July 14 — Pre-Trip Day
There is nothing like adding extra stress around pre-trip packing having just returned from a three-day sea kayaking trip the day before departing for this adventure. That being said, this isn’t my first packing rodeo. And with a penchant for list making, it was just a matter of compiling all the items needed off the list and into one carry-on bag, one medium-sized suitcase, and of course, one big bike bag.
Say Hi to Stephen, my trip-mate and business class pod buddy.
July 15 — Departure Day
Pretty straightforward Uber to the airport, through security (thanks Nexus), and into the SkyTeam business class lounge. After a short wait, off to boarding. The only questions on one’s mind, are what movies will I watch on the plane over 10 hours (Barbie, Mission Impossible, Rise Of Skywalker), what food will I choose from the French-inspired menu (beef cheeks), and will the bike bag make it to Milan — spoiler alert, it did (thanks AirTags).
July 16 — Arrival Day P2
The evening came quickly after a full day of travel, and we chose to go with a modern take on Milanese food at Ratana (famously featured in Stanley Tucci’s Searching For Italy on CNN). The space was packed — no doubt thanks to both their innovative food and subsequent after-air press.
July 16 — Arrival Day P1
After a brief stop in Paris, we arrive in Milan, pick up the rental van, and make the 40-minute drive down to the city. Given the complexity of Milan road organization, narrow streets, and abundant GPS misfires, it took longer to get physically to the hotel through the city, than it did coming in from the airport.
July 17 — Milano Day
How much can one squeeze into a day in Milan — a lot. Even with the stifling heat and humidity, we were able to hit all the major notes, from visits to La Scala opera house (treated to a live orchestral practice), the Duomo (inside, underground, and above), Sforzesca castle, Leonardo’s Museum, and a walk through the shops of Galleria Vittoria Emanuele.
Sixty seconds of impromptu dramatic audio.
July 17 — Milano Night
So after a big day in the city, should we have a smaller night — nope. Starting with a proper Milanese apertivo (with the most amazing charcuterie for a reasonable price), we then headed off to an “old school” spot for dinner at a Milense friend’s recommendation — which was spot on. Something about 100-year-old restaurants that know how to keep it real, and right on the money.
Dunno why I’m compelled to reference “leave the gun, take the cannoli” here.
