Just a few thoughts before leaving Milan, and Italy.
That Negroni was huge! And the free bar snacks, olives, pretzels, crisps, and only €10, then I was off to the rooftop of the Duomo, will load those pics later ‘coz I’m tight on time, train to Paris this afternoon and want to visit the famous Peck deli this morning.
Firstly, must mention I am so grateful to orthopedic surgeon Simon Mills who did my ankle fusion operation 4 years ago. Without it I would not be able to walk around for hours in these cities. My left ankle used to ache after half an hour but now I barely have a limp, even in regular shoes, and in trainers I’m 100% good, and there’s never any pain.
Secondly, I have been in close proximity to thousands of people everywhere and have not not any covid or flu symptoms that have hit me in previous visits to Europe. I will never know for sure but I believe it is not insignificant that I have been fully vaccinated and had the latest flu shot. Yay to modern medicine!
Thirdly, despite what many say, cash is not dead. I have been travelling nearly exclusively using Euros, I keep most of it in my pack and pull out €100 every couple of days. The credit card is used only when there’s no other option. I’m thinking of getting rid of the CC when I get home and just using a Debit card in the future.
Finally, it’s so great to be in places with so many people out strolling, chatting, enjoying the company of others at outdoor trattorias in the warmth of the evenings; where they don’t mind if you just hang out, there’s no waiters coming up every 2 minutes to ask stupid questions like, ‘Is there anything else you need?, Are you enjoying your meal?, etc.
Here, if you need service you put your hand up, simple. And they leave the plates at the table, there is no pressure.
It is good to be away from NZ where so many people seem to want to talk about retirement home options and aged-care, crikey! Sometimes I think NZ is turning into one big retirement home, and when I hear about 56,000 people net migration a year (that’s minus the number arriving), so that’s 1,000 people leaving ever week, why?
