Milan, Italy in 24 Hours

This post is part of a three-city rapid trip through Italy and Switzerland. These are more of the “postcard” variety of travel essay, just quick snapshots of my impressions from each city.

The day started with a double espresso in the Galleria next to the Duomo. I’m a people watcher in the extreme, and this location was ideal, yet there was no time for me to just sit, enjoy my espresso, and watch.

We only had one day.

Yet that day included the required bomboloni (yes, plural), and I think I ate so many between Turin, the ski resort, and Milan that I’m now over that addiction.

The hotel was full of modern art, and each room was decorated with works by a different Italian artist. Our windows opened directly onto the main thoroughfare of the Galleria.

Below—Tourist 101: The Duomo. As you can see, it was very busy. We made the reservation oblivious to the Olympics going on at the same time. I expected long lines and wait times, but the city had everything well in hand. We found good restaurants with no wait, easy shopping, and pleasant shopkeepers.

As part of our usual routine, we simply wandered. My husband found no concerts or operas that evening, so we spent the day roaming around Milan. Lunch was in a trattoria on a quiet side street, where the waiter patiently waited as we read the entire menu through Google Translate before deciding what to eat.

These cars make me crack up each time I see them.

The streets reminded me of Barcelona, Spain, rather than Rome.

And I was given a serious “side-eye” from a gentleman who was unpacking his car in the parking lot as I took this photo.

We enjoyed Milan. But more importantly, it was very nice being together. We are finally at the point in our lives where we have time just to be.