I think one thing I've definitely learnt is trust the weather predictions. Apparently living so close to the Alps it's hard to predict weather in Milan however they always manage to get it right. Despite raining it's still 22 degrees and when we're power walking to uni with grey skies with our coats slung over our arms we are definitely getting judged. The humidity is something I'm sure I'll get used too!
To say it's been a really bad week would be an understatement, they say bad things happen in three's but after this week from hell I must be on about 9.
The challenges during the week hasn't all been bad, I guess times like this forces a sense of unity and strengthens friendships - to say we were all properly introduced just over 2 months ago to the friendships we share now is quite remarkable and I'll forever be grateful for the support we've shared.
The EXPO launched this week, a pretty big deal over here in Italy bringing in a ridiculous amount of tourists. Its been quite a blessing seeing our local train station be painted all pretty - including the handrails for the new wave of visitors. However with such a large event there is always going to be some protesters - so with the launch of the EXPO and international working class day falling on the same date it was predictable that there was going to be some clash. Tear gas, car's torched and windows smashed the 'Anti Expo' rioters invaded the streets, quite scary which me and Jess watched on youtube quite comfortably from our bedrooms.
With the sole intention of going to Cinque Terre on Saturday we ended up spontaneously visiting Turin. It was set to be a beautiful day and the seaside never felt more appealing but due to lack of tickets we decided to instead visit an equally beautiful city 2hours away by train. After enjoying an impromptu breakfast outside Centrale station we boarded our train and arrived in Turin at lunchtime. The city is rich with history and culture from the array of churches, museums, parks and theatres. As soon as we arrived there was an air of calm about the city, completely different to Milan, it was busy but it felt so much more relaxing and free.
We walked through one of the main shopping streets in Turin and found a gorgeous square with a restaurant on each corner, we enjoyed the smallest sandwich possible complimented with a well-needed glass of prosseco and continued our travels. Discovering another square with palaces and historical monuments and buildings which towered over a small market selling religious objects such as worry beads and pictures of the pope - stall after stall of exactly the same content.
We found the infamous River Po and admired its clear water, seeing such a vast amount of water felt strange after living in Milan for 2 months where the only waterway is 2 very small, littered canals.
It was relaxing and inviting especially in the 28 degree heat.
Walking around we discovered there was a religious festival being held where the holy shroud was centre of attention allowing guests to view it (kind of all added up after seeing groups of nuns, vicars and a few monks hanging round the city's squares.)
We decided to try and grab some dinner at around 6ish (try being the key word.) It seems that in Italy, nice restaurants don't open till 7/7:30 leaving myself and Jess to have the pleasure of eating at a local, family run restaurant which was probably the most confusing and hilarious meals to date.
Before even sitting down the staff were like Bees to honey. Obviously not sharing any common language was going to prove a problem, I ordered a recommendation of the waiters which i had no idea what to expect. (It was ravioli and curry sauce - weird.)
Long story short we had a plate of meat stuffed in our face (Jess is a Vegetarian) followed by a mountain of breadsticks and then an array of desserts all on wheeled carts blocking us into this extremely small table. We finished and paid sharpish and made a quick exit before we laughed anymore.
Sundays are for families and dinner, so Lian offering to cook us a full roast was never going to be turned down. Starters (yes there was a starter) consisted of an Italian pasta dish followed by our roast dinner with all the trimmings. I think my mum would be proud with the amount of Broccoli and carrots I ate, it was almost as if I've never eaten vegetables before. With a dark chocolate cheesecake for dessert it as a perfect meal and such a lovely way to end a not so lovely week.
Living so far away from home is difficult at times and proves a lot more difficult when unforeseen circumstances occur. It seems only right to give a mention to the fact that my family lost a valuable member this week and you'll forever be in our hearts. Losing something so dear brings people together and forms a sense of unity and love. It breaks my heart to say this but rest in peace beautiful Bonnie.
On a positive note, we've booked our trip to Venice and Verona this weekend - update will follow.
Ciao
xxx
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