SPRING BREAK IN MILAN AND VENICE, ITALY

Bring on the pizza, spritz and way too many stops for gelato.

I can truly say I fulfilled a bucket list item this past weekend and I am still amazed by it. Traveling to Milan, fashion capital of the world, has always been a dream of mine. Never in a million years did I think my 21-year-old self would be travelling there with one of my best friends for a weekend trip. I feel like I could pinch myself, but I won’t because OWW. Instead I will reflect on the incredible fashion, food and inevitable multiple stops a day at gelato stands.

Our spring break trip was the perfect five-day getaway centered around two phenomenal Italian cities: Milan and Venice. The two could not be more different from each other but that is what made this journey so much fun. We started our jaunt in Milan and, after hearing so many mixed reviews before coming, I was beyond delighted to see that it was everything I had hoped for. The most luxurious and beautifully crafted clothes hung in each window as we made our way to the Duomo. We stopped in every window with the same doe-eyed expressions wondering how these places could be real. Along with having a surplus of marvelous shops, the people watching was unlike anything else. I have never seen better dressed people in my life and I can confidently state that fact.

We spent the day walking through shops, taking that required photo-op in front of the breathtaking Duomo and enjoying the tastiest Aperitivo drinks and snacks. A pro-tip for the Duomo would be to dress appropriately and definitely make the trek up the stairs to the top that includes the most astonishing view and an even better gaze at the Duomo’s stunning architecture.

After scaling the Duomo, we found our way through a castle to a perfect park where we laid in the warm sun while listening to music; it was everything and more. Dinner that night was per recommendation and as you guys probably know, recs have yet to fail me. This pizza place, Sorbillo, was everything I could have hoped for in Italian pizza and, you guessed it, MORE. The pizzas were truly gigantic and filled with the sweetest sauce and most delectable cheese all contained in the doughiest of doughs. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

The next day was filled with similar events; drooling over store front windows, falling in love with the most perfect Isabel Marant dress and laying in the park catching some perfect rays. Dinner that night brought us to Navigli which is the southern region of Milan and a hidden gem in my opinion. It is an area set on the canal lined with restaurants and cute shops. We had the most delicious charcuterie board and lovely wine before making our long walk back to our hotel AND stopping along the way at the most boujee gelato spot, La Romana, of course.

Our next stop was Venice and it was just as I had expected: beautiful in every sense of the word. The sheer construction of this city is still something I can’t wrap my head around, but it is just as unbelievable as I had heard. The canals, bridges, gondolas, food, drinks, PEOPLE…all of it, magnifico. I usually don’t mention where we stay during trips but in this case our living situation brought an amazing person into our lives. We stayed in a hostel where we met a friend I could truly see myself keeping in touch with always. I mention this because as I have not stayed in many hostels, I was anxious about the idea of staying in a room with complete strangers. I was proven wrong in this case, because allowing myself to be immersed in this situation led to great conversation and memories that we will have forever. Everyone is just trying to see the world, so why not do it together?

Anyway, we spent our days in Venice just relaxing and taking in the scenery. We had drinks in St. Marcs square and sat along the water watching the boats glide by. It was dreamy and wonderful. We had way too many gelatos each day but when in Italy right?? Our last day brought the obligatory gondola ride that I would highly recommend. Yes, it’s overpriced but yes, you have to do it. My advice would be to do it in the morning and you’ll have the most peaceful ride. As many of you know, Venice is extremely crowded most of the year, so it does help to plan accordingly for that. Come to Venice with an open mind, stomach and wallet.

Coming back to Italy was a dream for me and I will continue to come back forever hopefully. There is nothing like the food, fashion and people, I promise you that. As my abroad experience is coming to a close, I have reflected on seeing so many different countries, each bringing its own flavor and vibe. I can now fully see how vast the world is and how much it has to offer. Go see it, go meet new people even if it is pushing you out of your comfort zone, eat the gelato and always be kind.

XOXO,

Simply Complicated