Milano "Not just a delicious cookie"

There is so much to say about the beautiful city of Italy, and getting around there, that I could probably write 3 travel books.  Also, I could've definitely taken photos until my arms fell off.
Instead, I am presenting my trip to Italy May-June 2017 in three separate posts.

All opinions expressed here are my personal experiences - and are not a reflection of your experience(s) that you had or will have.

The first one is Milano, or Milan.  Home to the epic Last Supper by DaVinci at the Church Santa Maria Della Grazia (buy your tickets online 3 months in advance at least!); the Duomo of Milan (get the all inclusive pass that includes the rooftop tour); go out at night and walk around - it's surprisingly quiet and safe; and you must get to the Cemetaria Nationale to see some of the world's most morose statues (wear lots of sunscreen and bug spray here.)

Finally, a trip to Varena by Lake Como was also worth the train ride. But don't get tricked into taking a ferry to Bellagio (unless you want to go); It is high priced stores, overcrowded expensive cafes, and not too many places to rest and just enjoy the island. We later agreed that Varena was quite beautiful and we should've stayed there longer.

TRAVEL TIPS:  Day one: get a map and carry it in your purse or pocket.  Apps sometimes fail because of sketchy wifi connections.  Don't hesitate to ask Italians if you are getting a little lost. The Milanese know where all of their attractions are and together, you can point to a place on a map. (Remember to say GRAZIE!)

Milan has a lot more mosquitoes that you would think; and of course the sun is pretty intense in the summer time. Think Florida or Georgia in the Spring.  So it's bearable, but still hot.  You definitely need spf 50 that is water/sweat resistant.

Also, bring some hand sanitizer and tissues (for the toilette). Most bathrooms are so overused, that they frequently have no paper or soap. And on that note, bring some Euro coins with you every time you go out. Public toilets sometimes have a 50C or 1E cost and only take exact change.

You may also think about bringing a sturdy paper fan to use while waiting in line.  I got this travel tip before I went and bought a fan the first day.  What a lifesaver it turned out to be.

Carry a re-usable water bottle with you; and remember that Italy rarely has ice available.  Most of the beverages we found were room temperature, unless you are buying a beer on tap.

Avoid any restaurant/cafe that advertises using the words "American-style - anything/pizza/spaghetti/etc. OR photos of the menu items. NOTE TO SELF: American tourists with no taste buds eat here.  And yes, there is a McDonalds in Milan.
     You will find that eating when and where the locals eat is more nutritious and authentic, as well as more affordable. Taxi drivers, servers, and shopkeepers can recommend other good stores and restaurants.

Also, if you are thinking of going inside any of the major sites (most art and paintings are in actual churches) you MUST be dressed appropriately.  Your opinion of what is appropriate doesn't matter.  The guards at the door determine if you are appropriately dressed.  So even if your boyfriend prefers you in crop tops and booty shorts, you must have your cleavage and shoulders covered, as well as your belly and thighs.  You can throw a beach cover-up on, or a light sweater or scarf (as some women did); or you can purchase a paper-towel style "bathrobe" to wear throughout your visit.  (let me tell you, everyone who had to purchase that appeared embarrassed.)

Finally, just get lost. Wander around all day and night. Go into every free museum or church. Majority of them have ONE really good item or painting (count the Rubens and Tintorettos!).We found some unusual places and enjoyed cooler air walking home from dinner.