“I’m already terrified of the day when my metabolism abandons me.” – Old Sean
Impressions of Italy
After leaving France once more, I caught a ride into Italy. At this point, my company had finally paid me, plus backpay, plus refunded my previous month’s travel expenses. And I immediately began to enthusiastically partake in my favorite pastime.
Mozzarella. Pasta. More pasta. Vino. Too much vino. Lasagna. Artisanal pizza. Gelato. More gelato.
Forget the freshmen fifteen of my ancient university days. Following my paycheck, I started something of a whirlwind culinary tour that bulged my stomach into a comfortable pillow-gut.
Italy is a wondrous place for food, and a pretty fine place for accompanying drinks. The populace tends to stride around in a rather unhurried amble. The only people moving with a sense of pressure and urgency are tourists trying to eek the most out of their vacation time.
The summer heat assault has finally broken, the weather finally willing to give into autumn. Currently, walking through Italy at night on a very full stomach is a uniquely grand experience.
A Morning Visiting Milan
I began my Italy tour by visiting Milan, where I arrived in the wee hours of the morning.
My bus was scheduled to leave much later that evening, giving me about twelve hours to explore the city in full travel-rattle. A couple of months ago, bearing all that gear would’ve slowed me down considerably. But recently I can only tell the difference between backpack-on and backpack-off by the depth of boot-prints left in the mud.
At this point in my journey, I’m well-conditioned for vagabonding.
I was introduced to Milan in possibly the most stereotypical Italian greeting ever contrived: A flawless combination of excessive hand gestures and marble carvings.
By this, I’m of course, referring to the giant pillar of Milan carved into the shape of a proud, pale middle finger jutting up in an unmistakable welcome. The L.O.V.E Statue, also known as the Il Dito Statue.
I figured this was a good an omen for entering the country and began lugging my way through the city.
Touristing The City
Initially, I somewhat reluctantly went to go check out another castle. As usual, I’m not terribly interested in seeing more European fortifications, which I’m growing a passive aversion towards.
But I was pleasantly surprised to find Castello Sforzesco is more of a complex. The area is filled with lots of fountains and parks accenting the slightly crumbling corners. The site hosts a few museums and is backed up to a lovely, expansive park.
Elsewhere, the illustrious Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) is a grand morning sight. Aside from the impressive sunrise coloring the building, there were also graffiti-roadblocks and armed military men framing the gothic structure.
Another fantastically impressive nearby feature was the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an ornate glass-arcade shopping mall. The structure, normally crammed with people on social media posts, was profoundly empty. It was early enough in the morning I had much of the place to myself.
Also while wandering around the immediate area, I visited Piazza Mercanti, waved at the Leonardo da Vinci-Statue, paused to look at the Teatro alla Scala and eventually wandered out to Indro Montanelli Garden.
Holiday Hiccups
I had a bit of trouble initially trying to find a decent place to eat breakfast, since I’ve arrived in Italy during another sporadic mess of holidays. However, I finally found a diner that ensured my first Italian meal was a steaming plate of lasagna.
Traveling Europe is something of a minefield for international holidays. It’s always a bit of a gamble, arriving during a period of heavy traffic or closed shops. I apparently arrived just in time for Ferragosto, Apparently, this is a major peak-of-summer holiday, harkening the start of vacations. A lot of the places I would’ve liked to visit were closed.
Milan wasn’t really my victory lap for this reason.
But there was still plenty to do that was outdoors and freely accessible. For example, Bosco Verticale is an interesting botany-air-cleaning tower fairly bristling with greenery. And the iconic city tramlines, main aquarium and various parks were all pleasant visits. I especially enjoyed wandering around the unique circular plaza ringed by skyscrapers, known as Piazza Gae Aulenti.
Mostly, I was just struck by Italy’s wonderful cultural momentum. There’s something regal about the way Italians like to set up their cities. This is undoubtedly emphasized by the endless portals of arches scattered throughout.
From Milan and Onward
Sadly, that more or less concluded my time visiting Milan. I didn’t even have a full-day to explore the city.
I hadn’t actually been assigned to explore the city. It was just a quirk of luck and extended layovers.
However, my actual target destination is quite near.
Florence is a mere hop away.
So until then,
Best regards and excellent trails,
Old Sean
Written August 14th, 2018
Read more about visiting Milan and seeing the world by visiting Leftfade Trails Destination Info.
Affiliate Disclosure: Leftfade Trails contains affiliate links, so using services or products through these links supports the website, at no extra cost to the user. All links are to tested services and products designed to aid travelers on their journeys. Some links specifically connect to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate this website earns from qualifying purchases.
Ten years ago, I abandoned my military surplus store backpack for a Farpoint 40 Osprey Travel Pack. I’ve never replaced my bag since. Two years ago, I bought two more Osprey Backpacks for my younger siblings on their first tour outside the country. I have nothing but praise for Osprey Products.
