Regina Arriola’s Travel Diary: Arrivederci Milano

Traveling from London to Milan is more than a journey from one country to the next. It is a change of pace, and a change of style. Milan is a city where time passes rather slowly, fashion is relaxed and refined, and the people truly enjoy life and the company of those around them.

Most of my days were spent sitting in cafes on one of Milan’s winding roads, watching people pass me by. I found it so interesting the difference between men and women in terms of fashion. The female approach to style was understated, while men were ornate and elegant. Men in Milan wear bright trousers, pocket squares, and colorful dress shoes. Women stick to basics with white linen pants and cotton dresses, usually in earth tones.

When I wasn’t living life alla Italiano, I visited some of the many landmarks. These include Il Teatro Alla Moda, the Villa Necchi, and the Triennale design museum. The spirit of the Triennale museum is one that celebrates art as an evolving craft. For one month every year, the Triennale closes its doors for renovations in order to update their museum, giving their audience something new every time they visit. With each exhibition, the Triennale poses to answer the question, “What is Italian design?” Through the unveiling of unpublished works of Italian designers, this museum gives notoriety to otherwise unrecognizable names.

One of the greatest pleasures in Italy, besides these extraordinary venues, is the cuisine. I typically do not eat Italian food in Miami, the beach life back at home leaves little room for pasta and risotto. But, as they say, “When in Rome!” or in my case, “Milan!” The most delicious meal I enjoyed was at a small authentic restauraunt on Corso Como called Alla Cucina delle Langhe. The cotoletta and tiramisu were divine!

As quickly as Milan came it went, and by the time I started getting accustomed to Italian life, it was time to go. Having just arrived in Paris, I plan to spend my first night walking the entire city, to remind myself why I fell in love with it in the first place. Au revoir!

Enjoy some pictures from my personal collection taken during my time in Milan:

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