Sananda Maitreya lives in Milan. That name may not mean anything to you, but you probably remember Terrence Trent D’Arby, the hard singing performer whose ‘The Hardline According to Terrence Trent D’Arby’ is an ‘80s classic with a real retro-soul feel.

Though born in Florida, Terrence first became a star in the United Kingdom before finding success in the United States. “Wishing Well” is still played in clubs around the country. Terrence was nominated for a Grammy and made his mark with raw voiced, dynamic performances. But he eventually became disenchanted with the American music business, returned to Europe and changed his name to one he felt reflected his love for music and desire for spiritual fulfillment.

As a long time Milan resident Sananda has great insight into the city, as well as career plans. I knew him during the first part of his career and was a big supporter, so it was great to get back in contact with him.

Q: Why did you settle in Milan?

Sananda: Convergence. My wife Francesca, who is from Milano, and I were ready to leave the U.S.
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All of Southern Europe goes on vacation in August, a very practical thing to do since air conditioning isn’t nearly as universal as in the States. Milan, one of the world’s fashion capitals, is particularly hard hit, as designers, craftspeople and models all head for the beach or the mountains.

So my time in Milan wasn’t as rock & roll as it would have been if I’d even come just a month later, say...mid-September when the fashion world gears up for major shows in New York, Paris and Milan. Yet despite the fact that part of the city resembled a ghost town during my visit, Milan still offered many juicy glimpses of its charms. In fact, I actually had two of those accidently magical travel experiences in Milan, which involved gyrating women and “anguria.” More on all that in a bit.

For anyone looking for good food and a real European dining experience, LaBrera is to the place to go in Milan. LaBrera is a series of connected streets filled with cafes and shops. Jamaica (32 Via Brera’/www.jamaicabar.it), which had been highly recommended to me, was closed for August, but …

Join BlackAtlas.com Travel Expert-at-Large Nelson George as he takes you on a trip through Milan.