Walking—-Andare A Piedi
Milano is a walking city. I clock in around 15,000 steps a day cruising around the various neighborhoods that make up this European capital. When one walks a lot one notices a lot and I have been noticing the walking styles of women and men. I have observed a clear divide. In general when men are walking they are observing. They look side to side, look up and down, they look at people across the street and the people they are passing. They must be fantasizing that they are Secret Service agents protecting an invisible client. There are styles associated with this forward observer method of walking. There is the business guy alone style - waling while doing the biggest deal phone glued to the ear. They carry themselves as if the deal is done and the bonus is coming. When the business guy has a companion they speak in secret like they are either football coaches or they have bad breath which requires them to have their hand over their mouth while they divulge secrets. Vacation guy - he is sauntering — I have nothing but time and I am in Milan. Working man — He is loud and wants you to know he is working. He is not necessarily in a hurry but he has a co-worker and information can only be delivered by yelling. Very old guy - This man walks slowly but with a sense of purpose as he is just happy to be upright and ambulatory. Couples guy - He is distracted while he walks either because he is in an argument or he can’t believe this woman is walking with him —- either way he is in full Secret Service mode watching -watching.
Women, on the other hand, are not checking anything out or they are so good you just don’t notice it. Women in the city walk with purpose — eyes straight ahead with no chance for eye contact. Young girls walk together always in conversation they are oblivious to the world around them. Other women regardless of age walk with purpose as don’t mess with me. The more confident the stronger the stride and forceful the purpose i.e. get in my way and I will fuck you up. Some less confident cast furtive glances but nonetheless they are moving quickly and are trying not to engage. Even older women are walking with eyes straight ahead. In general women walk in away to not engage. If they are trying to it probably has a cost associated. Head down, eyes focused moving purposely through the crowd.
Speaking of walking—- let’s talk about style for a minute. Love a 7” stiletto but we better get over it. Massive combat boots with 3” thick heels and soles are what is on the women of Milano. These are basic training or Airborne Ranger equipment and they are worn with everything and no wonder, walking around the stone streets of Milano is no place for a stiletto. If you are walking with purpose these get the message across—-don’t mess with me.
Jeans of all kinds are still THE thing for men and women. Guys, wear a pair of jeans, big shoes (not low profile loafers here) or tennis shoes (again practical and cool) but wear a nice shirt, sweater vest and a sport jacket. That’s right a sport coat and a sweater vest and a proper shirt. By the way, when you are packing, don’t even think about bringing those cargo shorts. You can bring basketball shorts or tennis shorts but if you are on the streets of Milano no one wants to see your legs. You can wear jeans of any variety but if you want to announce that you are from out of town — wear those fucking cargo shorts.
Speaking of what to walk around with…. There is a dog resurgence in Milano. They are all around town and in restaurants. What is changing is poop bags as people do pick up the poop here. No more digging around your purse for those ugly green rolled up plastic bags. What is changing is a new chic fashion item. —- look for these in your favorite store. A fashion forward compartment to carry your poop bag. They will be the perfect compliment to your perfect outfit and you won’t be embarrassed to reach into this accessory to take care of business.
Oh, Fido, really you have to do it here? Now what did I do with my poop bags……..