WANDER > HOME: Milan, Italy!

Feb 21

Welcome to Wander>Home, a series dedicated to sharing how I bring my travels around the world back into my home! Join me on a journey that goes beyond traditional “souvenirs” as I explore the infusion of textures, colors, art, and even memories that evoke the essence of each place I've visited. This series is an invitation to see souvenirs not just as tokens, and experiences not just as memories - but as elements that can seamlessly become part of the fabric of your home.

You see, I believe wandering > home, and the collision of the two has the opportunity to not only decorate your home but also narrate tales of your adventures.

In each part of this series, I’ll share key memories of my trip, along with specific sights, sounds, and ways I brought the experience back with me (i.e. incorporated it into the fabric of my home).

–

WANDER WITH ME…

Oh, Milan! The very name of this vibrant city evokes images of high fashion, exquisite architecture, and delectable cuisine. As you may have picked up on in my latest blog about our trip to Venice, I had the pleasure of spending a weekend in Milan, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of fabulous!

Our accommodations, the Rosa Grand hotel, may not have *quite* matched the enchantment of our Venice stay, but it had its own irreplaceable charm. I mean, nothing quite compares to waking up to the melodies of gondoliers on Venetian canals. It's an experience that stays with you forever (take me back)!

Stepping out from our hotel, we were greeted by the majestic presence of "Il Duomo di Milano." The sheer grandeur of this Italian Cathedral (an architectural marvel), built centuries ago, left us breathless. Coming from our standard US culture where we’re taught to spend years of our lives to earn a degree, it’s moments like these that remind me of the incredible talents and dedication of artisans throughout history – who never went to “school” for such craftsmanship! These incredible humans simply grew up learning their skill(s), which were passed down from generation to generation. I think there’s a lot we can learn from this…but I’ll save that for another time

On our first day, we had planned to visit the Swatch Store and the Vintage Store (two things on our list). However, upon encountering the array of mass-market stores like Sephora and H&M, we realized that this wasn't the authentic Milan shopping experience we had in mind. Determined to discover the city's hidden treasures, we sought guidance from the security guard at Swatch (people were so friendly), who directed us to the charming neighborhood of Brera. Brera in the heart of Milan, known as the artists' district for its timeless charm is considered by many the most beautiful area of Milan. Jackpot!

To our delight, Brera exceeded our expectations. Amidst its picturesque streets, I stumbled upon a pair of suede booties and sunglasses, capturing the essence of Milanese fashion. I imagine these items living in my closet for years to come. Future “vintage” items for my children’s children!

As we meandered down a quaint alleyway lined with cozy cafes, we couldn't resist the allure of an empty cafe table bathed in the glow of twinkling lights.

Seated amidst the intimate (and incomparable) ambiance of cobblestone streets, with laundry swaying overhead (a delightful touch of local charm!), we savored every bit of the atmosphere AND the food.

The close proximity of tables created a sense of camaraderie, allowing us to share in the joys of delicious cuisine and engaging conversations with our neighboring diners. This is one of my favorite things about European culture! To our delight, they graciously shared their insider tips on must-see/do things, enriching our Italian adventure.

I’ll pause on the storytelling for a brief moment because I think it’s important to point out the fact that I love knowing a list of things to do when planning a trip (send me your recs)!

But MORE than that, I love asking locals and finding my way on my own. On this trip in particular, we ran into several things that we might not have found if we had stuck to a list.

This mentality of not being “stuck to a list” served as an invitation to meander around, admiring the endless beauty of doors, hardware, and architecture. We made decisions about where to stop/shop simply because they looked interesting, not because we had heard of them before. There’s magic in that, I promise!

One particular highlight was stumbling upon a tiny art supply store, where I purchased materials to create handmade journals which we all used throughout the rest of our trip. It's these spontaneous discoveries that add depth and richness to travel experiences, reminding us to embrace the unknown and seek beauty in unexpected places.

Every step we took throughout Milan seemed to be more beautiful than the last. Literally, even the GROUND, laden with marbles, pebbles, and unique patterns was stunning…I couldn’t stop taking pictures.

Stumbling back to our hotel feeling giddy over the scrumptious gelato, Italian jewelry, and all of the other things we had just discovered, we happened to “find” a place that I will LITERALLY never forget: The Galleria.

A world-famous attraction, this somehow had not made it on our list of things to do – which made it even more special! The Galleria's ceilings are made of glass, creating an open-air ambiance without the need for doors. Stepping inside, it feels as though you've entered a realm of unparalleled beauty. While it's known as a shopping destination, what truly captivated me was the breathtaking architecture. I found myself utterly mesmerized, constantly gazing upwards at the intricate glass ceiling and downwards at the exquisite mosaic floors. Words fail to capture its magnificence; suffice it to say, this place has secured a spot among my all-time favorites.

Another unforgettable memory is our sunset dinner reservations at the rooftop restaurant above the Prada Museum. Eagerly adorned in our new purchases, we were ready for a special evening. While we didn't have the chance to explore the museum itself, the rooftop restaurant surpassed our expectations. With its stunning vistas and delectable cuisine, it was a feast for the senses, to say the least.

The following morning, we embraced the “Italian way” (aka a slower pace) by sleeping in and then enjoying an early lunch at Paper Moon Giardino. Dining alfresco, surrounded by the beauty of our surroundings, we were enchanted by the delicious food (again), refreshing drinks, and the captivating atmosphere.

Following the recommendation of our newfound friends mentioned above, we ventured into another neighborhood, where we stumbled upon a small church adorned with mesmerizing murals depicting biblical tales. The San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is a must see and won’t take up too much time because it’s small. You CAN get caught up in studying the murals. They are stunning! Despite most shops being closed, we found solace in a cozy café, savoring coffee and pastries (when in Italy, right!?).

Returning to the Duomo for our scheduled tour, we once again ascended to the rooftop, marveling at the impeccable craftsmanship with every step. Descending into the cathedral, we were met with the solemnity of a mass accompanied by the celestial strains of the organ. Standing in awe (I was probably drooling a little), time seemed to stand still as we absorbed the profound beauty and sacredness of the moment.

Another visit to the Galleria followed, where tradition dictates spinning the bull's testicles three times for good luck - HA. Though our attempt may have inadvertently involved some minor chaos (jumping in front of a little girl to steal our turn), it added an amusing twist to our adventures.

A quick stop for pizza and Aperol spritzes preceded an early night's rest, preparing us for the next leg of our journey – a week in the idyllic paradise of Lake Como. As we drifted off to sleep, our hearts brimmed with anticipation for the dreams yet to unfold, and the ones that had just come to life. I can honestly say I’ve never taken SO many photos on just one trip!

How I brought Venice “HOME” with me:

I’ve got big plans to bring the interesting FLOORS from this trip into my new house! We intend to mix up tiles, hardwoods, and patterns throughout the house. I can’t wait to look down and be reminded of majestic Milan. I’m also incorporating stained glass in the ceiling in my new studio – a testament to and reminder of the ceilings in the Galleria!