One haute city!

 

 

Boy, am I glad we decided to travel via road from Rome to Milan, for how else would I have witnessed innumerable shades of green and blue? The sky was struggling to contain the clouds, the lush green trees were playfully whispering sweet somethings to each other, and the clear highway looked unending. I remember listening to Romeo and Juliet (by Dire Straits) on my iPod and wondering, is the destination really more worthwhile than the journey? I would’ve sworn otherwise, if it wasn’t Milan.

It was night when we reached our hotel and the eight-hour long journey was not in the least exhausting. My friend, super excited and nocturnal by nature, decided to take a stroll on the city’s streets while I was in deep slumber. Post the good morning greetings, the only word that came out of his mouth was –‘Duomo’. Ah! The confusing word came out of Milan’s map spread open in his hands. And before I knew, I was in a tram admiring Milan through the slight drizzle. We got off at the station bang opposite Duomo di Milano and craned our necks to see the magnificent cathedral that stood proudly in front of us.

This rose marble architectural wonder is the world’s second largest church and is surrounded by all that the city has to offer... Musicians playing the saxophone by the street side cafes, hordes of young tourists cycling around, hundreds of pigeons being fed, little kids savouring the multi-coloured gelato scoops, exquisite outlets of the world’s finest brands with mannequins displaying the latest fashion trends. Now what else could one ask for! As the sun bid goodbye, it was the turn of the nightclubs to shine. And oh, did I mention about the hot men who pass you by at every two feet? Well, make that one if you’re swinging to the thump of the hottest nightclub in Milan! Recommended by our cabbie, we set off straight to ‘Old Fashion’, but mind you, there is nothing old fashioned about this open air disco pub. My excitement was at its peak at the sight of the Ferraris that I spotted outside the club. Inside, it looked like everybody was posing on the runway sporting Chanel, D&G, Fendi, Valentino, Gucci and other such world renowned brands. The tall and pretty Italian women made heads turn with the outstanding mix and match of fine cuts and chic designs, which one could also find at the flea markets in the city. A heady mix of brilliant music, beautiful people, bright clothes; and I already knew, it was going to be some night, although a weird thing did happen. As I steered through the crowd to reach the ladies’ room, a young Italian lad tightly grabbed my hand. It took me a second to find the body that belonged to that hand, only to realise that his breath had ‘vodka’ written all over it. Blame the bartenders for being so generous with the alcohol! And thanks to a friend who came to my rescue. Here’s a word of caution – these over-friendly Italian men are real smooth with their moves. After all, Casanova came from this country, remember? And while they might come on too strong, they understand ‘No’ when you say it.

Somehow my numbered days in Milan never got me glum as I knew that Milan is not a destination, it’s an unsatiated journey which would keep me coming back for more.