Traveling
February 23, 2023 – March 3, 2023
🇮🇹: Milan; 🇫🇷: Nice, Cannes, Montpellier, French Alps; 🇲🇨: Monoco; 🇪🇸: Barcelona
This one was a proper road trip—Milan to Barcelona and back, with a tradeshow sandwiched in the middle. Although the show itself only lasted a few days, the trip stretched a bit longer since we were driving and I was also needed at the Milan office. Half the time I was living out of a van, the other half pretending I was on vacation. Somehow, both were true.
I flew into Milan and met up with the team for dinner in Carate Brianza at a spot called Camp di Cent Pertigh. It had a cozy backyard setup with a welcoming firepit, decorative string lights, and a hipster-like vibe. I ordered the ossobuco, which was prepared Lombardy-style. I couldn’t have asked for a better return to Italy.
We hit the road early the next day, chugging along in trusty company van as it hugged narrow, winding cliffside roads on the Italian Riviera. These weren’t your typical wide-open American roads, these were tight, shoulderless strips of asphalt dangling over the sea, with just enough room for us and a guardrail (sometimes). I wasn’t driving, but sharing a ride in a VW van full of barcode scanners was part of the experience.
We stopped in Monaco for lunch since it was on the way. Then cruised into Nice earlier than expected, giving us time to stretch our legs along the beach and check out the carnival being set up. The floats were strange but impressive. I have no idea what the theme was or what the floats meant. I grabbed a snack, looked out over the water, and had that moment again, “should I move here?”
The next morning, we swung through Cannes. Just enough time to snap a few pics before setting our sights on Barcelona. We got there with enough daylight to wander near Bogatell Beach. I snapped some sunset shots, and we wrapped the night with tapas at Brisa Sin Prisa. The pulpo was buttery, the paella was perfect, and the vibe was exactly what we needed after two long days on the road.
Then it was game time.
We set up the booth the next morning but still had time for some sightseeing. First stop: La Sagrada Família. I’d seen countless photos before, but nothing really prepares you for the sheer scale and ambition of it in person. It’s part church, part art, and completely mesmerizing. This masterpiece has been under construction for over a century, designed by Antoni Gaudí, an architect known for blending innovative design with deep religious symbolism. His work integrates natural forms and light in unique, groundbreaking ways. La Sagrada Família stands out not just for its size or beauty, or the hidden messages found in its façade. Its a symbol of innovation, patience, and faith carried on through generations, to be enjoyed by all.
After taking it all in, we slowed things down with a walk through Ciutadella Park, a perfect green escape amid the craziness surrounding La Sagrada Família. A few photos later, we wrapped up the day with ramen. It was alright, but once you have had ramen in Japan, nothing else compares.
The show itself kept us busy, with lots of clients, lots of questions, and lots of standing. Thankfully, I brought the most comfortable shoes I owned. If you have exhibited at an industry show, you know exactly what I mean. After fulfilling day at the show, I managed to squeeze in a little me time. I wandered through a local mall, picked up a few small mementos, and then capped off the night with a Galician-style dinner. I ordered pulpo a la gallega, octopus cut into thick medallions, lightly seasoned with olive oil, salt, and paprika, served warm over a bed of potatoes. The flavor was simple but rich, and the texture just right. I love trying cephalopod-based dishes wherever I go, and this easily held its own against Japan. The server didn’t speak English and I didn’t speak Catalan, so I fumbled through the order in basic Spanish, pero pedí lo correcto.
While we’re on the subject, the presence of Catalan in Barcelona was unmistakable. From signs and menus to metro stations, the language stood proudly alongside Spanish. I vividly recall “Sortida” instead of “Salida” on exit signs. Catalan pride was everywhere too, with flags draped from balconies and painted on shutters. The Catalan identity is alive and well, deeply woven into the city’s culture.
After the last full day of the show, I squeezed in a quick visit to Arenas de Barcelona, grabbed some final photos, and capped the night with a Korean dinner. I think that made four countries’ cuisines in five days?
The last day was a grind. We had to break down the booth, load the van, and mentally preparing for the long drive back to Milan. We refueled at Goiko, a burger joint where the menu is just actor names. I had the Kevin Costner. There was also a Kevin Bacon, obviously. I got the Kiki, a chicken sandwich, while my co-worker got the Smoke Burger (see the obvious photo).
We spent the night in Montpellier, then set off the next morning through the French Alps. It was my first time driving in another country, and despite the winding roads and unfamiliar signs, I quickly settled into it. The beautiful views helped…when we weren’t in tunnels that is.
Back in Milan, we celebrated another successful show with dinner at Perché sì, where I had pagello with Mediterranean veggies. I love this little restaurant, and I make sure to go there whenever I go to our Italian office.
Trips like this are something I genuinely appreciate. I know not everyone gets the chance to travel for work, and I’m grateful to be with a company that trusts me to represent us out here. It also gives me just enough room to enjoy a bit of the world along the way.
Ciao.
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