Barcelona, Milan, Bellagio - a few trip notes

Had dinner at sunset at Ristorante La Punta in Bellagio - it was fantastic. Great vibe, right on the water.

One last bump for any suggestions. Heading out soon.

- in Barcelona the city beach (Barceloneta) is decent enough but you absolutely have to have somebody watching your shite when you’re in the water or it can get snatched up real quick - (barring that a waterproof bag to take your most valuable items with you also works).

If you have enough time for a day trip (or overnighter even) check out the beaches or “calas” (coves) of the Costa Brava to the north. Tossa de Mar is a close enough spot and a crowd pleaser with it’s medieval fortification old town atop a hill and crystal blue water lapped calas.

If you have more time and want more refined vibes head a bit further to Cadaques.

For food try El Cañete in Raval if you can get a table you won’t regret it.

I know this board says to bypass Milan but we had a great three nights there. World premiere of The Name of the Rose at La Scala. Got to break out my white dinner jacket. Standing table at intermission with snacks and beverages waiting should be an option everywhere. Plus saw a quintet there that morning for a show in the lobby with an absolutely incredible clarinet player.

Private tour of the Last Supper and the cattle call tour of the Duomo. Plus a very good Milanese meal and fun night on the canals in Navigli neighborhood.

I’m not making a pitch for it over Rome, Tuscany, Venice (never been) or the Amalfi Coast but a nice way to spend a long weekend in the lead up to a busy week or Lake Como.