In typical Sara-and-Emma style, my lovely friend and I headed to Milan for a much needed weekend away. We had been planning this trip since March, when the summer schedule for viewings of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper went up online. We reserved tickets for July 6 and made a weekend out of it!
We started on Saturday at noon with an adorable meeting in Milano Centrale train station. Emma’s train from Bologna got in first so she found me on my platform right when I got in. We immediately headed to the main square, Piazza del Duomo. Our B&B was about five minutes from the cathedral (Duomo) so we really couldn’t have had a better location for getting around, what with a metro stop and all of the main attractions at our most convenient disposal.
This weekend in Milan was a special weekend. In fact, it was a special weekend throughout Italy. What was so special? THE SUMMER SALES BEGAN! Ah, yes, the Italian summer sales are a glorious time of year. Nearly every store and designer, from Prada, Dolce&Gabbana, Valentino, and Dior to Zara, Benetton, Moschino, and MaxMara, has amazing discounts – no less than 30% off. Incredible! What I learned, however, was 50% off of a €1000 coat is a €500 coat, and therefore quite out of my price range. I fell in love with a pair of shoes and a pair of pants at MaxMara, but I decided against purchasing them on impulse and waiting to see if the Rome location possibly has the same things.
On Saturday, we basically walked around and window shopped! We went into the Duomo, which was gorgeous, and ate lunch and gelato before going back to more designer stores. It was fun just to be a part of the excitement, the fashion, and the drama of summer sales. Milan was built on fashion and this kind of thing is the perfect opportunity to visit the beautiful city.
We spent a good deal of time in Dior, where Emma ended up buying a pair of very classy sunglasses. The sales woman helping us out suggested we check out the Aperol bar for a drink that night and we took up the suggestions. Whenever Emma and I go anywhere, we have a mantra – it’s always spritz-o’clock. Having a spritz in THE Aperol bar was nothing short of destiny for us. The bar is in a building right next to the cathedral and has a terrace that overlooks the piazza.
For dinner, we went to the Obika Mozzarella Bar, a rooftop restaurant also in the main piazza. Another great view along with amazing mozzarella really tuckered us out and we headed back to our B&B for the night.
On Sunday, we wanted to check out Castello Sforzesco, but we woke up absolutely starving! Before we made our way uptown, we had brunch at the California Bakery, an American bakery and restaurant. We ate bagel sandwiches and had American coffees. It was weird… but satisfying.
After brunch, Emma and I went to Castello Sforzesco, the former home of the most powerful family in Milan. The castle has awesome grounds that are reminiscent of Central Park. We strolled and lounged until it was time for our appointment with The Last Supper. The church that houses the fresco is in the same neighborhood as the castle so we only had a short walk. When we got there, we had to turn in our receipt to get our actual tickets and then wait until our actual time.
The anticipation certainly built up, but seeing the fresco was totally worth it. I cannot even describe how awestruck I was by the fabulous piece of art. It lived up to every bit of hype and truly exceeded my expectations. Words do not do it justice. It is a must-see.
Our weekend was almost over following The Last Supper, but we made time to create our own custom ice cream bars at the Magnum ice cream bar. Mine was dipped in dark chocolate and topped with pistachio, rose petals, and wafers with white chocolate drizzled on top. Yum!
I am so glad that Emma and I had the opportunity to fit in another trip. I’ve been quite stressed out lately so a little vacation was exactly what I needed! Next weekend, the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, aka my summer employer, is hosting a conference on global inclusivity. The conference is Friday and Saturday, so on Sunday Emma and I are going to Naples and Pompeii for the day! It will be the last trip of my Italian adventure!
Con affetto,
Sara
The Wandering Blondie 