo. Jaket Tenun Karawo warna anggur Bordeaux rancangan Agus Lahinta adalah opsi tepat untuk dikenakan saat musim Semi di kota Milan, salah satu pusat mode di dunia. Padukan dengan messenger bag khas Papua yang terbuat dari kulit kayu, and voila, one will have a handsome ethnic look! 

Indonesian designers, move forward with your original design. Dwell your inspiration on our nation's vast culture. 

Selamat Paskah untuk saudara-saudari dalam Kristus. Happy Easter. Joyeuses Paques. Buona Pasqua. A very happy and blessed long weekend to everyone.

Gorontalo x Milano

JET wears the pride of Gorontalo, the Tenun Karawang Gorontalo (Karawo) to Milano.

Dressed in a bomber jacket, uniquely designed by Agus Lahinta, an Indonesian designer specialised in executing traditional Tenun Karawo into modern and stylish outfits (IG: @aguslah_).

The Holy Mass inside the Duomo. 

Look at the Baroque grand organ eclectically combined with the medieval Gothic columns. 

Ave Maria, Gratia Plena

Hail Mary, Full of Grace

Hand-carving marble from the top part to statue of the Coronation of Blessed Virgin Mary. 

Adoramus Te Christe. 

The Holy Cross. 

One of the most solemn spots to pray inside the Duomo. 

 A grand and intricately-made stained window that accurately depicts the life of Jesus Christ.

Strike a pose in between the Duomo and the Duomo Museo (Museum). 

Papuan bag and Milano cappucino in front of the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The Galleria is home to various designers's stores. 

Gotta rush to the other church, but first let's sip a skinny cappucino in the land where it comes from, Italy! And don't forget the Papuan wood messenger bag!

Bello Duomo di Milano. 

Handsome Cathedral in Milan.

Vittorio Emanuele II statue in the Piazza di Duomo, guarding the Duomo. He was the first King of united Italy since 6th century and titled Father of the Fatherland (Padre della Patria).

Leonardo Da Vinci's The Last Supper (Cenacolo Vinciano).

Breathtakingly beautiful and emotional.

The Last Supper's description.

Deo Gratias. 

Thank You, God. 

Buon appetito!

While in Italy, let's enjoy Spaghetti di Vongole (Spaghetti with mussels).

Where to go next, guys?

Mastering the map of Milan.

Citta di Milano.

City of Milan. 

Ciao Milano.

Let's jump inside this trendy classic tram of Milanese. 

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