Benvenuti a Milano

We left the relaxing alps for the bustling city of Milano, but not before our last ridiculous breakfast.

Yes, every morning fresh orange juice and prosciutto. We got into the car and hit the winding mountain roads before the autostrada.

Of course at least one stop, and here’s the menu at the gas station — yes, the gas station.

We navigated the city and found the rental car drop off and checked into the Principe di Savoia. Wow.

The marquetry, the elegance, the formal culture is everything I dreamed it would be. They even make a bunch of alstroemerias (the cheap workhouse of every supermarket floral bouquet), look gorgeous.

The concierge team was sufficiently snooty, so you know you’re at a very special hotel. They were highly offended when I balked at the $200 cost of a car service to the airport for our departure a few days from now (considering the round trip flight was $400, it seemed a bit silly). Yet, they still managed to get me a fabulous massage at the health club here, with the phenomenal TiTi. It was almost Rolfing, but I signed up for another session.

We took a lovely walk to look at all the gorgeous architecture in this city. We didn’t take many photos, but it was a great mix of new and old.

Being Milano, there are many beautifully dressed people, but none better than this chihuahua. This is for you Dotty. I promise to buy these fur collared jackets if I can find them!

We returned to our glamorous hotel to be greeted by this lovely amenity:

The Italian flag in olives, cheese and tomatoes — with wine and taralli. Followed by an evening gift of Lavender and Camomile spray for the pillows of our luxurious bed.

Grouper would approve of this bed. Until tomorrow.