This morning we took the metro from Hotel Sempione to the Milan district that contains the Duomo to visit the Starbucks Reserve Roasterie! This was our second site visit, but one I have been excited to do since we arrived! I mentioned in a previous blog post, that I was very excited to experience the Italian coffee culture, and have done my best so far too drink any espresso or cappuccino that I could find. What was exciting about the Starbucks visit was it’s similarity to Italian coffee culture, as well as its integration into the Milanese architecture!

We were provided with a guided tour of the roasterie, and were explained the steps of roasting the perfect coffee bean. Additionally we were given the opportunity to partake in a coffee tasting, which was a really cool experience! We were able to watch a tour guide give an explanation of each step as she brewed a light and chocolatey blend known as Guatemalan through an Italian favorite method. Being a more experienced coffee drinker, I was able to enjoy the subtleties of this specific brew, as she explained what the coffee meant to her, and why she loved being a part of the team bringing Starbucks into Milan. The roasterie had many different statues of the primary subject of their logo located throughout the building. Below I’ve included my favorite example!

Afterwards, we walked down the street, away from the Duomo, towards Sforzesco Castle! This is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture and is quite large. This is my favorite location so far in the trip! I wish I could have had more time to enter the museum portion and explore every part! After leaving the castle, we returned to the Duomo, and spent a little time enjoying a live performer in the square before heading to get lunch.

The whole group them traveled to the Armani Fashion Archive and Museum! Here we were given a wonderful tour of the luxurious clothing, and were shared a number of very insightful sayings and practices that Armani followed.

After a trolley ride home, we returned to the hotel rooms and intend to relax tonight!

Buonasera!