Milano: Warm, beautiful Day!

September 28, 2024

It was wonderful to enjoy Milan on a warm day after the chill and rain of London. Even though it was the end of September it felt like summer and the crowds were also in proportion to a busy tourist season which we thought we'd avoided.  At times we felt like salmon going up stream to spawn. And yet, we enjoyed our time in the city immensely.  

Being the fashion capital of Italy, Milan is home to trendy high end stores along with H&M, Zara, Mango, and Max Mara. We just had to "browse " to check out the current fashion trends. And yes,  some items were purchased. Nothing with labels or high-end. 

Famished from shopping fatigue,  we found a pretty outdoor restaurant that featured delicious pizza that went down easily with a glass of white wine. I am finding that food and especially wine prices are very reasonable. A glass of delicious white was 5 Euros. 

We walked the city, found a castle built in the 1300's and returned for our tour of the Duomo. This church, like most, is situated in the center of the city and draws visitors from around the world.  The outside reminded me of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona with dozens of ornate spires reaching up to the heavens. We took a lift up to the roof top and enjoyed the view that stretched on for miles. The inside of the cathedral is spectacular with 38 columns, expansive arches and naives tucked into every corner. Impressive, ornate stained glass windows cast ethereal light down upon the beautiful tiled floors. 

Liana had a restaurant in mind that we needed to visit. However,  it didn't open until 8pm, as with many restaurants in Europe.  So we rested our feet at an open air bar that overlooked a busy square. As we sipped a cocktail  we could watch the traffic of cute little cars and a Ferrari or two pass by and became fashion critics as tourists and locals wandered by in all directions. This season there are lots of knee high boots on bare legs paired with shorts or mini skirts. Long silky skirts were featured also. There were very few in jeans but many in  wide leg trousers. These looks were topped off by frilly blouses, skimpy tank tops, or long sweaters.  Many, both men and women were wearing blazers. Sneakers were common even with fancy outfits. It was rare to see women in heels. 

Feeling refreshed, we decided to walk to the Stanley Tucci reviewed restaurant called  Osteria del Traino. We had no idea how far away it was. However,  trusting Google Maps, we eventually found this unassuming expansive restaurant.  Liana had Rossoto and I had Lasagna which was pasta layered with mushrooms and a cream sauce. I was not impressed.  Possibly because a cold had kicked in and my taste buds were dulled. Liana enjoyed her dinner very much. 

Having put on more than six miles, and at the late hour, we decided to treat ourselves to a cab. Then a train to the airport where our Best Western could send their van. Both of crashed into bed and slept like the dead until nearly 9 am. 

Next stop, a car rental and Lake Maggiore. Pictures are found on my Facebook page. 


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