Paris to Milan- The Train Ride

 Starving before departing, I decided to stroll around the neighborhood surrounding Gare de Paris Bercy train station. Only a few blocks down, I found a restaurant that didn't look too expensive, so I stopped in for a quick lunch. I'll never forget that the up escalator wasn't working, so I had to hand carry my (heavy) bags up a huge flight of stairs.

My warm beverage. It was tasty but served too warm. I was too hungry to complain so I just kept sipping.

A tasty chicken deep fried in the leaves of a native plant. Soooo yummy.

Welcome to Milano

Taking the train from Paris to Milan was a wonderful experience! It was perhaps the most memorable of my travel experiences. Everyone who knows me knows that I am a huge train enthusiast. I'd rather travel Amtrak than fly anyday. There's something about boarding a train and sitting back for the ride that makes me feel instantly fabulous.

Rain on my parade? I don't think so.

The neighborhood around Milano Centrale is a goldmine for food and shopping. 

Milano Centrale

 Did I mention that for this ride, I shared a sleeper cabin with 3 perfect strangers. It was quite an experience. Unsettling at first, but finally not so bad after all. From what I can remember, one girl was returning from teaching kids in Central America, another Greek guy was living in Paris and taking the trying desperately to get back to Greece for his brother's wedding. The other guy was completely silent for the entire trip as he only spoke Spanish. Very interesting ride. Of course, I grew bored with the small talk pretty quickly and decided to excuse myself from the conversation and take a nap on the ever so uncomfortable beds.

MILANO, ITALY- My first nice hotel

After random nights at hostels and cheap hotels, I was thrilled to have my very own cozy European room that was clean and fully equipped with wifi, tv, and all the things that add up to supreme comfort.

Harrods Scoop at Night

It always seemed that I arrived at Harrod's a little too late each night and popped up from the tube to find locked doors and teasing window displays. However, when I finally got inside, it was well worth the wait. This place is fantastic!