Once arriving in Milan, the subway system was extremely easy to figure out; I literally just went four stops on one line. Got to my hotel at 6:30am and checked in. When I asked the cranky old guy reception if he spoke English, he said “no” and then continued to speak in English. I quickly learned that any Italian you ask, they will ALWAYS say “no” whether they do or don’t. Some will still then speak to you in English, and others will simply wish you would go die.
The room hadn’t been cleaned yet, but I didn’t care. Showered, relaxed a bit, then ducked down to eat some breakfast.
By 11:30am, I had seen everything. First, walking around and admiring the graffiti on EVERYTHING, the decarying old houses, the dog parks, I stumbled into a street market. Did some shopping; bought some souvenirs for people, and some hairclips and a necklace for myself, all for relatively cheap. Walked a bit further and found Il Duomo, which is overwhelming from the outside. It kinda looks fake with all its white (I mean white), intricately carved stone. Unfortunately, I couldn’t go inside because there was something going on, some event, but the outside was still quite spectacular.
Wandered through Emmanuelle something or whatever; the rich shopping district with D&G, Prada, Louis Vitton, etc. It’s cool walking around and wondering just how rich you have to be to pay $800 for a pair of sunglasses.
Found a few more churchs, though much more simple. Then came to the Milan castle, which definitely feels Mediterranean to me. When you see it, it’s easy to see how cultures bled into each other, particularly in places that were big for trade; you can feel the influence from the Middle and Far East. The courtyards were pretty, even if the castle is under construction so there were ugly fences and signs everywhere.
Stretched out to nap a bit on the grass in the park when this older guy asked if he could sit by me. We started talking, but he only spoke bits of English, so our conversation was split between French and English. He said he’s from Senegal, and his (ex?)wife and son are still there. He played basketball in France until eight years ago, and then they wanted him to coach but wouldn’t offer him a contract so he moved to Milan and works for a magazine now. He turns 40 this month. I’m not sure why he told me all this. I think I may have partially inherited whatever aspect of my grandmother’s personality it is that makes people just tell her things. I think people sense they can trust her; I hope people feel that way about me.
After that, wandered around more looking for something to do, but couldn’t find anything so I went back to the hotel to nap. Then went in search of food, but I was so disgusted with how rude teh people are. The men are not just uncouth but downright crude in teh things they say to you walking on the streets. Snotty women think they own the sidewalks. Old people walk to slow. I found myself getting angrier and angrier, so by 6pm I went back to my hotel and didn’t leave again.
Bottom line? HATED Milan. There was nothing to do. The architecture was pretty in some areas, but usually so dirty and broken down and covered in graffiti. The men infuriated me. Did I mention there was nothing to do? The other girls I spoke to who went there were equally unamused. I’m glad I’ve been just to say I have, but I’ll never go back. So long, Milan.
