People in Milan seem to like each other

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 We arrived in Milan last night and are staying at a hostel that's clearly the heart of the local community.   The architecture is urban, and much of the infrastructure is a bit decrepit,   As if NYC neighborhoods from our youth were wired a bit more like Delhi or Juarez.  

Our first instinct was to be anxious, but then we noticed the social dynamics.

The Madama Hostel's builiding is a former police station.  The staff and residents are very friendly and helpful.  There's lots of artwork and signs clearly signaling that "love is love" and statements celebrating gender-id-orientation inclusive norms.  

Our hostel also hosts a continously busy sidewalk tratoria (restaurant).   Long tables seating maybe a dozen, all in lively conversation, and some conversations clearly extending across multiple tables.  Every few blocks contains another park with a similar dynamic.  

Do people in the neighborhood actually like (rather than fear) each other?

Below: photos of the Madama Hostel's lobby and sidewalk restaurant and frightening wiring in a rail switchyard.






Comments

  1. SabsterJune 6, 2026 at 9:21 AM

    I’m digging the variety of pant silhouettes. Could you post a little more street style please? How’s the dairy experiment going?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eric FreudenthalJune 6, 2026 at 7:12 PM

      Seems that Na & Mg keep my gut (& skin & eyes & sinuses) happy. My food sensitivities are easily managed with calcium citrate. Today I had so much dairy (gouda for breakfast & afternoon snack, gelato midday and evening, and lasagna with dinner) that I probably consumed 1.5g of Ca.

      Delete
    2. Eric FreudenthalJune 6, 2026 at 7:15 PM

      Lots of street art here. Graffiti and giant murals on many buildings. I'll try to find some more pics.

      Delete

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