Ciao from Milan! I’m currently in my third week abroad, and I’ve already experienced so much of what makes this city so special — stunning cultural sites, incredible food and some truly great people along the way. But surprisingly, one of my favorite moments here hasn’t been at a museum or landmark. It’s been in a small cafe. A cat cafe. Living in a big city can be overwhelming because there are almost too many options. One afternoon, I decided to take a solo adventure and do something a little more relaxed — something that blended curiosity with something I already love. That’s how I ended up at a Maine Coon cat cafe. For those who don’t know, Maine Coon cats are one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, originally from the state of Maine. I didn’t know that until I looked it up afterward. In person, they really do feel like tiny, gentle lions. When I walked in, I was greeted by one who looked like he had just woken up from a long, very important nap. I tried to offer him a toy to get him moving, and he looked at me like I had completely misunderstood the assignment.

There were eight cats in total, but I ended up bonding with one in particular. He spent nearly all three hours sitting with me — and occasionally attempting to steal my food when I wasn’t looking. Overall, it was a 10/10 experience. When people think of Milan, a cat cafe probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But if you’re ever here and want something a little unexpected (and very calming), I’d highly recommend it. Bonus: the coffee and food were just as good as the company.

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: Global Internships