I Just Can’t Seem…
…to get movin’ —- a line from a Buffalo Springfield song “It’s so hard to wait” So many emotions fit here. I began my journey to Milano a couple of days ago. Having purchased the tickets when airlines were giving away tickets just to get you on-board. Now that they have you, it’s back to the same lack of service for twice the cost. This Lufthansa flight was perfect and I was in the very front of the bus. Cleared customs in Germany (easy — are you vaccinated ?—- stamp — you are in!). Mind you when you are “in” you are “in” for the whole of Europe! London will pay for its shortsighted protectorate vote but that is another topic. Travel day is great — you are packed, know what you will be wearing, know where you are going and more importantly “they” can’t find you once you are on the plane. A true respite providing you do not access the plane wifi —- your choice, I pretend I do not know how. If you don’t take United there is still excitement in travel.
I am in love with the idea of living in another country but the practicality of actually doing it is a completely different situation. It is no different than being in love period - reality is sobering. Stick with the fantasy if you can. You just cannot underestimate the power of the familiar. Throw in a change of language and you are really off center. My first morning in Milano I was looking forward to getting up and going out for a brioche (croissant in other places) and a proper cappuccino. You have seen the picture in all the magazines and media ads — always perfect. There was a lovely looking “pasticceria” just around the corner and I walked in expecting to receive a “buongiorno” and a friendly barista. Instead I found a crowded room and a confusing orientation of proper ordering procedure. In addition the people behind the counter were so aggressive I became intimidated and walked out. So much for the fantasy. Like all places you have to learn what works for you and fortunately there are many bars here. You just have to be patient and find the small one that you like.
A friend found a great temporary home for me but that is the key word — temporary. Even though everything works they don’t work the same way when you are in charge. I found a grocery store but it wasn’t “my “grocery store and they knew it because I wasn’t “their” customer. After I bought two water bottles and kleenex the clerk rang me up and then walked away leaving the bagging to me. Not that I could not bag but it was obvious that bagging was for locals. Now it is dinner time and I needed to find a “ristorante” to have dinner. I had lunch with friends at a terrific trattoria which they knew. Again the key is they knew it — I did not. I could not walk into any place as I did not know this area. So, like a homing pigeon I walked to the Four Seasons. It was 2100 (9:00pm) but they opened the door for me and at “Buona Sera” I felt at home. Sitting in the bar with background music, people hovering and people to watch, I had found a little bit of comfort in the familiar. It is only my third day and I realize that like any new relationship it will take some time to get used to another way of doing things. The unfamiliar may be exciting but it also feels disconcerting and risky. But squandering 100 euro on a cocktail (maybe two) and a salad felt oh so familiar to when I saw the world through the eyes of the concierge. Now I am trying to see it through my own eyes and it is just a little blurry. I forgot how much confidence you gain doing the same thing over and over.
—— From Milano — Teetering on the edge…