MILANO: carpe noctem

As usual in most cities with great night life, I regrettably did not take many photos for fear of losing my precious camera. However, I did manage to capture some of the city's more famous monuments on film.

View from the train window en route from Nice to Milano

 

 

Duomo di Milano

 

Outside and inside Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Best statue I have ever seen

Enjoying cocktails at the San Lorenzo columns

Staying hydrated/nursing hangover while strolling the canals

 

As for evening antics, from my experience a night in Milan can easily escalade from aperitivos with your friend to bottle service and sipping champagne with random Italianos. The ideal evening is getting apperitvos (drinks and light snacks) around 8 followed by dinner around 9-10. After, it's best to head to the colonne di San Lorenzo and grab a drink from one of the many bars surrounding it which sell drinks for you to take away. Try to find a seat, and enjoy some great people watching, street style, and laughing at forward/creepy Italian men. Eventually put those dancing shoes to work some time after 2, as clubs are awkward and empty before this.

Tips for all of Italy:

• Shake hands with people you are first meeting, if you know them you will usually give a quick cheek kiss- right side first. It varies on the person wether to shake hands, kiss cheeks, or kiss twice so if you're unsure save yourself an awkward moment and just follow their lead. Facile!
• If you're hungry make sure to check the clock, as most restaurants will close after lunch (around 2) and won't open their doors again until dinner (8 at the earliest).
• Italians are extremely welcoming and from my experience will treat you like a principessa. Be prepared to eat and drink in copious amounts. I don't know how they do it. Seriously.
• You do not drink out of bottles, but poor into glasses. It's kind to poor drinks for others but from what I gathered men will generally refill the glass for the ladies and are very attentive about this. But i still always offered, and that was always appreciated. This actually goes for most of Europe.
• You don't have to tip for drinks but it is nice to tip a little if you have an excellent meal and experience. Often you will find "servizio incluso" written on the menu or your bill which means tip was included. If it was exceptional it is common to leave a few extra coins or a few euros.
• Italians really appreciate when you attempt to speak Italian. Learn the basics at least!
• Never eat at a restaurant on a main road or in close proximity to a main tourist area. Just don't. Also a good indicator of a restaurant to avoid is if the menu outside is in English. Family run and hole in the wall trattorias and ristorantes yield such a better experience and you can truly taste the difference. (for veggetarians and vegans this sounds daunting but when in doubt order penne al'arrabiata. Actually everyone should order this because it's amazing).

Salute!

 

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