How in the world did you make it in such an expensive, toxic, mad city??
I survived living in Korea, but I was in the service, so it was a very different experience. The smell of that place, though, when I first arrived, made me want to get back on the plane and leave immediately!
So you got fashion sense, returned with a silk blouse 👚 and a very small bottle of wine? Memories packed full with full bright colors of dry flowers bought weekly to make a collage for your wall . Humor returns home a new story is born and you lost weight. Looking good.
That Fulbright position worked well for you. Were your other visits/stays in Italy on the Fulbright program? How neat to be in a foreign city and settling in for a while.
Bellisimo! I loved this and all its yummy, sordid, flamboyant details. I can almost feel the grit in my nose. Oh, and the aroma of fresh pastry, coffee, and diesel in the morning air.
You pegged it here. One can get used to anything -- except maybe having a pebble in one's shoe... This was a real learning experience, I will say. Thanks for reading it Sue.
100% non A I. ))) It seems they ARE writing the stories on the internet. I'm taking less and less interest in it for that... and the miss-spells, and the miss-pronunciation. Whole different words that sort of sound like the one they said and texted.... and that one said wierd. Jarring and annoying. LEaves tales are safe. You write what you mean and use the right words to say it all. THANK YOU
However you laugh and take on a new city, it is always far far beyond what you might expect, if you expect anything. And fitting in? Did you speak decent Italian? I'm hoping yes, or that you picked it up quickly!
Such a universal truth of arriving in a place where culture is an advanced degree in a subject you didn't know existed. I'm so glad you remained yourself and didn't force yourself into a place where that Size 2 would split down the middle and thereafter expose a not-so-comfortable you.
We head to Milan end of June. We’ve been once, before my son was born, so maybe 20 years ago now. I seem to remember thinking it was different to any other Italian city I’d been to, so I think you summed it perfectly Sharron
Looking forward to going back though. Just a quick trip to see Springsteen at the San Siro and then off to Bernalda for a few days before heading over to Montreux for the Jazz festival. It’s our big holiday for this year so can’t wait 😁
Interesting to hear this from the perspective of not-really-a-tourist but not-quite-a resident. I'll bet the folks back home thought it was quite the glamorous and exotic adventure. I'm sure there was some of that but I imagine along with a bit of loneliness and culture shock as well. Your travel pieces always transport me and make me think! Thank you, dear.
Thanks for these thoughtful comments, Jim. I think the biggest challenge was simply living in such a huge city. I am a small town girl. I had fabulous,unforgettable week-end out in so many places, though. That country has a special place in my heart.
I always enjoy reading your travelogs. You tell it like you experienced it while maintaining a positive attitude about the eventual outcome. Great photos.
I had fine adventures in Italy and would go back to experience it all over again if I could. But I would choose smaller towns and villages. Thanks for reading my tale, KC
Such a huge city - everything from high fashion, wealth to gypsy encampments, like any major metropolis, I guess. It is all of interest, though. Thanks Matt
Wow, Sharron! You have had so many rich experiences, and I love going along with you, when you write about them! You bring your surroundings to life, and I feel like I am there with you! You are extremely adaptable, resourceful, and curious about your surroundings. Thanks for this trip to Milan!
How in the world did you make it in such an expensive, toxic, mad city??
I survived living in Korea, but I was in the service, so it was a very different experience. The smell of that place, though, when I first arrived, made me want to get back on the plane and leave immediately!
I guess you do what you have to do. The best thing about Milan is that it is a main train hub and it is easy to get out of there!
So you got fashion sense, returned with a silk blouse 👚 and a very small bottle of wine? Memories packed full with full bright colors of dry flowers bought weekly to make a collage for your wall . Humor returns home a new story is born and you lost weight. Looking good.
Yes... well, all except for that "lost weight" part.
That Fulbright position worked well for you. Were your other visits/stays in Italy on the Fulbright program? How neat to be in a foreign city and settling in for a while.
Nope. That was the only working trip. I LOVED working with those Italian teachers. Thanks for reading this rather long piece, Ron.
Bellisimo! I loved this and all its yummy, sordid, flamboyant details. I can almost feel the grit in my nose. Oh, and the aroma of fresh pastry, coffee, and diesel in the morning air.
You pegged it here. One can get used to anything -- except maybe having a pebble in one's shoe... This was a real learning experience, I will say. Thanks for reading it Sue.
100% non A I. ))) It seems they ARE writing the stories on the internet. I'm taking less and less interest in it for that... and the miss-spells, and the miss-pronunciation. Whole different words that sort of sound like the one they said and texted.... and that one said wierd. Jarring and annoying. LEaves tales are safe. You write what you mean and use the right words to say it all. THANK YOU
Thanks for these comments, Kate. AI: It is an already lost battle, I am afraid.
What an adventurous, interesting, and fun life you are enjoying… I love these insights to your history.
Thank you, Wade. Ups and downs, thrills and disappointments. Life!
Such a visit to Italy.
However you laugh and take on a new city, it is always far far beyond what you might expect, if you expect anything. And fitting in? Did you speak decent Italian? I'm hoping yes, or that you picked it up quickly!
Such a universal truth of arriving in a place where culture is an advanced degree in a subject you didn't know existed. I'm so glad you remained yourself and didn't force yourself into a place where that Size 2 would split down the middle and thereafter expose a not-so-comfortable you.
Hah! Right you are, Jill. I speak enough Italian to find my way around the country, but it is scarcely conversational.
We head to Milan end of June. We’ve been once, before my son was born, so maybe 20 years ago now. I seem to remember thinking it was different to any other Italian city I’d been to, so I think you summed it perfectly Sharron
Looking forward to going back though. Just a quick trip to see Springsteen at the San Siro and then off to Bernalda for a few days before heading over to Montreux for the Jazz festival. It’s our big holiday for this year so can’t wait 😁
Oh man, Daniel! This sounds like so much fun! Springsteen and jazz. Sign me up!
Interesting to hear this from the perspective of not-really-a-tourist but not-quite-a resident. I'll bet the folks back home thought it was quite the glamorous and exotic adventure. I'm sure there was some of that but I imagine along with a bit of loneliness and culture shock as well. Your travel pieces always transport me and make me think! Thank you, dear.
Thanks for these thoughtful comments, Jim. I think the biggest challenge was simply living in such a huge city. I am a small town girl. I had fabulous,unforgettable week-end out in so many places, though. That country has a special place in my heart.
I always enjoy reading your travelogs. You tell it like you experienced it while maintaining a positive attitude about the eventual outcome. Great photos.
I had fine adventures in Italy and would go back to experience it all over again if I could. But I would choose smaller towns and villages. Thanks for reading my tale, KC
Sweet snapshot of your (former?) life, Sharron!
Absolutely "former". Nothing but armchair travel for me these days. Thanks, Jack
Painted a far prettier picture of Milan than my one solitary visit from 20 years ago... I think we found the far dirtier part of town!
Such a huge city - everything from high fashion, wealth to gypsy encampments, like any major metropolis, I guess. It is all of interest, though. Thanks Matt
Wow, Sharron! You have had so many rich experiences, and I love going along with you, when you write about them! You bring your surroundings to life, and I feel like I am there with you! You are extremely adaptable, resourceful, and curious about your surroundings. Thanks for this trip to Milan!
Sharron, always such an enjoyable read traveling with you.