A few weeks ago I did something that I usually don’t do. I booked an international trip on relatively short notice. No major planning, no hunting for the best flight deals, and no trying to optimize every second of the itinerary. A friend mentioned he was going to Italy, and I pretty quickly decided to join him.
The main reason for the trip was Milan, where we went to watch the Milan Derby: AC Milan vs. Inter Milan at the famous San Siro stadium. If you follow soccer, you know San Siro is basically sacred ground. The stadium opened in 1926 and has hosted some of the biggest clubs, players, and moments in soccer history. World Cup matches, Champions League finals, legends like Maldini, Ronaldo, Kaká, Ibrahimović, and countless others have all played there. What makes it even more unique is that both AC Milan and Inter Milan share the same stadium, which is pretty rare for clubs with a rivalry that intense. After more than 100 years, they’re planning to tear it down and replace it with a newer stadium, so this really felt like a now-or-never opportunity.
The game itself was incredible. Italian fans are notorious for their energy, especially in Milan. The chanting, flags, and pyro smoke throughout the stadium created an atmosphere and level of passion I honestly don’t know if I’ll ever experience again. And of course, I had to pick up some merch while I was there.
As I mentioned, we really hadn’t planned much else for the trip. We had five days there, so during the flight and our first night in Milan we started booking experiences on the fly. We walked the roof of the Duomo and attended a Saturday Mass there. It was one of the most grand and awe-inspiring places I’ve ever been, second only to St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. We wandered through the Galleria, Milan’s famous shopping district, where even grabbing a simple espresso somehow felt like a premium experience. One of the more random last-minute additions was going to a Paralympic hockey game. It was fascinating, both seeing how packed the arena was and learning about the rules and equipment involved in the sport.
We also took a day trip to Lausanne, Switzerland, where my friend’s partner’s family lives. It was my first time in Switzerland, and the three-hour train ride from Milan was absolutely worth it. Lausanne is hands down the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. The crystal-clear lake, the mountains, and the fog resting over everything honestly took my breath away. I also tried fondue for the first time, which, growing up in an Italian household, felt very aligned with my interests. Bread, cheese, and an incredible lakeside view? Easy 10 out of 10.
Experiences with friends and family, whether in beautiful places or loud soccer stadiums, may not show up on a balance sheet, but they carry a different kind of value. I think most of us lean a little too far in the safe direction sometimes. This was a good reminder to be present, because no amount of money ever bought a second of time.
