This was my second trip to the illustrious city of Milano. The first was back in 2014 when I was doing my architectural study abroad and only has a few hours to spend. This time we took an entire week too ask in the amazing food, calm city life, and easy living.

My cousin Holly has two clients that were competing in the winter olympics so I was spontaneously invited to join her. A good friend of mine who I met studying abroad Giovanni just so happened to be living there as well for the last 10 years, so it was a perfect set up.

Getting around is super easy. Walking is so pleasant and nothing is too far away, but above ground trams gently float throughout the city to hop onto. The coffee, as everywhere I’ve been in Italy was $3 or cheaper and very very tasty. The city itself is very organized and clean. One night I even saw a late night street sweeper power washing the sidewalks! Imagine that in NYC lol, no chance. The proximity to Switzerland’s culture is apparent and very welcomed.

We has a special local treat when Giovanni took us to his favorite Napolese (where he is from originally) pizza and pasta spot. I eat a good deal of amazing pizza here in Brooklyn but how could I say no to that! He has known the owner and his family of some time, so the hospitality was exceptional. I think this is on of the best gifts you can get when traveling: feeling integrated like a local while hearing the language and friendship people have forged over years.. even if it is just with a shop owner. Seeing the richness and depth in human connections is always inspiring and impressive to me.

We also had the please of checking Gianni’s apartment! Built around the same time as mine in Brooklyn (1930s) it was lofted, simple detailed and felt magical.

Milano was a very calm town it felt, even with the Olympics going on it did not get super busy, crowded, rambunctious or obscene. So I did not get much late night fun or trouble either lol. Holly was also pregnant with her third child at the time so we kept it relaxed and restorative, although the long plane ride really roughed her up.

Once days since we had a rented car we took a day trip up to Lugano Switzerland! The ambiance and majesty of the lake and mountains holding it in so gently set such a special background and energy. It is very difficult not to be impressed. It was fun walking in a very old city and seeing some buildings over 1,000 years old just existing proudly. The tip was energizing and much needed at the time, I’d surely go back to both places.