ITALIAN HOME MADE – MILAN, VENICE AND SICILY

Buongiorno everyone! My name is Annalisa and if you ever called our store, I am the girl with a funny accent!

My mum comes from a small town nearby Venice and my Dad’s family is from Sicily – they are just like you would imagine a stereotypical Italian family: large, loud, all about food and the family.

I grew up in the Italian big smoke, Milan. Home to the Fashion week and all-year-round art exhibitions hosted in 2000 years old buildings right next to modern skyscrapers, Milan is truly a city full of contrasts.

So what is it like to grow up in a big city like Milan? I dare say it’s vastly the same as any other city. People run the rat race longing for weekends and summer holidays to flee to the Mediterranean coast or the lakes and getting a taste of the ‘Dolce Vita’ (In Italian ‘Sweet Life’ referring to the leisurely way to enjoy the little things in life like a glass of wine, a good coffee or a kiss)

Even though I grew up in Milan, I still feel very close to both Venice and Sicily and it’s such a pleasure to pay a visit whenever I can to the places I know deep inside, will always be home.

With so much to do during my home visits (and so many relatives to see!) these are my top pick must-dos:

Happy Hours are just better in Venice!

Ahhh Venice, the narrow canals and the even narrower streets, the beautiful masks, the iconic Gondolas….and the Spritz! If you ever had a Spritz you should know Venice is where the cocktail originates. If you have never experienced an Italian happy hour this is a must-do! At 5 pm every Bar and Coffee shop will serve free finger food with a light drink, typically a Spritz or a white wine. Strange I know, but still one of my favourite traditions!

Summer days in Sicily

Sicily is one true Mediterranean beauty, just like you would imagine it. White sandy beaches and coastal towns filled with Baroque buildings and ancient Greek ruins. Summer days in Sicily are hot, dry and best enjoyed on the beach. The sun doesn’t set until 9.30 pm and the streets are filled with life all day and all night.

A coffee in Piazza del Duomo

The city centre has been the stage of my youth, for so many years I walked in front of the Duomo on my way to school, oblivious to its world fame and beauty. A coffee at Piazza del Duomo (Duomo Square) and a walk through the gardens surrounding the Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle) is my own little reminiscing ritual during my home visits.

The castle was home of the Sforza family who ruled over Milan for centuries, is only a 5 minutes’ walk from the Duomo through the traffic restricted zone, and it’s a perfect jump into the history of Milan as well as an opportunity to enjoy a little quiet break from the hassle and bustle of the city.

About Annalisa…

Annalisa Virduzzo

Sales and Marketing Coordinator

Originally from Italy, Annalisa made her entry in Travel as Check-in agent in Milan,

and advanced her career as Travel Agent here in Brisbane.

She then decided to take her passion and industry knowledge further and step into marketing..

Read more about Annalisa and the rest of the Global Team..