Monthly Archives: September 2010

p.s. Easy rider rentals

As mentioned in my previous post, bicycles are available throughout Milan for easy rental. I’d said they were free. And while this is completely and utterly in error, it is true that they are priced very reasonably. Please see the … Continue reading

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Easy riders, easy does it, Milanese style

One of my greatest joys in adult life is doing what I did as a ten year old—ride a bike. And I do it every day. It’s the preferred mode of transportation around here, as far as I can see. … Continue reading

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In season: Uva Americana

It’s the time of the vendemmia or grape harvest, and in all the markets now you can find this irresistibly, seductive fruit. A pulp, sweet at first, sour if you bite into it, which pops out of a rather thick … Continue reading

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Memories Of / #2

I owe my sincere thanks to an old friend (from the Martin Agency days) and great story-teller, Daniel “Catfish” Russ, for this beautiful memory of France some years back. Please check out Daniel’s blog here. One more thing before I … Continue reading

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In praise of the “grembiule”

It’s mid-September, and it’s been back-to-school for the past week. As in every country in the world, where children go back to school in the Fall, here too the air seems to change with the shift in our collective energy. … Continue reading

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Those tiny, ubiquitous details

One of the things I’ve said over and over about Milan, elsewhere, is that it’s not a typically beautiful Italian city. Not beautiful the way Rome is beautiful. Or Venice. There is a lot of beauty here, but it’s confined … Continue reading

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The hood — Italian style

It’s called the “quartiere”—neighborhood—and, at least in the center of most Italian cities, it includes almost everything you need within walking / shouting distance. This is a truly beautiful thing, which has a profound influence on your life; i.e., you … Continue reading

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The salumeria

The pressures of modern life, even here, all but dictate that you can’t always have that perfect home-made meal on the table. (Sorry, Martha.) So you turn to your neighborhood lifeline: the salumeria. This is the place where—for more than … Continue reading

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Zzzzzzzzz.

You: Why haven’t you blogged yet today? Me: Because I decided that after my amazing Sunday lunch there was nothing to do but indulge in that time-honored tradition of taking a little nap. You: Oh. Me: But that gives me … Continue reading

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Postcard #2: Farmacia Milanese

[The juxtaposition of textures and designs in this city is over-the-top. If your eyes are open, you cannot get bored. This pharmacy’s location is a perfect example. Pharmacies, in general, are a sensual treat here in Milan. More on that … Continue reading

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