12 June: Firenze to Milano
Ah, Firenze. Leaving the tourist crowds is welcomed. Leaving the city is not.
The AirBnB was such a nice place it made saying goodbye a little sad. But onward we travel. As per my usual, I woke up early and started plotting the day to Milano. Looking at the train schedules, it seemed like we could squeeze in a quick detour to Pisa and back before catching our train. Seemed like. We made it to Pisa via train, took one look at the timing, and realized we would miss the paid train from Firenze to Milano if we stayed. So we turned right back around. No leaning tower, just train stations, stress, and disappointment. At least the return trip wasn't standing room only. Small mercies.
We got back to Firenze, grabbed a bite, and made our train with enough time to not have a full panic attack about it. The several hours on that train were actually relaxing, hot because the air conditioning was doing its best impression of doing nothing, but not insufferable. I spent the time writing the previous day's post, which felt appropriately Italian of me.
Milano! The BnB I picked was intentionally a short walk from the train station. I am capable of learning. The Metro system in this city is genuinely good; several lines running all across town. Once we got checked in and settled, we headed out. The destination was Back Door 43. Look it up, it is kind of neat. So neat, in fact, that you need a reservation months in advance. Our itinerary planning once again showing its threadbare stitching.
Not all was lost. The Navigli area is the spot to be if you want to be around fellow travelers. Food does not start getting served until 7, but there is no shortage of places to get a drink while you wait. The outdoor bar seating and pre-dinner buffet situation here is perfected. We landed at one for a Spritz, a drink advertised relentlessly all through Italy, and I do not disagree with the marketing.
When my hastily made reservation came due, we headed to a spot I found that served risotto. Milan's whole thing is risotto; it is their passion project and they will tell you about it. I found what I was told was one of the best and went for it. I was not disappointed in the least. Boy was it good. Pam enjoyed hers too, though it came with a fried sardine, which pushed the salt situation a bit further than she preferred. I had the Rissoto tartufo and Pam had the Rissoto Fior d'occiudo.
It was getting late for the geriatric duo, so we headed back with a side quest stop for a small bottle of limoncello as a nightcap.
As for tomorrow, I genuinely am not sure what it holds. Milan does not seem to have quite the same tourist circus as Roma and Firenze. We will find out.
