WHAT DID 2.5 DAYS IN MILANO LOOK LIKE?

Well, let me give you the run down! We took a small break from our regular duties here on the island of Kefalonia to visit Cinque Terre and Milan, Italy. What bought us to Italy, you say? Well! One of our good friends was travelling through Italy, and knowing that we were only a hop, skip and a jump away, meant that - We had to get together! We were so happy to be able to make it work. Three Australians in another country - Perfetto! 

We spent the first and last part of our trip in Milan, with our visit to Monterosso, Cinque Terre, in the middle. In this travel tale, I will take you through all our Milan adventures from both ends of our trip. Let's save Cinque Terre for next week :) That certainly deserves a blog post of it's own, as does Milan! 

KEFALONIA, GREECE TO MILAN, ITALY
1. Plane from Kefalonia Airport, Anna Pollatou to Athens Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos - (Approximately 1 hour)
2. Plane from Athens Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos to Milan Airport, Malpensa - (Approximately 3 hours)

From here? Our Airbnb was walking distance from the airport/train station. We would be be catching the speed train to Monterosso, Cinque Terre - (Duration of this train ride: Approximately 4 hours). 

Let's do it! 

MILAN HIGHLIGHTS (PART 1)

1. We arrived in Milan quite late, and it was set to rain. We were happy to grab a bite and take it back to our Airbnb. To avoid the forecasted rain, we didn't want to walk too far. We came across what looked like a restaurant, that also had burgers and fries attached to it. Guzzo Burger, it was called. I must say, the burgers were delicious. Your standard greasy, juicy, sloppy burger - Yep, that kind. The fries were super crunchy too. To look at their menu, click here - https://www.guzzoburger.it/menu/ and to find their Instagram, click here - https://www.instagram.com/guzzoburger/?hl=en (You've got to see their photos of their burgers, and you will understand what I mean!) 
2. The next morning, we ventured out for a stroll. We like to check maps to see what's around, and if something jumps out at us - That's where we go. This particular place was quite an unpredictable choice of ours but we were very intrigued. It was called... The Crazy Cat Cafe! Yep! I know - Wild. We aren't crazy for cats, even thought I grew up with them, but we were very curious so we thought - "Why not?!" You can find more information here: 

   https://crazycatcafe.it/ and here: https://www.instagram.com/crazycatcafe/?hl=en - It was a super cute experience! There were cats snoozing away near us or walking along the paths that were created up high as an obstacle course for their entertainment... They didn't mind a gentle pat either. It was really warming to see what has been created for these cats - A beautiful, safe home, with excitable and loving customers coming through the doors to hang out with these rescued and well looked after cats. We enjoyed a hot drink and a light breakfast - Images below! :) 
   
   *Image references -
   #1: Milan Centrale Train Station - The Roof
   #2: A tram - Yes, Milan has trams! 
   #3: My breakfast at The Crazy Cat Cafe
   #4: One of the friendly, furry residents at The Crazy Cat Cafe
   #5: An oat, lavender latter from The Crazy Cat Cafe
   #6: The Big Apple of Milan

*We then caught a speed train from Milan Centrale to Cinque Terre (Approximately 4 hours) - More on our time in Cinque Terre next week. Keep an eye out for it! :)

MILAN HIGHLIGHTS (PART 2)

1. One word: Duomo - I cannot begin to describe it's magnificence - So I won't. It belongs to another time and place. Utterly stunning, and I felt very grateful to stand near it. 
2. Galleria Vittoria Emanuele - Walking through and experiencing the hustle and bustle of people as well as all the stores/restaurants was a delight to the senses. Even at this time of the year, (May) - The piazza was full of tourists! 
3. Terrazza Aperol - We enjoyed lunch and a drink with one of a kind views here! There was a bit of a line but we were happy to wait. It moved very quickly, and once we saw the view - The wait was nothing in comparison! To find more information on Terrazza Aperol - Find it here: 

   https://ilmercatodelduomo.it/en/terrazza-aperol/ and here https://www.instagram.com/terrazzaaperolmilano/
   
   

   
   *Image references - 
   #7: The magnificent Duomo
   #8: The entrance archway to The Galleria
   #9: The Galleria - The spectacular roof! 
   #10: Terrazza Aperol - The exit archway to the balcony
   #11: Terrazza Aperol - Our tasty lunch, and drinks!
   #12: Amorino - Not just gelto, but an artwork! 
   
   
4. Flower shaped ice-cream! Yes! We couldn't believe it either! Now, this was a line worth waiting in, and yes, there was quite a line. If I'm correct - I think we waited for nearly an hour. You can imagine that it although the ladies working here are very skilled and quick to be able to produce this as a result - It still takes longer than serving regular ice cream scoops. So with this in mind, this beautiful ice-cream artwork is to be appreciated. The ice-cream itself was also very nicely made. Absolutely beautiful in flavour and texture! 

   https://www.amorino.com/ + https://www.instagram.com/amorinogelato/?hl=en for more stunning photos of their work! 

   
5. If you are after the BEST Ossobuco Milanese - You have to head to Antica Trattoria della Pessa. I will be dreaming of this dish for all of eternity, and that is no exaggeration. This was our dear friend's suggestion and there was no way we would be leaving without trying this meal. The service and the trattoria were delightful, and the food was mouth watering. To look at their menu and find out more about this trattoria - Have a squiz here - http://www.anticatrattoriadellapesa.com/ and here - 

   https://www.instagram.com/antica_trattoria_della_pesa/
   
   

   

    

6. Okay - Where do I even begin?! The Starbucks Reserve is out of control and it is AMAZING. It is really quite the experience. We enjoyed some pastries with our coffee. Choosing was so damn hard! So we got a few to share, that way we wouldn't miss out. Have a look at what they are all about here: 

   https://www.roastery.starbucks.it/ and here: https://www.instagram.com/starbucksreserve_mil/?hl=en

7. Walking along I Navigli is a very pleasant experience. The feel here is so different to the rest of Milan. It was absolutely buzzing with people! Great atmosphere, and a great spot to people watch. 

8. This is a "must book" restaurant in Milan - Da Giacomo - It is more on the dear side but the food is exceptional. So is the green interior! 

   https://giacomomilano.com/it/i-luoghi/ristoranti/da-giacomo-milano and for some Instagram Inspo, head here:  https://www.instagram.com/giacomo_milano/?hl=en 

#13: "A weekend in Milan" - Whilst window shopping
#14: The very famous Ossobuco from Antica Trattoria Della Pesa
#15: Inside The Starbucks Reserve Roastery - Heavenly!
#16: It was so hard to choose! - The Starbucks Reserve Roastery 
#17: I Navigli 
#18: Da Giacomo - My first course! 

Dear Reader - That concludes our highlights in Milan! 
As always, thank- you for reading about our adventures.