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Inside the Cantina della Vetra
At the Duomo in Milan
Cappuccino
tacky horseThe Beautiful people, the beautiful people
Milan made an extremely interesting exercise in people watching, but I cant say I really connected to the soul of the place, as the main ethos and emphasis of Milanese life was that of living the lifestyle. This is pursued with near religious acharnement. You might be interested to know that apart from the Gucci glasses and funky hair, the Milanese style hinges on a more classic look with mink fur coats and besmocked poochies as the ultimate accessory for wealthy residents, particularly of middle-aged women and naturally de riguer for La Scala-ites! Scalamania has recently taken on fresh impetus with the recent victorious re-opening of the popular lyrical theatre after a 3 -year and £42m restoration project. (The Duomo looks to be following suit as the whole of the façade was covered in scaffolding while we were there). The weekend in Milan did my Italian a world of good considering the number of times I had to complain. As a tourist I am highly suspicious of being fleeced, fobbed off and generally taken advantage of. I quibbled everything - from charges on bills that I didn't understand, to poor customer service. At the airport ticket kiosk for the coach into town, appalled by the off-hand manner of the clerk I ordered the ticket man to get off his mobile phone while serving me. Inevitably I was met with an evil stare. Airport service for you - sometimes it really is not worth it!
By the end of the weekend I was thoroughly fed up of unscrupulous types blustering and expostulating at everything I pointed out that I was not happy about, and with good reason too. It's all about making the quick buck in Italy. Now don't get me wrong, I am not a petty person, I am not even an especially difficult person, (I am just one of the most demanding when it comes to exacting the highest standards!!!!) That notwithstanding one thing I feel very passionately about is the experience of the traveller, the right of access to the same standards as ordinary locals. I will put to rights any individual who thinks they can palm me off with a second rate experience because I am a clueless foreigner who does not speak the language or know the value of the moneta.
