Lambie's return to the HOMELAND
Trip Start
May 24, 2006
1
5
Trip End
Jun 04, 2006
Milan,
Italy
Friday, May 26, 2006
With special thanks to our friends Val and Adrian who were gracious enough to bump us up to business class for the trip across the pond, we arrive in Italy, relatively fresh and ready to hit the ground running to do a little exploring. Milan, as most will know, is the epitome of haute couture. Specifically, we are talking about Via Montenapoleone and Via Della Spiga, the meccas of moda. These streets are informal catwalks, impromptu stages for fashionistas, the land of the coiffed and accessorized. Leave your ratty ball cap and your "I'm with Stupid" T-shirt at home. Those with blue jean cut offs, need not apply.
Lambryne grows quiet as we turn down the street, bristling with restrained anticipation. I don't begrudge her the moment, as after all, this is the fabled homeland of GUCCI (as I pronounce it GUCKY) and a certain homage should be paid to a place which rests upon a cushy mattress of your hard-earned dollars
Beautiful edifice
.The dangerous part of the game with her is not volume, nor hits per attempts, but the DAMAGE-per-hit. And my friends, this is a target-rich environment. There are likely less Salvatore Xs and Georgio Ys at an Italian baptism. I must give her credit though, she is a turbo shopper. When entering a store, she can scan the entire place in about 3 minutes, no exaggeration, and only if something catches her eye will it take longer. The weak US Dollar coupled with the fact that the words "on sale" must not translate well into Italian, quickly send me to the street looking for a first gelato of the day (I hope to get up to at least 3 per day before I begin my taper).
Although slightly disappointed, practicality kicks in and nothing here seems to catch her eye which cannot be purchased back in the US. As the good husband, I ostensibly offer encouragement, "know really, get something if you'd like to", but she declines.
The score? Common Sense 1, Unabated impulsive consumerism 0
Certainly I jest here with a bit of levity at my wife's expense here, but these stores seems to be showrooms as much as they are functioning retail locations. This is one of the places you must be to build an image in the fashion world. She will live to fight another day I am sure...
Comments
Way to go Lambie!!
Mark, I think you missed your career as a journalist. You are a hilarious writer!! I wouldn't count your chickens yet, Lambrine might just be saving up for a huge spree at the end of the trip!
WE hope you both have the best time. WE are in NC and will spend a few days on a houseboat on Fontana Lake in the Great Smokey MOuntain National Park before heading back to Greece on June 12. Lots of love, Sean, KOstanza, and the kids
Forza Mark and Lambryne!
I can just picture you both cascading up and down the hills of Tuscany. Enjoy the views and drink lots of vino...helps with the recovery. Have a blast!!
Disappointed
Contrary to Mark's opinion, I am extremely saddened by the lack of spontaneous spending. Hopefully my birthday present doesn't fall into this category.
JUST KIDDING :) Luv the pictures - looks like you are having a fabulous time! Can't wait to see Lambryne actually on a bike...sounds like this will definitely have been her favorite portion of the trip.
Luv to you both - be safe & keep writing! :)
Greetings from Mom and Chuck
I, too, turned down shopping in Paris where the prices were much higher and the items no better than those I could get back home. Even Swiss chocolates in Switzerland were more expensive than Swiss chocolates in the U.S.! Go figure! Now Belgium was a different story! Bike your hearts out, you two! Love you both!
GUCKY Heaven!
When I saw the pix of Lambrine standing by the GUCKY (GUCCI) store, I could see/hear Mark trying to dissuade Lambrine from going into the store...I know he failed ;)! Can't wait to see the pix from the bike tour.
Be safe and enjoy the rest of the trip.