After much debate, Simon and I decided with heavy hearts yesterday to cancel our trip to Istanbul next week. We were so looking forward to experiencing the magnificent city, but given yesterday’s tragic events, decided it isn’t the right time. Instead, we’ll be heading from London to Italy and Switzerland where we’ll spend the week exploring Lugano, Lake Como, and Milan. Let me know if you have any recommendations (museums, restaurants, shops…). I haven’t been to the Lake District since I moved away ten years ago. My heart goes out to the people of Turkey—I hope we’ll get to explore your beautiful country someday soon.
Crazy times we live in – hope you get to travel (safely) to Turkey soon. Looks like it should still be a lovely honeymoon though – how cool that you went to school in that area!
Jamie — Thanks so much! We intend to make the most of it. Crazy times indeed, sigh. xo
Well, at least your new honeymoon destination is a beautiful one. You may have already been here, since you’ve spent so much time in that area, but when my parents and I visited Lake Como several years ago we particularly enjoyed Villa del Balbaniello. We took a boat taxi out to the villa, which made us feel very glam ; )
I think it’s a wise choice. Just glad y’all are okay and while you may not have the opportunity to explore Istanbul, at least you are going enjoy another beautiful location.
Amy – Thanks for the tip! I actually haven’t been there. I’ve spent time in Como, but never really explored the rest of the lake?! Excited to this trip. xx
N – Thank you. We were so torn, but I think we made the right choice for us (and our parents’ nerves!). xo
I’m so sorry about your change in plans- I know how much you were looking forward to it.
We stayed in Varenna on Lake Como a few years ago at a darling hotel called the Albergo Milano. The room had a terrace overlooking the Lake. So beautiful!
Nicole — Ohhh that sounds dreamy! Will look into it! xx
I was wondering whether you may consider changing destinations (for what it’s worth we were planning on Turkey as well this summer but changed to Malta about a month ago), as you said, it just didnt feel like the right time. If you are in Milan and have not walked the roof of the Duomo I highly recommend it, amazing views of the city! Have a wonderful honeymoon
Janice – Nice to know we’re not alone…such a tough call. I’m sure Malta will be incredible! I’ve been inside the Duomo, but never to the top—thanks for the tip!
I’ve been thinking about you since you from your initial posting on your trip to Turkey. I am so sad for all those families in Turkey and their situation, such a beautiful county and so much tragedy right now.
Our son was the Stanford student who’s school denied the sponsorship to Turkey at this time due to safety concerns. He’s relegated to spending his summer on the coast of Sisley diving and mapping a 6 AD roman ship wreck instead ; ).
On another note, I wondered if you made it to the Christo installation? I really loved that you posted about it- it seems so below the radar here and I think I would have missed the occurence otherwise.
go see the Christo installation and go to the Prada Museum in Milano
I lived in Milan for a year and loved it. Some recommendations:
-Drinks and snacks at Otto on via Paolo Sarpi, by the rooftop pool at Ceresio 7, or at the urban farm Cascina Cuccagna
-The best panini are at De Santis on Corso Magenta
-Rossana Orlandi design gallery
-A tour of Villa Necchi
-10 Corso Como and the bottom floor of Rinascente (by the Duomo) for fantastic design objects
-Window shopping on Via Montenapoleone and stopping a coffee at the Armani cafe (they also have a fantastic bookstore)
-the Triennale design museum, the Prada Foundation, Hangar Bicocca, and Fondazione Trussardi