I’m Off to Milan

I leave tomorrow for a week-long trip to Milan, and I plan to come back with all kinds of great photos and tidbits to share with you about the city and about the sights there. I’m not convinced that Milan should be on every tourist’s Italian itinerary, but if you’re stuck flying in and out of Malpensa you might as well make the most of it with at least a day spent wandering around. After a full week, I hope to be able to give you a better idea of what’s worth your time in that day and what’s not.

I’m also pleased to report that I’ve reserved a couple of chairs at one of those Home Food dinners I’ve written about before for the husband and myself, so I’ll be able to share my experience with that as well. So far, the reservation process couldn’t have been easier, and the people who run the organization have been quick to respond to my questions via email (in English!). I think it’s going to be a memorable experience, and I look forward to telling you about it.

My relationship with luggage has never been good, and I have a tendency to overpack on just about every trip. I get better with each one, but I’m still a far cry from being called a light packer. I’ve looked at the Italy weather charts and generally know what Italy in November is like, but the weather over there has been a little odd this year, to say the least. So when it came to packing for this trip, I was a bit stumped. So, I emailed one of the expat bloggers in Milan whose blogs I have bookmarked, and asked what the weather was like lately. Alex at Italy Chronicles was very helpful, passing along the following advice:

The best advice I think I can offer you is to bring things you can layer. The weather in November can start to get quite cold and damp especially in the evenings. During the day, if the sun manages to penetrate the greyish skies, 20 degrees C are not unheard of in November. If I were you I would bring one heavyish coat and pop a couple of woolly pullovers in your suitcase, just in case. Jeans should be fine too.

Although it may be a little over the top, it may be an idea to pack a scarf and a pair of light gloves too – they don’t take up much room. Do bring something waterproof – it does rain in November here and when it does it can bucket down. A long raincoat and a waterproof hat or simply an umbrella would be an idea.

Be aware of the fact that Italian heating systems are often on overdrive, so while it may be cold outside, most buildings will be very hot on the inside – hence the layers. You may find yourself suffering from a mild form of heat stroke as a result of the heat level in many buildings here. In fact, a heavyish top coat and lightish clothing underneath would be quite an effective combination.

Now, if I’ve managed to cram everything I want to bring (in oh-so stylish Milan my usual casual traveler duds just won’t fly) into the small suitcase I’m trying to limit myself to, then I’ll be happy.

I’m going to try to get some posts up here on the Italy Logue during my trip, but the posting schedule may be a bit more sporadic than usual. Rest assured, it’s all for a good cause!