10 Things you really don’t need to do when you are in Milan
Inspired by the lovely booklet “101 cose da fare a Milano almeno una volta nella vita” by Micol Arianna Beltramini, a must read with fantastic ideas about what to do in Milan.
Here are 10 things you really don’t need to do when you are in Milan:
1. Whirling around on the bull’s private parts in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele:
Yeah, I know that everybody does it and it is believed that it should bring some kind of good luck, but honestly, you don’t really think that ruining an antique mosaic with your heels would have any impact on your life, do you?
2. Eating a Panzerotti a Luini’s:
Those Panzerotti are fatty, unhealthy and they taste just like melted Mozzarella and Tomatoes and afterwards you will feel it in your stomach for ages. That’s it! No need to queue up for 45 minutes to have one.
3. Eat at Peck:
I know I’ll get beaten up for that, but there is no relationship between the quality of the food and the price. The pasta is always slightly overcooked and it tastes not particularly sophisticated. It is just average. But still, absolutely do shop at Peck’s and take fantastic food home, and do have a chat with the sommeliers.
4. Visit the Viale Papiniano Market:
There are no interesting things to discover and no bargains to make. It is very probable, however, that you will loose the content of your handbag and pockets. If you still want to go, don’t worry, everything you get stolen can be bought back a few meters down the road where the “unofficial vendors” are.
5. Feed the doves:
There are too many already.
6. Go jogging:
Considering the air quality, jogging in Milan does not have any health benefits at all but it makes you feel as if you were having an “inhalation treatment” from the exhaust pipe of a 50 year old diesel engine.
7. Rent a car:
Maybe if you grew up in Napoli or New York you can do so, but for all the Germans and Swiss, please don’t. No Botox can remove the signs of aging and despair that will show up on your face after driving here.
8. Try to find a Starbucks:
There is no such thing in Italy. I guess it is the only country in the world where they never dared opening. There are forums on Facebook where this phenomenon is discussed, so please, those of you who have information or messages of hope, send some comments. http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=2395511446&topic=4567
9. Have a Cappuccino at Leonardo:
Very hip and posh cafè for Milan’s upper class owned by one of Milan’s most famous shop owners but unfortunately they do not know that you just don’t serve Cappuccino in Bone China. It’s not tea, Ladies!
10. Visit the Ferrari Flagship Store:
Sorry, I always thought those cars look like an ironing board and I have no comprehension for the hype. Why would anyone sane go crazy for any product in the same boring tone of red and for a licensing policy that as no concept or limits – from baby nappies to luxury bicycles.
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