True, a lot of the shows are held at the Milano Moda (formerly known as Fiera Milano), and that Camera Moda, the organizations of Milan fashion week provide a bus service that goes from show to show.

But, that assumes that one is attending all the shows, which usually does not happen simply because there are appointments in-between and one obvious reason, the invitation did not arrive.

So, armed with three maps – (1) the city of Milan, (2) the subway system or the Metro, and (3) the bus and tram system, this journalist braved the city.

Yes, taking cabs or limo service is always an option. I used to take cabs, but a Milanese friend advised me that the only way I would be self-sufficient in Milan when it comes to going in different places is to learn the city via its public transportation system.

Milan, like most old European cities was not planned in the beginning, simply because city planning did not exist during the Middle Ages. Streets and buildings just sprouted everywhere, and being historical, these buildings and streets cannot be removed nor rerouted.

So, for the whole week (except my travel from the airport to the hotel), I became one of the commuters in the Milan public transportation system. And that’s when I found the joys and tribulations of being a Milanese.

First, it’s cheap using the metro, the tram or the bus. A ticket costs one euro and is valid for 75 minutes. That means, for one euro, you can do as many transfers you need. So, instead of spending over $100 for cab fares each day, I spent about 3 euros. (Now, my office will be glad for that.)

Second, my Italian improved! I am not good in reading maps; hence I always end up asking questions. The Milanese is always helpful, but there is the language barrier. So, in between my English, broken Italian and sign language, I get my directions.

Thank goodness that most Italians today learn English as a second language. So, more often than not, I find someone who speaks it.

Third, and most important, I really learned the city of Milan. Though I have been coming to Milan for sometime, this is the first time that I found myself remembering landmarks. In short, instead of getting lost 100% of the time, I only get lost 50% of the time.

Fourth and last, I made friends. In the week that I was here, I met Zeny, a Philippine national who has lived in Milan for 27 years. Married to an Italian, she knows Milan and in turn Italy like a native.

I had dinner with her and her family twice during the week. And for me, meeting Zeny is worth taking the public transportation system.

Now, for the tribulations…

Well, though the system is very reliable, the time ‘posted’ and when the train or bus arrives is usually off by one or two minutes. Hence, if you really want to catch the 10:00 o’clock bus, you have to be there 10 minutes prior or you will miss it.

Except for the Metro, the multiple stops and of course the traffic can slow you down. So, you have to give yourself ample time for you not to be late for an appointment. Thank goodness that the catwalk shows notoriously run late and of course, the Milanese are very understandable about traffic in the city, hence if you call in advance that you are stuck in traffic, they graciously understand and wait for you.

Overall, the positives outweigh the negatives of taking the public transportation system.

Oh, one last thing, but this is more of being in the fashion business. One has to wear walking shoes when taking the public transportation system. Those stilettos would not do. My solution to that, I carry my high heels in my bag then change before I go in the show venue.