Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Sharing is something I had to learn from a very young age having 3 younger sisters and a tiny room.
As a young adult leaving my family home, I've continued to live with the idea of an open house, family is always welcome, friends come over for film nights, for game nights and they often stay over.
I've had people I barely knew who needed a bed for some time stay at my place and I noticed how enriching their presence can be.
I like listening and learning and everyone has a story :)
I have travelled on a budget all my life, I've slept on sofas and on carpets (inflatable mattress with holes). I want to see as much as I can, take it all in and get the feel of the place, I don't want to waste money on something I can do anywhere such as sleeping.

I can host only for one night (not on the weekend), girls only, up to two people in my apartment in Milan, I can just offer a bed or I can show you my city through my eyes and I hope I'll be able to see your home town through yours.

Interests

• walking
• traveling
• hiking
• art

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

The most memorable experience in my life was a 9 day trek in the Swiss alps and the beauty of the scenery isn't what made it so special.

I've always loved walking but hadn't realised how going for hikes a couple of times a year wouldn't have prepared me for 150 km in the mountains pushing a cart with my teams backpacks and tents on it going from wind and snow (this is was in July so I was just wearing a raincoat and a t-shirt), 6 days of rain and 3 days of sun beaming down on us!

I know it's not incredible but what I learnt about myself, my resilience and my body is something I won't forget. I can't say I loved every moment of it but I got used to never having dry feet, of muddy jeans and walking further than I thought my legs would have been able to take me; I really noticed the beauty in every field and river, in the sunrises and in the sunsets, in the drops of rain and in the rays of sun, in the curious faces of the Swiss and in the smiling faces of our leaders...

It was incredible because I used to be very grumpy before that trek and now, when I've only been at work for 4 hours and I've got 5 more to go and my feet are soaked and freezing I know I don't have to wait 5 days to feel warm again.

I like comfort and coziness but I don't need them to be happy anymore

Teach, Learn, Share

I love Milan, and I hope you will enjoy your stay here
Here's a few suggestions on what to see and experience here in my city :-)

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Consider 2 Days MINIMUM if you want to really explore Milan and not just the Main Square. And you will still not be able to see everything! There's plenty sites to see and museums to explore (especially when it's too hot outside) .

Milan

City centre:

Duomo, Galleria (Shopping Gallery), Teatro alla Scala (World famous Theatre), Piazza Mercanti (Heart of medieval Milan), Monastero di San Maurizio (with 1600 affrescoes), Basilica Sant'Ambrogio (2nd most important church in Milan, from 4th cent ad), Università Statale di Milano, San Satiro (look out for the mind trick), San Bernardino delle Ossa (nice and creepy bone collection), Santa Maria delle Grazie (book in advance tickets for the Last Supper Painting).
Castello Sforzesco & Arch of Peace (stunning!)
And you can get some amazing views from Torre Branca.

Then a Suggestion is to walk up north passing through Brera District (artistic, bohemian with beautiful Art gallery and small Botanic Gardens) up to Garibaldi (modern neighbourhood with most beautiful building in the world 2014: Bosco Verticale).
Visit Palazzo della Regione Lombardia.
Walking distance is then Monumental Cemetery (open air museum, soo pretty! Majority famous Italians are buried here, surrounded by amazing sculptures.

Then take public transport to East Porta Venezia full of beautiful villas, admire their eclectic touches (and the flamingoes!).

From Porta Venezia you can walk 45min (or bus/tram) to Porta Romana (south), passing through the Rainbow District (Quartiere Arcobaleno).

Porta Romana is a nice area with a lot of authentic old Osteria /Trattoria.

From there tram 9 takes you South West to Navigli District and Colonne dj San Lorenzo (where you can admire the History of Milan depicted through Murales).

What else?
City Life / Tre Torri (Modern shopping area), Maioliche di Baggio & Monlué (unchanged, old Milan), case a ringhiera Porta Genova (old communal housing), parco delle cave (mid May-mid June fireflies), NoLo (won back from drug dealers, now symbol of rebirth), Ortica (Amazing murales, red shoes initiatives (Vs feminicides)...

It's certainly worth exploring Milan and not just sticking to the city centre. We have much more to offer than Duomo, Gallery and Theatre!

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Some Museums (remember Milan has the 2nd highest number of cultural sites in Italy) we have:

GAM - Galleria d'Arte Moderna
https://maps.app.goo.gl/nTkakQMyohShe8bS6
700 gaughin, cezanne in a Royal Palace

Museo del Novecento Milano
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JCV245zs3H5BBzTe9
900: futurism, cubism, concept art...
Next to the Duomo (so you also get a nice view)

Pinacoteca di Brera
https://maps.app.goo.gl/mnnfmyB6QE7jhGRb6
Reneissance, famous Italian artist

Biblioteca Pinacoteca Accademia Ambrosiana
https://maps.app.goo.gl/axjL8NSZ4vXQgpqC6
Another less know (but still fantastic, and first museum in Milan) art gallery + pages of Leonardo's codex atlanticus

Certosa di Garegnano
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cn6JkIlgUP-/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Gallerie d'Italia
https://maps.app.goo.gl/me17sTv6qetECSHf9
A mix of different times and styles, all hosted in a beautiful old bank

Museo della Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci
https://maps.app.goo.gl/79tBMzjSzM5hVsYg8
Biggest scientific museum in Italy. It has different sections (Leonardo, Energy, Materials, Aviation, Train Station, Submarine)...

Leonardo 3D https://maps.app.goo.gl/37HqSyVRMsLMxME58
More condensed museum filled with working models of Leonardo da Vinci.

Binario 21
To learn more and stand inside the original train used for deportations to concentration camps (WWII).

We do have other houses turned into museums (Museo Bagatti Valsecchi, Poldi Pezzoli, Palazzo Morandi (now costume museum)...) Worth visiting if you are interested in this genre.

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Disclaimer: I am in no way connected or affiliated to the following.

To get inspiration for what else you want to visit in our amazing city, have a look at these pages 🙂

Facebook:
Fotografie Milano di Andrea Cherchi (Semplicemente Milano) - Amazing!
Milano Segreta
Passeggiando per Milano

Instagram:
Milano Segreta
Milano per pochi
Androni di milano
Eccellenza Italiana

https://www.milanosegreta.net/itinerari

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am an English teacher so if you need to practice your conversation skills , I'll be happy to help :)

I don't need much. I'm a 5min shower girl, I don't expect a travel guide, a taxi driver or any kind of service a part from water(I've had cold showers and survived) and a sofa or a bed or a mattress on the floor.
I'm a tidy person and I respect people's privacy and space.

Countries I’ve Visited

Croatia, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Morocco, Netherlands, Scotland, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

Italy, Scotland