Milano Day Two - Art, Faith and Flavor

Saturday, November 1, 2025

Ciao, friends!

Day two of my Milano adventure began after the best night’s sleep and a breakfast of soft scrambled eggs, the freshest green salad, a flaky croissant, slices of sweet cantaloupe, and of course, a perfectly brewed cup of Americano coffee. Just what I needed before walking a mile to meet the day’s tour group, led by the wonderful Corinna.

I had forgotten that the tour would last nearly the entire day—but it was absolutely worth it. Our small group of 10 met at the train station and began our journey with a visit to the Church of San Maurizio, once the convent of the Benedictine nuns. Inside, we were greeted by a masterpiece that is a prelude to Da Vinci’s Last Supper—a reminder of how deeply intertwined art, history, and faith are in this city.

From there, we made our way to the Sforza Castle and finally to Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Da Vinci’s Last Supper. Walking into the room where the mural resides felt like entering sacred space. It’s incredible to see the care and reverence devoted to its preservation—painted between 1494 and 1498, yet still commanding awe centuries later. The depth of symbolism in Renaissance art always strikes me. These artists weren’t just painters; they were theologians, philosophers, and visionaries in their own right.

Fun fact: “Milano” translates to the town in the middle of the plains. Somehow, that feels exactly right.

By late afternoon, I returned to the hotel, took a quick nap, and set out to stroll through the evening streets in search of dinner. I found my way to Ambrosia, where I gobbled a plate of spaghetti and meatballs paired with a glass of wine. Delizioso.

As I walked back, I found myself reflecting on the duality of my travel loves—the quiet, remote escapes like my recent visit to Sundance Ranch in Missouri and the buzzing energy of cities like New York, Madrid, and Milan. Such opposites, yet each offers a kind of peace. I can lose—and find—myself in both.

Tomorrow promises another day steeped in faith and history. I’ll return to the Duomo; I can’t seem to get enough of these grand cathedrals.

Thanks, as always, for following along on this incredible journey.
Arrivederci until tomorrow.

My favorite pics of the day. 

Solo in Italy: First Stop, Milano

Friday, October 31, 2025

A Year of Traveling Alone

This past year, I’ve taken up solo travel. Following an unaccompanied trip to Madrid in October 2024, I discovered that I actually enjoy traveling alone.

This summer, I spent five days in New York City without a travel partner—and just like in Madrid, I learned that independent travel suits me. You can walk where you want, when you want; eat what you want, when you want. Absolute freedom.

From Madrid to Milan

So, I decided to take it a step further this fall. Now I find myself in Milan, Italy, for four days, followed by ten days in Florence. Milan is completely solo, and in Florence, I’ll be joining a group from Road Scholar—none of whom I’ve ever met.

I suspect my desire for all this “lonesome” travel could use some psychoanalysis. But that’s for another day (and probably not worth sharing anyway). For now, I’ll just share my journey with anyone curious enough to follow along.

Cultural or Spiritual 

My good friend and pastor, Ron Brooks, asked whether this trip is a spiritual or cultural quest. My quick answer was "cultural;" while that was the original intent, I think there may be more to it than that. It's likely a blend - part cultural, part spiritual ... maybe even self-discovery. I won't pretend to know the answer at this moment, but I imagine it will unfold as the journey continues. 

The Journey to Milan

I left Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday, October 30, and arrived in Milan the following afternoon. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I think I’m getting too old for overnight flights. During the 8+ hour leg from Chicago to Milan, I finally understood why people lose their minds on airplanes. I couldn’t sleep, I grew restless after too many episodes of The Diplomat and a few rounds of Tetris, and I couldn’t even focus on my Hemingway book.

But alas, I made it—without assaulting anyone, especially the poor baby who wouldn’t stop crying. I truly felt for its exhausted parents.

First Impressions and First Mistakes

After landing, I got completely ripped off by a cab driver on the way to the city center—my own fault for being too tired to navigate public transit. I decided to forgive myself, take a nap and a shower, and then hit the streets for some exploring.

Finding dinner was more difficult than expected; most restaurants seem to offer the same fare - past, pizza, fish. Tonight, as long as there was wine, I didn't care. I ended up at a quaint spot Meat Food Grill (clever, yeah?) and ordered Caprese Ravioli. Delizioso. 

What’s Next

Tomorrow, I’ll join a guided walking tour of Milan’s city center, including a visit to see Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper. What’s next after that? Who knows—but I’m sure I’ll find plenty to fill my time.

I’m going to love this place. Buona sera! 🇮🇹

Postcard from Mangum

May 21, 1909
Mangum, Okla.

Dear Father, I am now at Mangum and would be glad to have my mail sent here now as I am getting anxious to hear from my girl. I went to work for the "Lay" here this morning. I guess I have a permanent job unless a sudden change takes place soon. I have met several oldtimers. Stayed at cousin Joe's last night.
Forest.

Forest moves. Often. In January, we presumed he was in Anadarko, Okla. Now he is in Mangum, Okla. I'm not sure what the Lay is. most likely the railroad. His girl is Mary Belle Fitts, who he will marry in the coming month. Mary is in Anadarko, Okla.

Cousin Joe (Joseph Lewis Sweet) would be the son of Henry Clay Sweet. Henry was credited with the founding of Mangum, Oklahoma. and died in 1909. Cousin Joe was married to Margaret Gibson.