ITALY: Milan and Rome
Ever since I can remember, I’ve heard people saying that Italy is a beautiful country.
I’ve also heard that about Japan, Spain, and France- just to name a few. Everyone seems to think where they’re from is beautiful. Shoot, I believe Haiti is the most gorgeous, richest Island of them all. It might be a bias belief, but it’s my truth. A few weeks ago, I decided to pay Italy a visit and let me tell you- what I saw blew my mind.
Italy was always on my list of places to visit. Not only because of what I've heard, but the ancient Roman history is absolutely mind blowing- do yourself a favor and check it out. Italy also houses the capital of Fashion- Milan. Insight: Back in my country, my mother used to sew wedding gowns for a living. One of her biggest dreams was to one day visit Italy. Today, that dream motivated me even more to step foot in Italy. Some of her favorite designers were idols in Milan; it was only right to take that trip.
As you may already know, Italy is an European country. It’s capital is Rome- home to the Vatican (filled with art and Ancient ruins from the Roman empire.) The major cities of Italy are Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, and Naples. I was lucky to cover two cities while I was there: Milan and Rome. I have to tell you, this blog does no justice to the country or my experience.
The Experience:
I took a straight flight from JFK to Milan. When I arrived in Milan, passport control was very organized and quick. As a traveler, an organized airport is very important to me; especially when language is a barrier. Transportation from the airport to my hotel was about a 45-minute Taxi ride which cost 100 Euros. My hotel was literally in the heart of the city at a town called Naviglio- highly recommend staying there. Everything worth seeing was two to five stops away on the Metro or Tram (a Tram is a rail cart that runs on tracks along public streets It’s not underground.)
The first night in Milan set the tone for the remainder of the trip. I ate at a restaurant called Just Cavalli.. The food was simply delicious accompanied by a fine wine called Villa Blanca. Just Cavalli is not only a restaurant, it turns into a lounge/club after 12midnight. Let me tell you- Don’t sleep on Italians, they know how to party! The next few days I visited some of the best things the city has to offer: Lake Como and Bellagio! I think those two and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II mall were the highlights of my Milan stay. I took a tour bus from Milan to Como, a ferry from Como to Bellagio; that trip alone took an entire day. Como is a small town known for making the best quality silks. It’s about an hour drive from Milan There are many coffee shops, leather shops, silks shops etc.It’s a very old and quiet town. Bellagio on the other hand took my breath away. If you ever visit Milan, please do not leave without visiting Bellagio. Bellagio is a little cozy villa comfortably placed on Lake Como. It’s filled with homely restaurants, and shops. They have the best Gelato. Just thinking about it makes me wanna go back.
After exploring Milan for a few days, I decided to pay Rome a visit. I took an express train (italio) from Milan to Rome. The train ride was about 3 hours long. When I arrived in Rome, I felt the difference in the atmosphere instantly. The Taxi ride from the train station to my hotel was about 15 minutes which cost 25 euros. I waited no time to start meeting the city. One thing for sure, every grain of dirt in Rome is rich with history. The next day I took a bike tour to further explore the city, I was lost for words at the hidden beauty of the following places:
The Colosseum
St. Peter’s Basilica
Trevi fountain
Spanish steps
Vatican museum
Sistine chapel
Castel Sant’ Angelo
… and the list goes on.
For those of you who are just getting to know me as a blogger, there are a few things that are very important to me when I travel. For example, food, street markets, museums, arts, just to name a few. Milan and Rome excel in those areas differently. Let me elaborate:
Scenery: Milan and Rome were different in many ways. They have their similarities but more differences which is what makes them unique. Milan had many, many shops, one of the world’s largest mall is in Milan: Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II. The people were more kind, the streets were quiet, everyone dressed better, the food was amazing in Milan. Rome, on the other hand, is filled with arts and museums. The people seemed more diffident. Food in Rome is not as good as food in Milan. Businesses close earlier in Rome.
*** I do have to say, both cities are beautiful. Full of greenery, very clean, and has preserved history.
Music: It was no surprise that Italians love American Music. They listen to House, Pop and Hip-Hop. However I think they embrace classical music more (Opera).
Language: The official language spoken in Italy is ITALIAN. It’s closely related to Latin. However, I found myself picking up on many of their words. Those words had close resemblance to Creole or French.
Markets: Street markets are usually #2 on my list when I travel. Some may find that a little strange but I’ve learned so much about the community based on their street market. Milan had more street markets than Rome. Vendors take pride in selling clothes, shoes, fruits, jewelry, art, undergarments… you name it, they had it. When I arrived on Saturday morning. The first thing I was thrown into was a street market. Off course I shopped with the locals: Must you ask? Milan is definitely the capital of fashion. Rome had street vendors that mostly capitalized on souvenirs so I preferred the street markets in Milan.
Money: Italians use Euros as their currency. Normally I exchange money at the airport, but this time I tried with my bank to exchange. The rate was the same almost everywhere except for Italy.
Suggestions:
Exchange money in the US not in Italy.
Bring an adapter.
Stay at a hotel or AirBnB located close to the sights you’re interested in seeing.
Taxi's are cheaper than Uber. So make sure you have cash on hand.
Taxi prices goes up after 10pm in Rome.
If you want to see Italy in action do not go in August. They take the entire month off. However, if you are like me who likes to live like the locals, then August is a great month to go see Italy (I’m only referring to Milan and Rome, I can’t speak of the other cities).
I hope this blog created a close picture of what Italy really is. I encourage you to give the country a try. You will not be disappointed. Have you been to Italy? Please share your experience below through a comment. Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates.
