A Royal Adventure in Milan: A Filipino Traveler's Encore

In the heart of winter last December, Milan first whispered my name, a call too enchanting for any soul to ignore. It was a prelude to an adventure, a tale of art, fashion, and history, entwined with the spirit of a traveler from the distant shores of the Philippines. As fate would have it, my journey would not end with the passing of the year. Just last week, the bustling Italian metropolis beckoned once more, this time, summoning me back not for leisure but for business. Yet, in Milan, the lines between work and wanderlust blur into a delightful tapestry of experiences.

Milan, with its storied streets and towering cathedrals, never fails to inspire awe and wonder. My first visit in December was a whirlwind of sights, tastes, and sounds—an introduction to a city where every corner boasts a piece of history. Returning in the midst of my professional endeavors, I found the city no less captivating. The Milanese magic, it seems, doesn't wane with familiarity. Instead, it deepens, offering layers of new adventures and old memories to those willing to explore. So, join me, your not-so-royal bekiness, as I recount a journey of discovery and rediscovery in the fashion capital of the world.

Getting Lost and Loving It

My Milanese saga began, as all great adventures do, with a simple act: a tram ride. Yet, what was meant to be a straightforward journey to the city's heart turned into a delightful escapade of getting wonderfully lost. Milan's tram lines, like veins of history, offer more than mere transportation—they are a voyage through time. As the cityscape changed from modern marvels to ancient alleys, I realized that getting lost was not a misstep but a rite of passage in Milan.

The true essence of exploration, I discovered, lies not in meticulously planned itineraries but in the joy of unexpected encounters. From quaint boutiques whispering tales of old to bustling markets alive with the aroma of fresh Italian cuisine, every turn was a revelation, every moment an unplanned marvel. It was in these meanderings that Milan revealed itself, not just as a city, but as a living, breathing storybook of which I was fortunate to become a character.

A Visit to the Majestic Duomo

If Milan is the city of dreams, then the Duomo is its most splendid reverie. My first visit to this architectural masterpiece left me in awe, its spires reaching towards the heavens as if in prayer. Returning to the Duomo, the sense of wonder remained undiminished. This cathedral, a testament to human ingenuity and divine inspiration, stands not just as a landmark but as the soul of Milan.

Walking through its vast nave, amidst the kaleidoscope of light from its stained-glass windows, I felt a connection to the countless pilgrims who had traversed its marble floors over centuries. Each visit, whether in December's chill or under the soft warmth of a returning spring, offered a moment of reflection, a pause in the hustle of life to simply be in the presence of something greater than oneself.

Culinary Delights at Motta and Marchesi 1824

No narrative of Milan can skirt around the culinary adventure that is an integral part of the city's charm. My first taste of Milanese cuisine at Motta introduced me to flavors both robust and refined, a culinary tradition steeped in history yet bursting with innovation. Returning to Milan, I found solace and delight in the morning ritual of breakfast at Marchesi 1824. Amidst the rush of meetings and the pace of professional life, Marchesi's pastries and coffee were a reminder of the city's ability to offer tranquility and pleasure in the simplest of experiences.

These establishments, Motta with its bustling charm and Marchesi 1824 with its elegant tranquility, are more than dining destinations. They are Milan's invitation to savor life, to pause and appreciate the beauty in a cup of espresso or the craftsmanship of a perfectly baked croissant.

A Shopping Spree in Milan

Milan, a beacon of fashion, beckons every visitor to partake in the ritual of shopping. My excursions to Salmoiraghi & Viganò for the perfect pair of glasses and the luxurious boutiques of Montenapoleone were not merely about acquisitions but about experiencing Milanese style firsthand. In December, the festive atmosphere added a layer of magic to each purchase. Returning for work, I found the same streets offered a different kind of enchantment—a quieter, more introspective journey into the heart of Milan's fashion legacy.

From the timeless elegance of Ferragamo to the meticulous craftsmanship of Montblanc, each item I chose was a piece of Milan to carry with me, a tangible memory of moments spent in this city that dances gracefully between the past and the present.

My Milanese Memories

As I bid farewell to Milan once more, I carry with me not just souvenirs and snapshots but a tapestry of experiences woven from two distinct visits. From the serendipity of getting lost to the solemn beauty of the Duomo, from the burst of flavors in a Milanese meal to the exquisite touch of luxury shopping, Milan has offered me stories of joy, discovery, and reflection.

To my fellow Filipinos yearning for adventure, Milan is a reminder that the journey is never the same, even when the destination remains unchanged. Each visit, whether driven by leisure or duty, opens new chapters in the endless storybook of travel. So, pack your bags, embrace the unexpected, and let Milan reveal its wonders to you, time and time again.

Be well,

YRB