It's been just over a year since I've returned home from my incredible Italian adventure. I thought I would take a minute to reflect on Milan and what the experience taught me (and let everyone in on the next place I'm going!)
One year later, the most important things I took away from Milan (aside from a pervasive love for all things Italian) are the lasting friendships, my increased independence, and a bad case of the travel bug. First, the friends.
As the saying goes, friends that brave Italian discos together, stay together (or something like that). There's something about fending off over-eager Italian men together that forges an indestructible bond between girls. But in all seriousness, making your way through a foreign country with new friends quickly builds a level of trust that is hard to come by. And I've learned the beauty of traveling with friends is a great way to open your eyes to experiences I wouldn't have seen on my own. I know I tend to rush a bit, excited to get to the next place, and having people who like to linger allows me to soak in the details and truly appreciate the moment (and work on my patience). I also know I've found some lasting travel buddies- Gina, Emily and I were able to reunite in Vegas over winter break, spending time playing on the strip and admiring the Grand Canyon. I can't wait for our next adventure!
Next, my increased independence. Although I was already fairly confident and independent to start, setting off alone to a new country where I didn't speak the language was definitely a learning experience. I had never traveled alone before, and never been more than a few hours away from home for months at a time. Despite a few initial moments of panic (let's be honest), I found myself capable of everything thrown my way. For example, I managed to find my apartment and get inside while hauling my two suitcases, trying to communicate with the door-lady who spoke not a bit of English (never-mind that I first went up the trash elevator to the back entrance before arriving at the front door). I quickly adapted to public transit, and now miss the ease of the combined force of the trams, metros, and trains. I learned to navigate the twisting, name-changing streets to find where I wanted to go (and ended up finding some of my favorite spots on the many occasions I did get lost). And I managed to keep calm and solve problems as they arose during my travels (learning quickly that the only direction Italians will ever give you is siempre drieto, "always straight", while gesturing in the purported correct direction). Despite, or rather because of the mishaps, and the language barrier, I showed myself just how capable I really am, that I have a good head on my shoulder, and that friendly smiles and a little charm will get you almost anywhere you need to go.
As for my appreciation of all things Italian, that has to start with my appreciation for the country itself. Although anyone who live in Milan can tell you not all Italians fit the warm jovial stereotype anymore than all Americans are loud and obnoxious, the Milanese turned out to be wonderful people. Most of Italy will in fact welcome you with open arms and a heaping plate of carbs, but the people of Milan take a little persuading. Once you broke through their barriers, though, you made lasting friends. Milan also taught me how to survive in a city, how to orient myself quickly in the midst of fast paced surroundings, and how to discover the hidden beauty of a reserved city and people. Through traveling to every corner of Italy, I tasted indescribably delicious foods such as Genovese pesto in Genova, Parmesiano Reggiano in Parma, canoli in Sicily, and Gelato, umm everywhere. The different buildings and scenery captured my heart, especially the romance of Verona and the resplendent nature of the Cinque Terre. And I will always, always remember the people, and how much more alive each place was once we put our Italian to the test and made friends with locals, getting rides down Mount Etna, Salsa dancing (?) in Palermo, being teased in Rome by the comedic waiter. Italy has left a lasting impression on my heart, and thanks to my very thoughtful sister, my wall calendar!
Lastly, my time exploring Italy has made my travel bug all the more infectious. I am constantly collecting stories from friends, imagining the places they have been, and adding them to my list. Amazingly enough, I will be able to actually visit some of those places this summer, thanks to the generosity of my parents, who decided to squeeze in one last family hoorah before I find myself in a world with limited vacation time. This summer I will be going to Germany to visit the fabulous Lauren Bruss (check out her witty blog, http://laurengoestomunich.wordpress.com/), meeting the family in Istanbul, sailing through Greece and ending in Amsterdam. I am SOOOO excited!!!!!!!!!! So follow along as I put some more dots on the map (I hope you liked the pun).
Ciao!
Katie
