As you’ll notice counting the factories and powerplants during the long ride from Malpensa Airport to the center of town, Milan is the capital of the heavily industrialized northern Italian region of Lombardy. To the world, Milan is the capital of the Italian fashion industry. To me, Milan is both treat and retreat – while only a quick hop by plane or train from the other business centers Western Europe, it’s “Latin” enough to allow you to take advantage of Italy’s more relaxed attitude toward living. Continue Reading…

It’s very unlikely that you will come to Peru and not visit Cuzco, the Incan capital gateway to Machu Picchu, a finalist in an American Idol-style vote for the new seven wonders of the world. But the Lost City is not the only thing the city has to offer.

If you are coming into Cuzco by stomach-turning bus journey through the Andes, you will descend from the mountains and first notice the city’s cathedral dominate the landscape. Located in the Plaza de Armas square, the cathedral shares space with countless tourist restaurants, bars, and a couple dozen independent female masseuses. There is no doubt the Incans left a long time ago, replaced by the tourist horde and the locals that cater to them.

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