Job Applications & Trying New Restaurants
June 23–24: Dropping off resumes, tiny wins, and a meal I’ll never forget
Most of Monday and Tuesday were dedicated to job hunting. I wandered through the dreamy streets of the Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan’s iconic luxury district. It’s one of those places that makes you stop and stare; everything feels elevated, from the window displays to the pace of the people walking by. I brought along printed resumes, ready to try my luck with in-store retail positions.
Even though I’ve worked retail before, this time felt different. Maybe it was the language barrier, or the cultural unknowns, but it felt a little more intimidating. Still, I took a deep breath, threw on a smile, and walked into as many boutiques as I could. Some told me to apply online, others kindly took my CV. One thing I learned: in Italy, you're supposed to sign your resume when you drop it off, to authorize the processing of your personal data. (Noted!)
I stopped again at my neighborhood copisteria; the same shop that helped me print my resumes last week; and they greeted me like a regular. As we waited for my prints, the owner casually asked if I was attending any of the Men’s Fashion Week events. I laughed and said, “not this time,” explaining how exclusive everything feels. Then he surprised me by handing me a folded pamphlet with a list of local showrooms and said, “Try sending your CV to these places. Good luck.” It was one of those small, unexpected moments that make you feel like the universe is rooting for you. I walked out feeling lighter, a little more hopeful. Something will click; I can feel it.
Tuesday evening, I met up with a friend for dinner at Trattoria Il Cormorano in Isola, and… wow. Possibly the best meal I’ve had since moving to Milan. It’s a seafood spot, and since my friend had been before, I trusted him to do the ordering. We started with capesante gratinate (scallops au gratin) and a mix of fried calamari and crustaceans. So fresh. So perfectly seasoned. I didn’t even realize how much I’d been craving seafood until that first bite.
Then came the linguine alle vongole e bottarga di muggine- linguine with clams and cured mullet roe. The pasta was buttery, al dente, and had this deep umami-salty flavor that made every bite better than the last.
After dinner, we went for a passeggiata around the neighborhood and walked past the Bosco Verticale. I had seen it before, but at night, up close, it looked like something out of a futuristic dream; lush and glowing.
These kinds of days are what keep me grounded. The job search isn’t easy, but between the kindness of strangers, delicious meals, and beautiful walks, I’m reminded that I’m in the right place.
I completely forgot to take photos throughout the day; I’ll get better at that, I promise. For now, this quick outfit check I sent my best friend back in DR (with a 6-hour difference) will have to do!
