Florence, Milan and then home, but not for long...

Somehow I made it back home to the States for Christmas. A hard move, I know, to leave such a beautiful country that prides itself in art, food, and style; Italy is truly a special place. It was great to be with my family for the holidays though.

Within the two weeks I was there, I started to really enjoy the Italian culture. Every evening around 6 o'clock, the streets fill with Italians getting off of work. However, its not like rush hour in the States. They are leisurely walking around with each other taking in the views, the nice night, and checking out the newest window displays from the fashion designers. There are street performers filling the air with wonderful music, and people strolling about with a hot Panini or a delicious gelato; the place is just vibrant and alive --what a great way to bond with the people of a city. Back in the US, it seems to me that we are always in some sort of hurry or on a mission. In congested areas, people are frustrated.

(A Prada window display in Milan)

(Out in the streets of Florence)

My first impression of the food in Florence was surprisingly, not good. I soon figured out that I was eating at the touristy places that didn't actually serve authentic Italian food. I was finding lots of reheated pizza, panini, and pasta. I also found every shop had the same things.

(Some good panini)

My frustration was quickly flattened thanks to my Italian friends Mossi and Cassandra, Eva, and Cristina. They took me to pure Italian places tucked into the nooks and crannies of Florence and therefore perfectly preserved. The food at these places was excellent (ah, relief!). Italian dinner is what you would expect for a European dining experience. They eat a small portion, have some wine, talk, then repeat. Dinner can last up to 4 hours and starts with an antipasti, primera, and then a main course, and finishes with an espresso (no matter what time of night), and a small glass of frozen limoncello (a lemon liqueur).

(Antipasti)


(With my friends Cassandra and Mossi enjoying limoncello)

Milan is the industrious city of the North of Italy which is refreshingly different from Florence. You can certainly feel this when you step out of the huge train station into the thick of the city. Although more modern and spread out than Florence, Milan still glows style. Its here and Paris that all the biggest fashion shows are every season highlighting the native styles of Milan, like Prada. I spent only one night here, but was still able to see some of the sights.

(Milan's Central Train Station)

(Milan's Duomo. The right shows the door to the Duomo and also some damage from WWII)


(Milan's gorgeous town center, with a beautiful Christmas display under the covered mall)

(A video showing the covered walking mall in Milan)

I also had the chance to visit the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Although this is really the only thing to see in the small city of Pisa, it is truly a marvel. It's so strange to see something so large and permanent like a building leaning at an angle looking like it's going to fall over. You think that it's an illusion, that it's not really leaning, but then you walk up to the base and see how far one side has sunk into the ground. Its crazy. The tower is not alone, it is neighbored by the Duomo and another building. I stopped here for lunch and had some amazing raviolis and a glass of Chianti. Ah. How relaxing.

(Leaning Tower of Pisa)

(Pisa's Cathedral)

So after some initial frustration, I found Italy very hospitable and warming with great food and lots of art. The appreciation for art is far more than back home, it is one of their main values in life, a societal perk which I have always wanted to experience. No wonder the Italian passion, spice, and fire for art and style have given the world fashion, food, Ferraris, and fine art.

(Florence)

All these experiences in Italy caused my head to whirl, to think, and start to dream. Initially, I was so excited about Italy that I was going to stay for the winter, but I realized that winter is a slow time here, there are less people, less jobs, and the weather is rainy and cold. Not to worry, however, because I've not only come home with great memories from my experience there, but I've come home with a plan. I'm going to stick it out in Montana for the winter learning all the Italian I can and saving money. Then...Italy for the summer! Florence will be my new home for a few months.