The Cities of 'Love'

So this week I'm currently writing my blog whilst sitting in Porta Venezia park surrounded by locals going about their daily routines, It always interests me as to why people are there, what are they doing, who are they and then I think well what do they think of me, what's this BLONDE?! clearly not Italian girl doing sitting on the grass on her own pretending to make notes on a book her tutor told her to buy (which coincidentally is his personal book on cars… help!)

So to reflect on the past week, it was a slow start.. as always we like to 'let our hair down' on a Tuesday evening. Mondays are always a really long day with being in Uni all day trying to make sense of whats going on 99% of the time and then looking like we know what we're doing for the remaining 1%. Myself and Jess decided to go to a new place that evening.. (due to the fact our normal bar was closed.) With a shisha and a very weak Mojito we enjoyed a very laid back evening and for a change got an earlyish night!



Friday couldn't have come sooner, it was like a mini holiday. We booked our train tickets to Venice and Verona with the help of a cheeky 2 for 1 offer on Saturdays. We boarded the 8:05am train with every school trip in Milan and headed east to the cities of love.
Venice truly is a sight, as soon as you step away from the train station you're greeted with the first of many canals. The copious amount of water glistening in the sun. I think if you took out the time we stopped for photographs we would have got everywhere in half the time but that's the beauty of being on holiday (right?!)
I was a little taken back by the amount of tourists, I thought Milan was bad but this was at least 3 times worse. We followed the very efficient signs through the city towards San Marco and delved through street after street of intricate buildings and tiny bridges. We came across a gorgeous mask shop, covered floor to ceiling with unique masks with colour, glitter and feathers. After trying on what felt like them all, we decided on buying one each with the added beauty of the shopkeeper explaining the process of making them. I'm happy to say the mask I chose was the first one I picked up and I'm totally in love, now all I need is a masquerade ball.

We came across San Marco Piazza - the social, religious and political centre of the city dominated by the impressive St Mark's Basillica. This church looked more like a palace than anything which such intricate details and decorations. After having the most expensive 'piccolo birra' we decided to embark up to the top of 'Campanile' the clock tower, standing almost 100 metres tall. The views from the top were incredible and it's a must do in Venice - especially on a beautiful day.
We were prewarned at the price of Gondola's and knew it was a no-go however the water buses were an equally beautiful way to travel by boat around Venice - and also cheaper.

Travel tip - Food - Don't go for the first, second or third place you see, normally the best food are away from the main areas and down the copeless amounts of side streets.

 Verona was next on the map, we arrived in the historic town late morning and made our way to the centre. I didn't know what to expect before visiting Verona, I think the one thing we've learnt since living in Italy is that every place is beautiful but has its own characteristics and Verona wasn't disappointing.
We were greeted very unexpectedly with a view of a massive amphitheatre, older than the Colosseum but one of the best preserved ancient structures of its kind. I was a little hazy about going inside as I didn't want to ruin the impact of when we visit Rome but I'm so glad we did. The arena was impressive, climbing all the way to the top and sitting in completely silence taking in the surroundings. It felt so surreal. Looking out over the rooftops of residents living so close to such a historical feature. It was fascinating how despite sitting at the very top i could hear word to word everything the over excited kids were saying at the bottom. It was an oasis away from the mass of tourists in groups outside pushing their way through the old cobbled streets.
We joined them (ish) by dodging our way through tour group after tour group to find 'casa di Giulietta' or Juliet's balcony. With a small tunnel leading through into this brimming square with a single balcony overlooking a blanket of tourists. A statue of Juliet standing very prominent in the middle with people groping her breast (apparently its a sign of luck and love.) Behind was a mass of love notes tied to trees, pinned to the wall and intricate locks placed onto the branches graffitied with initials. The colours and textures felt like an art installation. This gorgeous idea almost spoilt by the constant flow of tourists taking photos of a balcony which in theory could be anyones.
We walked 100 metres to be faced with a gorgeous piazza dell Erbe, home to an intricate market selling anything from a cup of fruit to Murano glass pendants. Of which we bought both.
Murano is an island off of Venice known for its glass, after seeing so many beautiful pieces of jewellery, myself and Jess gave in and I'm now a proud owner of a beautiful pendant.

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To end our afternoon we took a long walk to the Basilica di San Zeno. A little way out from the main centre of Verona and totally worth the walk. The Church stood in a beautiful square with locals perched on each bench and kids roaming around on their bikes and Rollerblades. It was relaxing to watch and almost felt like a part of their typical Saturday afternoon. The presence of tourists was minimal and this unspoilt serenity was peaceful.
We entered the church and sat in the garden where the sun's warmth and the birds chirping away fulfilled the consistent sense of calm. It was the most impressive church I've visited and since my time in Italy there has been a few!







After a bottle of wine (whoops) we made our trip back to Milan after what was an incredibly beautiful but tiring weekend!

Since returning from our weekend away I've had a few days to myself to reflect on my thoughts. I think it's been the first time where I've actually sat down and have taken in my surroundings. At times It's always so easy to look at the negatives in a situation but when I think about how lucky I am to be sitting where I am today, living in a beautiful country in a little apartment with the most hysterical flatmates and enriching my life with a new culture It begins to really hit me and I definitely wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

Ciao
S x

Pathetic Fallacy

This week it rained a lot lot, British and proud Jess still hasn't purchased an umbrella whereas the Italians may as well have two each. I don't think I'll ever understand why the street sellers try and force an umbrella in your face despite carrying a perfectly capable one already. - This and sunglasses. (Maybe it's an Italian thing.) AND even when it's not due to rain the Italians without fail will manage to squeeze an umbrella in their impeccably tiny LV bag 'just incase' drizzle occurs.

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

Hide & Seek in Design week

My Mum said to me when I first moved out here 'Aren't you going to get bored of showing people round the same places' and she couldn't of been more wrong. Milan is large, everywhere is quicker via public transport but so many people have claimed its so small. Now moving into our 2nd month of living here it's becoming more apparent that with every wrong turn or moments of getting lost, we find the most gorgeous building, or beautiful little park. With every new visitor brings new opinions, interests and loves and with my family and boyfriend everyones opinions have been very interesting.

But before I go into detail about my recent visitor, I have an obligation to explain how amazing Milan Design Week or Salone del Mobile was. 

Milan Design week is an event held in various areas around Milan for example this year exhibition spaces were held mainly in Brera - a beautiful district in Milan with its typical winding and cobbled streets with restaurant upon restaurant tricking out into the streets. Showroom spaces were held almost every 2 buildings with large signs inviting you in to an unknown space exhibiting anything from taps to tiles to lights. The 3 of us either being conceptual design students or secretly just big kids LOVED and seeked the interactive installations from following instagram posts from WGSN and various bloggers.

These interactive events ranged from an 8 piece swing set to a tour inside 5 giant tanks exploiting every natural element from rain to sun to the moon. 

Sometimes we stumbled upon these installations however we did city mapper (it took a while) most of them. 

The COS vs Snarchitecture installation was by far my favourite. Entering this never ending room with fabric cascading from the ceiling making it impossible to create a memorable route through the space let alone find Jess and Gina. We easily spent an hour walking around laughing and giggling like big kids in this mass of material.

Other areas that design week featured in was Porta Venezia, Lambrate and Porta Genova. One bit of advice would be to do research way in advance, we definitely got caught out and missed so many fabulous exhibitions due to being unprepared at how important and amazing design week was.

On Friday night we planned a night in Brera where we were going to TRY and attempt to crash any 'Invitation only' closing parties, safe to say we failed massively and decided to head towards the canals. We walked towards a mass of people only to find a silent disco within some old ruins. Groups of youths in circles on the floor drinking bottles and bottles of alcohol. Cheapest area to buy a beer in Milan apparently and we definitely inclined. They do say that unplanned nights are always the best and that says it all for this Friday night in Milan. The perfect way to end a very exciting and adventurous week.

University seemed to hit us like a ton of bricks last week with deadline after deadline and I can safely say that I'm glad the weeks over. Our deadline for our Italian tailoring of a blazer was this week and I'm SO glad its done, never has a garment had such blood, sweat and tears put into it. At various points during the week I'm certain Jess would've turned round and hit me. Learning how to make such a technical garment is hard enough let alone solely taught in another language. Videoing the teacher just so we can replay to watch her hand movements is a new way to be taught but we got there and all in all I couldn't be more proud of the outcome (minus a couple of faults.)

A very anticipated visit from Nick came and went very quickly this past weekend, we pretty much live with each other at University so going from that to 7 weeks apart has been exceedingly difficult. Unlike my Dad's stay the weather decided to be awful so pictures are limited except a beautiful trip to Stresa on Friday where his farmer tan was fabulous. 

I think the one main thing Nick was surprised with was the quality of the food out here in Italy. Every night I made him choose his best meal and every day it seemed to change. However one to definitely note is the Seafood Risotto in Como Corso. The seafood dishes out here are brimming with seafood with such variation from clams to squid to octopus and prawns. 

I finally after little persuasion from Jess copied and bought a 2 litre bottle of wine from Eataly which is refillable. Simple - you buy the bottle, choose the wine and then away you go. For only 8 euros you really can't complain and that sets me up for a while (well i hope anyway.)

On Saturday evening we went for an Aperitivo with the girls and a night out. We detoured through Colonne so i was able to show Nick where the majority of students and youths congregated on an evening and in reflection was his favourite place of the night. Buying a large bottle of Birra Morretti for 2.50 euros to takeaway felt like I should've been a 16 year old. We finally reached a high end bar/club called The Ordinary Market and entered through the club entrance. I wouldn't be able to tell you the music choice if i tried. Almost a mix between a catwalk beat to garage to perhaps house music. Yet everyone was enjoying it, slightly bizarre and it's safe to say we were on the last bus home. Whoops.

On Nicks final night we decided to have dinner on a boat on the less busy canal and it was definitely the best decision I've made.

The upper deck on the boat was completely empty on arrival and with little persuasion the host allowed us to go up there on our own (I would love to say I planned it however It was all by chance.) We had the most friendly waiter and both went with his recommendations of a white wine sea bass (deboned in front of us at the table) and a seafood pasta teamed with a litre carafe of frizzante for only 9 euros. 

We finished with a home made Tirimasu despite Nick not liking it he managed to finish the majority.

It was the perfect way to end such a perfect few days and saying goodbye to him at the airport was so upsetting but the excitement of him walking back through arrivals soon is uplifting. 

Now with no more visitors booked in, I can start focusing more on University work and my next adventure … 

Wish me luck,

S xx