3.23.2009

The Italian Job

Max and I spent this past weekend in Milan, Italy looking for our second home away from homes.

I know it sounds glamorous-- setting up houses and living in two of Europe's most famous cities, Barcelona and Milan--but I do not believe it will be as exciting as it seems.

At the risk of offending any northern Italian readers, I will confess to not being impressed with Milan. With the exception of a small area around the duomo di Milano, I found the city to be drab, dirty, noisy, and confusing.

There. I said it. I have a poor first impression of the Lombard metropolis, famous for its ridiculously pricey fashion houses. After visiting the city, I am very happy our primary home will be located in Barcelona, which I find more beautiful and livable by any comparison.

Nevertheless, the weekend in Milan wasn't a total loss. Max and I found a lovely apartment--a spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, located just outside the downtown area and close the all-important public transportation. Perhaps with time and a little education of all things Milan, I will come to like the city more and if not, I'll still have my Barcelona retreat.

Ok, so the life may not be glamorous, but it's still pretty darn cool.

13 comments:

kenju said...

And you can always get on the train in Milan and go to Florence or Bologna!!

Diane Mandy said...

Oh yes -- this is exactly what we are planning to do!

Jill said...

I never made it up to Milan during our Italian vacation. It surely does sound very exotic and exciting - I hope that it's much better than expected once you get there and share time between your two homes!

Unknown said...

I spent a summer in Milan when I was 16 on a student exchange. I loved the city but it probably takes getting used to like everything else. Give it some time.

Global Librarian said...

I highly recommend you start the rounds of Aperos in the evenings. You will soon grow to love Milan. Especially the food.

You have to check out the mozzarella bar. All you can eat mozzarella (and other snacks) for the price of just one drink!!!

C N Heidelberg said...

Your impression of Milan echoes everything else I've heard about it too. Still, I really want to see the Duomo someday! And your proximity to other stuff will be great. :)

J said...

Why did you pick a city instead of a beach area in Spain that's not so far away?

Sue Jacquette said...

Say what you will, it still sounds glamorous to me as I sit here in Pennsylvania.

Rositta said...

Lucky you, wanna trade, LOL...ciao

oreneta said...

It may be grim and grey and drab, but there is always lasagne....when I was in Italy I did a running comparison of lasagnes from different regions and different restaurants. Making myself hungry just thinking about it. NEVER had a bad one.

vailian said...

There is always the Opera... and in Milan the waiters are not quite as dishonest as in Venice...

Anonymous said...

I agree with you. Having lived in Italy for over 3 years... I always hated Milan... it was more of a "STOP on the way to (fill in the blank city)" instead of being the destination of choice. I'm surprise that you guys choose Milan as the vacation location when you have much beautiful cities: Bologna, Siena (my #1 city in all of Italy!) Firenze (if you can stand the tourist during the summer) and the Adriatic Coast has so many small towns that are perfect for vacation spots. Nevertheless, like anything new, once you get the "feel" of the city, I'm sure you will come to like it (or love) :) Oh, and I’m NOT jealous or anything (wink).

swenglishexpat said...

I have only been to Milan once a long time ago, and remember visiting the cathedral and being up on the roof. I have been a few times to Barcelona and liked it, but would love to go back and see it again because lots has happened there since I was there last. So, I'm with you, Barcelona it is!