Reunion

It's been 3 weeks since I've last blogged and that's due to perhaps reality kicking in, the days go by so quickly that my time here is feeling less like a holiday and more like my daily routine.
Milan is feeling more and more like home and I can't wait to come back in the future and see if I still continue a similar connection.

Today I waved goodbye to my last family member to visit, I haven't seen Amy properly since January so having eachothers company for almost 3 days was utter bliss. It was such a pleasure showing her around my new home and giving her the chance to experience the Italian lifestyle which mainly consisted with food (if you know my sister you'll know why.)

Arriving at Malpensa at stupid o'clock was made smoother by the quick shuttle coach into the centre. (Definitely the best way of getting to Milan for any future travellers. The train is also quick but more expensive and transferring to terminal 1 is a pain in the butt.)

We visited the Duomo and considering the amount of cathedrals she has claimed to have visited in South America, I still managed to get a 'wow' from her. Being a foodie there was nothing better for Ams to try than Milan's infamous Panzarotti from Luini's. A calzone-like bread with a stuffing of your choice wrapped in doughnut pastry. With mozzarella stringing everywhere and greasy fingers I definitely saw a smile of content.

The weather was absolutely beautiful soaring to above 30 this week so dressed for the beach we paraded around the city centre with obvious disgust looks from wearing 'sandals' - apparently there only supposed to be for the beach.
We ventured to the castle and made a b-line straight to the cafe in Parco Sempione 'cheersing' our first drink of her mini vacation.

One of my favourite areas in Milan is Brera - almost portraying the expectations of Italy with its cobbled streets and restaurants almost touching each other with multicoloured table cloths and alternate outdoor furniture.
As a belated birthday treat, I decided to take Amy to trip adviser rated second best restaurant in Milan 'Nerino Dieci Trattoria'. It really lived up to every expectation. This quaint, subtle eatery was out on a limb on a street near the Duomo. Walking in you are greeted straight away by the bartender and then by the host, being shown to the table followed by a complimentary glass of prosecco with full view of a very calm kitchen. The menu was outstanding, the vast choice of pasta, seafood and meat, the house wine selling for 10 euros!
Deciding on a mixed cured meat starter was divine, the meat was cut in front of us and was plenty served with warm bread and salad. Amy opted for the fresh pasta in a tomato sauce with lobster and for only 15 euros it was a bargain, I opted for the calamari with prawn risotto balls.
If only we weren't so full, the deserts sounded amazing and despite only briefly mentioning Amy's birthday upon entry, the very attentive staff bought over a candle lit coconut cake.
I think it says it all that I've booked up to go again next week!
It's a must if anyone is thinking of going to Milan.

After much persuading and perhaps the weather being the final push, Amy agreed to a visit to Stresa on  her second and final day in Milan. I'm so glad I was able to show her the beauty of the lakes being such a short distant from the hustle and bustle of the city.
We arrived at middayish and after a coffee, we made our way to the Islands. Isola di Pescatori by far is always my favourite and it seems to be a winner. We walked around the island a couple of times and despite being a bank holiday it still remained peaceful and tranquil. We settled down for some much needed lunch and enjoyed a glass of wine in the sun. Moving over to Isola Bella was also an experience. Amy being Amy fell in love with an Italian leather bag and of course it was purchased in all fairness it's a beautiful bag and it will definitely last!

We made our way to the canals for dinner so Amy could try an Aperitivo. One of the great things about having so many family visits is that every visitor has a different opinion. The canals were so busy being a bank holiday however dinner was unusually quiet. We enjoyed a cocktail with copious amounts of food and loved out final evening.

I'm so lucky to have such close sisters and I thank my parents so much for bringing us up to be best friends (yes we argue and have our disagreements but its that fact that we are forever understanding each other better.)
I think this year we have all realised that we're starting to separate with Amy travelling the globe and Georgia well being Georgia, that our time together is becoming more and more appreciated and I can't wait to be reunited with them both in August.

So enough with my soppy comments, living so far away from home has fully taught me to take what life throws at me and love every moment of it.




Till next time
S x