Milan in August

It's only logical that I write about Milan too, since I wrote about Vienna and Zurich, although admittedly I've been to Milan even more times than I've been to Zurich.

There are unique moments that can happen in Milan, however. For example, Milan is very different in August, when everyone magically disappears to go on vacation. Although it is the ultimate concrete jungle, filled with business men and well to do upper crust, in August the place is practically a ghost town. You can walk on one of the biggest streets in the city, and feel like you own the place, walking by all of the closed stores and shops. In a way it's a rather peaceful feeling, since you feel unique, and individual.

The problem with Milan in August is that it's usually really HOT, which is an understatement in a way. I've never seen such a hot an humid non-tropical location in my life, and that's saying something. Well, I suppose Budapest is pretty bad too. At any rate, that may be the other reason why people hide away in August, because they all have air conditioning in their offices and homes, and to walk outside in the heat is a less enjoyable experience than normal. They hide away, or run to the beach as fast as they can.

Despite the emptiness, it's still a treat to see Milan and the area in the summertime. Everything is so bright, and it couldn't feel more like summer anywhere else. I went to Monza, a city near Milan, for the first time, and to my surprise it was very beautiful. What the city lacks in size and sheer massiveness, it keeps its quaint town style, as well as an impressive castle and huge public park that dwarfs any of the parks in Milan. It's surprising how places that seem so insignificant become actually interesting once you go there.