Milan, You Weird Little Place (and My Quest for the Perfect Espresso)
okay, so. milan. i didn’t expect to be here, honestly. my usual gig fell through - some drama with a touring band and a rogue ferret, don’t ask - and a friend mentioned they needed a session drummer for a recording project. milan it was.
and wow. it’s… something. i’m used to the relentless energy of tour life, the constant motion, but this is different. it’s a low hum, a quiet confidence. like the city knows something you don’t. i just checked and it's hovering around fifteen degrees celsius, with a dampness that clings to you like a persistent memory. feels like fourteen, actually. perfect for wandering, i guess.
my hotel is… charming. let’s go with charming. it’s near *Navigli, which is apparently the place to be. i’ve been mostly fueled by caffeine and the sheer will to not get hopelessly lost. the espresso here? it’s a religion. i’m on a mission to find the perfect one. so far, i’ve had some contenders, but nothing transcendent. i’m using Yelp to guide me, but honestly, the reviews are all over the place. someone told me that Caffe del Leone is amazing, but another guy, clearly three Aperol spritzes deep, insisted that Giulina is where it’s at. i’m going to try both. for science.
and the fashion! obviously. i’m not exactly a style icon myself (think band tees and perpetually scuffed boots), but even i can appreciate the dedication. i saw a woman walking a tiny dog wearing a tiny, perfectly tailored suit. a suit! for a dog! it was glorious.
“Apparently, if you’re not wearing at least three designer labels, you’re basically invisible here.” - overheard at a bar near the Duomo.
I’ve been trying to soak up the atmosphere, you know? wandering around Duomo, getting lost in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (seriously, that place is a maze), and just generally observing. if you get bored, Como and Bergamo are just a short train ride away. i’m thinking of taking a day trip to Bergamo - heard it’s got some seriously stunning views.
pro-tips for surviving milan (as a perpetually tired drummer):
*learn a few basic italian phrases. seriously. it goes a long way.
*comfortable shoes are your best friend. you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
*embrace the aperitivo culture. it’s basically happy hour on steroids. check out this guide: https://www.thespruce.com/milan-aperitivo-guide-4843986
*don’t be afraid to get lost. some of the best discoveries happen when you’re not looking for them.
*check out the local music scene.* i’m hoping to find some cool jazz clubs. https://www.timeout.com/milan/music/best-jazz-clubs-in-milan
I heard that the locals are pretty reserved, but once you break through, they’re incredibly welcoming. i’m still working on that part. my neighbors seem to be mostly stylish young professionals and a very serious-looking elderly woman who waters her plants with an almost religious fervor.
and the pressure? it’s 1013, humidity is 68, sea level is 1013, ground level is 997. i have no idea what that means, but it sounds… official.
anyway, gotta go hunt down some more espresso. wish me luck. and if you’re ever in milan, hit me up! i’ll point you towards the best (allegedly) caffe in town. check out TripAdvisor for more reviews: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g187849-Milan_Lombardy.html
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