The Untold Story of Milan and Me

Traveling alone is both liberating and challenging. I am constantly being stretched outside of my comfort zone by either going out of my way to make new friends or learning to accept the silence. I have found myself asking these questions… what do you do when there is no one to eat with or no one to chat with or no one to walk with? What if you walk the most beautiful streets and eat the best cheese and taste the most delicious wine but have no one to share it with? Are you still “happy?” Is this trip still “fun?” Or better yet, are you “enough” to keep yourself going on a journey that has only just begun?

It’s Thursday morning, day two. I wake up early in the morning, put on my bright green romper from Zara, and begin my first real day in Italia. My first real day with me.

It’s 9 am and the city is just starting to wake up. I step outside of my hostel, located in the city center, when my stomach suddenly starts to growl. I look up and smile as I can only think of one magical place to have the most magical breakfast in the most magical city and that is… Prada!

In the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, there are two Pradas and nestled at the very top of one of the stores is the most glamorous pastry caffe. As I opened the doors, I was hit with the smell of bold espresso, expensive perfume, and a sense of sophisticated charm. After looking around and taking way too many instagram photos, I headed over to the bar and ordered a hot cappuccino and a warm honey croissant. I stepped across the street, found myself a park bench, and enjoyed my little Italia breakfast with Leonardo Da Vinci himself!

After finishing up my breakfast, I headed out to explore the city streets and what I found was a story. You see, these streets tell a story… The buildings are beautifully colored yet weathered, the roads are enchanting cobble stone yet uncomfortable on your feet, and architectural structures are overwhelmingly extravagant yet resemble the lives of incredible people who have gone before us and since passed… looking at us the way Da Vinci looked at me.

If you look closely, what you will find is a story that wasn’t always easy or pretty. If you look closely, what you will find is a story of amazing work created by amazing souls who suffered greatly in their lifetime. If you look closely, what you will find is a story that resembles a journey much like the one you and I are on.

I ended my day at a local and beloved deli called Peck, recommended to me by SoloGalTravel. I found a seat at the bar and enjoyed a glass of delicious red wine and an assortment of the best tasting cheeses. And, even though, I did not have anyone to share it with, I am learning some things in life are just meant to be shared with yourself and that’s okay with me.