Throwback Thursday: Milan

The moment I arrived in Milan, I thought I could move here and not miss a beat. (With that hair!!) My favorite area was along the canals - the Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese. My sister and I ambled through the spring festival there, played cribbage in the coffee shops with the old Italian men and sampled all the cuisine during Apertivo (daily happy hour stroll with buffet snacks.) The Navigli neighborhood has the charm and romance of old Italy while still being within walking or Metro distance from the center and fashion district. For hotels near the Navigli, try the Aethos Milan, Art Hotel Navigli or the 21 House of Stories Navigli. Staying a bit longer? Check out the furnished apartment rentals along the canals managed by Easylife and Easyhomes.

And last but not least, please enjoy our advice straight from the 2006 Hotmail archives:

Renee and Rebekah's Italy Tips:

De rigeur fashion:

Per la donna:  Skin tight jeans tucked into knee high black boots - may exchange jeans for men's tailored shorts, preferably in a shiny gabardine.

Per l'oumo:  Burnt orange pants, preferably in a fine wale corderoy - may also be strawberry or plum colour.

Best value:  Milanese happy hour buffet - solamenta 6 Euro! for antipasti buffet and strong tall cocktail.  Also it is best to get free drinks, flowers and food from old Italian men who do not speak English.

Food discovery:  Sarde in saor - sardines fried with onions and raisins that have been marinated in vinegar, oil and sugar(?)

Directions:  Make sure you count every possible crack and alleyway as a street as it is likely it is the street you should be taking. 

One last item:  only word needed to get by....Prego....

Ciao Ciao!

Besos.