Making Each Day Count

Our final morning in Interlaken was bittersweet. We could not resist lingering at Hohematte Park, where the sunny sky framed paragliders gracefully landing like giant kites.

We still had time before our 11:29 AM SBB train from Interlaken OST, so we chose to walk a scenic route along the Aare River. Then we had a simple breakfast at the Coop supermarket across the station.

Right on schedule, our train departed, and we rode past the beautiful Lake Thun. Snow-capped mountains, green valleys, and clear waters made for another breathtaking view outside our window. I wish all train rides are like this!

A couple of hours later, we arrived at Domodossola, Italy, for a brief layover. Domodossola greeted us with a quaint, laid-back charm. Although the streets bustled with local life, Domodossola felt like Italy’s quieter side. We grabbed coffee at a cozy cafe just across from the station.

Our plans took an unexpected turn when we encountered our first Italian train strike. Our train to Milan did not arrive, and with two more rides planned (one to Milan and another to Bergamo) we had to plan for option B. We canceled our Bergamo hotel (non-refundable, sadly) and secured a last-minute room at the Grand Visconti Palace in Milan. An hour later, a train to Milan finally pulled in. It was unscheduled but a relief to everyone waiting.

Arriving in Milan, we took a short train ride to the Grand Visconti Palace. The hote. was an elegant surprise. It welcomed us with a spacious, comfortable room.

Eager to explore, we headed to the Duomo di Milano for the 5:30 PM Vigil Mass at the High Altar. It was our first time to step inside the Duomo, and it felt surreal seeing its vast interior. We admired its Gothic arches, marble columns and intricate stained-glass windows.

After the service, we dined at a’Mare Restaurant, a cozy spot with a seafood-focused menu. I had seafood burger and D had a creamy seafood pasta. They were the perfect end to a chaotic yet rewarding day.

The next morning, we explored the neighborhood around the hotel. After nearly two weeks of travel, we treated ourselves to a souvenir: matching hiking pants from Montura, an Italian outdoor clothing store known for its stylish, functional designs. Needless to say D and I have these pants as a staple in our travel bags now.

For lunch, we strolled to Pepe Nero Via Ripamonti, a highly rated seafood restaurant. I ordered paccheri allo scoglio, a dish of wide, tube-shaped pasta tossed with a fresh seafood like mussels, clams, shrimp, and calamari, mixed in tomato sauce. It was divine, one of the best pastas I have ever had in my whole life. I still dream about it, but have yet to find its equal. D had tartare di salmone, a finely chopped raw salmon dish seasoned with herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.

Then we checked out of our hotel to move to Un Posto a Milano guesthouse. This guesthouse, restored from an 18th-century farmhouse and opened to the public in 2012, displayed rustic elegance. It has a minimalist yet cozy decor. On the ground floor, the guesthouse’s restaurant buzzed with locals and visitors alike.

Since it was our last night in Milano, we had no plans and let our feet guide us. Wandering through the city’s vibrant streets, we soaked in the energy of Milan from parks, gelaterias, and restaurants. Here are some of the other food we ate:

The next day, our ride picked us up from Un posto a Milano and we began our long jouney back home.

Our trip to Italy, Slovenia, and Switzerland, the memories made, fantastic meals, spontaneous detour, and quiet moments of wonder will always stay in our minds, making this 2-week vacation truly unforgettable.