Milan, Italy
Today’s FAQ is: How do I manage increasing technology and security for travel?
Destination is: Milan, Italy
Misstep- I almost took a train to Switzerland at the Milan station
Advice: Bring a handheld portable fan for the heat. It can be oppressive.
FAQ: The level of technology and security has stepped up for travel and entertainment. How do I manage it as a senior citizen in a very busy world?
Answer: There is a growing level of distrust in today’s environment. For some venues, you can no longer use a screenshot of a QR code to access a ticket, so it must be a live link if you don’t have the paper ticket. If you are not on Wi-Fi, you may have trouble accessing the venue, like I did in July at the Symphony, where we used handwritten paper tickets.
The Crowdstrike tech shutdown of computers in July 2024, with thousands of airline flights canceled, was a peek into what could be an even longer period of shutting down air travel, train travel, and more. So, you need to develop options for adapting your transportation.
Get educated.
The questions will keep coming, but you can figure it out. Keep listening here for more confidence-building guidance.
The Duomo, Milan, Italy square
Today’s destination: Milan, Italy
Milan is in northern Italy and is known for its history, culture, and fashion. Many styles originate here, so people-watching is a favorite activity.
I took the Train from Venice via Verona to Milan, then went to Como, and then back to Milan. My first train from Venice was delayed and canceled, so I had to run at top speed to catch a different train, then get off at a stop and wait for another 30 minutes to get to the train to Como. It was not a simple train trip. It was not for the faint of heart, and certainly not if you had a large suitcase to lug.
The famous Duomo Cathedral, a Catholic Church, is in the city's center. I walked around twice to get the full picture and people-watch. I also did some pigeon watching, as there were plenty of them here in this vast square, filled with tourists in the middle of July. Metro stops were plentiful below the square, and the church filled the plaza. People are walking above the church’s structure, near the roof, and you can see them below.
The respectful woman covers her shoulders here. It was so hot. Listen to my mistakes later in this episode to hear what I did to cover my shoulders.
Public transportation in Milan, Italy, a fashion capital of the world.
Quo Hostel, Milan front entrance.
I took a tram from the main station in Milan to Quo Hostel. Upon my arrival, a mock painting of the Mona Lisa greeted me with a glass of wine, if you can picture that.
Side note: I met a woman who offered me a free ticket to the museum if I returned the next day since it was closed. She was unhappy it was closed, but she was kind to me. The tourist office is nearby, so stop there if it’s your first time in Milan.
Today’s Misstep: Covering your shoulders in a church was a key to entry.
I used a bathing suit as a “semi scarf,” which worked. It was so hot, I had to. I used my bathing suit to enter the church, covering my shoulders. Guards refused my entrance at first. My small neck Scarf was not enough. Don’t be like me. Bring a full scarf to drape that over your shoulders for coverage.
Today’s Travel Advice #1: Bring a hand-held portable fan for the heat. It can be oppressive. Tiny handheld fans work great on a hot summer day.
Tip 2: Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
It’s your trip. So if you are not ready, ask for support. Someone will offer to help.
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