"The truth is that Italy is not really filled with tourists, not even at the height of the season. The problem is that all of the visitors have gathered in the same eight places, sometimes even the same sandwich shop, at the same time." amen! Loved this 🥐
We've just arrived in Milan yesterday and it's EMPTY. Schools in Lombardia start on Sept 12th, so families are still on holidays. The bulk of European tourists (and most Americans) are back at work, so it's very quiet. Actually a bit too quiet for our liking... Not enough Milanese vibe.
We'll be arriving in Venice the last week of September. I'm glad to hear that Italian routines will be back in action by then, and we'll be joining a (hopefully) smaller swarm of tourists. I want to see the "normal" functioning of the city!
I'm sorry to hear that Milan feels a little more calm than you'd prefer, but I hope you still have the most wonderful time!
Raining cats and dogs here now, but no worries, it's our favorite Italian city, although it took decades for it to arrive at the top. Milan opens itself to visitors a bit at a time, piano, piano...
It sounds like you're super at ease in Italy--have a blast in both cities! Milan is on my list especially because I am dying to see as many Gio Ponti sites as possible.
Venice! We have two very starkly different Airbnbs rented and I am pretty excited about the huge amount of discovery I feel like I'm about to experience! ☺️
Such a nice post, I loved that original Italian version and was thinking all the way through reading it about what the French version would be, as I live in Paris. I totally agree with point 7 too, as a Brit I think Brits and Americans have got the wrong end of the stick about French style – it’s not about glamour at all, it’s chic and understated and to look like you have tried is the worst of sartorial crimes. If you want glamour, you want Italy! I had to laugh at point 5 though, they definitely know you’re not French!
I am so curious to know what your list would look like, as a Brit in Paris! ❤️
Oh and I completely agree about #5!! I feel like French people know straight away that there’s something off about me, and as soon as I speak, it confirms it. 😂 I am so thankful for everyone’s kindness and curiosity here though! I never feel ashamed to be a foreigner and truly feel grateful that people have extended so much patience toward me. I hope you’re having a similar experience!
Oh goodness no, I never feel that and have never had anyone be unkind to me about making mistakes in French or not knowing how something works. It’s not something I even worry about, I just think what would my attitude be to people in the UK moving there and speaking English as a second language and it’s never anything but admiration. And I think the French are exactly the same. Plus, something I think people who get offended by French people “refusing” to speak English to them don’t realise – most of them would really struggle to, and the refusal is partially out of embarrassment over this. France is among the worst countries in Europe for speaking other languages. So they’re actually relieved when you speak French, no matter how bad it is.
Anyway! I’ll need to have a think about my list but one thing that comes to mind immediately is either watch or attend a demonstration. It will tell you so much about French mentality – it’s just so normal to protest. And it’s why our rights as workers and renters and patients and so on are so well protected. Where I live they happen every weekend and it’s just part of life.
I’d also add take part in all the lovely little annual traditions we don’t have (in the UK at least), like buying lily of the valley from a street seller for a friend on May Day, and read about why.
Let’s be shoe twins!! My unsolicited review: They’re super comfortable!
Plus, there are three separate ties on each shoe, so you can tie them in different ways in order to increase or decrease bow-ness. I’m a little worried they won’t last a while only because the fabric is on the delicate side and I’m a little rough with my shoes. But so far so good! ❣️
Love this … I daydream about being that writer perched in a café observing on styles and habits. Yet here I am in rural Vienne pondering which of the smallholding chores I’ll do next. I have booked myself 3 nights in Royan while JoJo is back in Wales at her own creative retreat. I shall do some mid-Autumn café loitering. I may even press a €2 piece on an unsuspecting bus driver and roam! Lovely piece.
"The truth is that Italy is not really filled with tourists, not even at the height of the season. The problem is that all of the visitors have gathered in the same eight places, sometimes even the same sandwich shop, at the same time." amen! Loved this 🥐
I'm about to have my first trip to Italy and I'm a little nervous about the over-tourism feeling. We'll see!!
We've just arrived in Milan yesterday and it's EMPTY. Schools in Lombardia start on Sept 12th, so families are still on holidays. The bulk of European tourists (and most Americans) are back at work, so it's very quiet. Actually a bit too quiet for our liking... Not enough Milanese vibe.
Thank you for this comment!
We'll be arriving in Venice the last week of September. I'm glad to hear that Italian routines will be back in action by then, and we'll be joining a (hopefully) smaller swarm of tourists. I want to see the "normal" functioning of the city!
I'm sorry to hear that Milan feels a little more calm than you'd prefer, but I hope you still have the most wonderful time!
Enjoy Venice. We'll be there next week.
Raining cats and dogs here now, but no worries, it's our favorite Italian city, although it took decades for it to arrive at the top. Milan opens itself to visitors a bit at a time, piano, piano...
It sounds like you're super at ease in Italy--have a blast in both cities! Milan is on my list especially because I am dying to see as many Gio Ponti sites as possible.
Italy is incredible! Where are you heading? I'm sure your intuition will lead you to some fantastic spots! 😉
Venice! We have two very starkly different Airbnbs rented and I am pretty excited about the huge amount of discovery I feel like I'm about to experience! ☺️
I looove Venice! I studied nearby in Padova, it is such a magical place and September is a lovely time to visit. Can't wait to hear more
How incredible that you were able to study in Italy! Is there one Italian dish that you'd absolutely recommend I try?
I will definitely write about the trip! :)
Cicchetti (their version of tapas) and a spritz! You cannot go wrong 🤌🏻
Such a nice post, I loved that original Italian version and was thinking all the way through reading it about what the French version would be, as I live in Paris. I totally agree with point 7 too, as a Brit I think Brits and Americans have got the wrong end of the stick about French style – it’s not about glamour at all, it’s chic and understated and to look like you have tried is the worst of sartorial crimes. If you want glamour, you want Italy! I had to laugh at point 5 though, they definitely know you’re not French!
I am so curious to know what your list would look like, as a Brit in Paris! ❤️
Oh and I completely agree about #5!! I feel like French people know straight away that there’s something off about me, and as soon as I speak, it confirms it. 😂 I am so thankful for everyone’s kindness and curiosity here though! I never feel ashamed to be a foreigner and truly feel grateful that people have extended so much patience toward me. I hope you’re having a similar experience!
Oh goodness no, I never feel that and have never had anyone be unkind to me about making mistakes in French or not knowing how something works. It’s not something I even worry about, I just think what would my attitude be to people in the UK moving there and speaking English as a second language and it’s never anything but admiration. And I think the French are exactly the same. Plus, something I think people who get offended by French people “refusing” to speak English to them don’t realise – most of them would really struggle to, and the refusal is partially out of embarrassment over this. France is among the worst countries in Europe for speaking other languages. So they’re actually relieved when you speak French, no matter how bad it is.
Anyway! I’ll need to have a think about my list but one thing that comes to mind immediately is either watch or attend a demonstration. It will tell you so much about French mentality – it’s just so normal to protest. And it’s why our rights as workers and renters and patients and so on are so well protected. Where I live they happen every weekend and it’s just part of life.
I’d also add take part in all the lovely little annual traditions we don’t have (in the UK at least), like buying lily of the valley from a street seller for a friend on May Day, and read about why.
Nice list! I live in the Southwest, but have never dared to ask for a "chocolatine" in Paris. I should try it sometime.
It’s the only time I push the limits here. 😇
Do I need to get those shoes??? They are so good. This was a total pleasure to read, per usual.
Thank you, Ali!!
Let’s be shoe twins!! My unsolicited review: They’re super comfortable!
Plus, there are three separate ties on each shoe, so you can tie them in different ways in order to increase or decrease bow-ness. I’m a little worried they won’t last a while only because the fabric is on the delicate side and I’m a little rough with my shoes. But so far so good! ❣️
Kelsey! I love this per usual. TRÈS obsessed with the idea of animals speaking different languages!!!❣️
Isn't it crazy?! I love telling French people about cock-a-doodle-do and hearing them try to pronounce it. It makes everyone laugh in such a pure way!
Simply gorgeous as always! A great joy to read your work and see your wonderful photos 💕
Thank you so, so, so much!!
Love this … I daydream about being that writer perched in a café observing on styles and habits. Yet here I am in rural Vienne pondering which of the smallholding chores I’ll do next. I have booked myself 3 nights in Royan while JoJo is back in Wales at her own creative retreat. I shall do some mid-Autumn café loitering. I may even press a €2 piece on an unsuspecting bus driver and roam! Lovely piece.