The Fat One

My sister and I went to a BBQ at a farm in the middle of nowhere - about 1 hour away from Milan. It was a gorgeous farm near a mid-evil castle. The day was beautiful with perfect skies, great food, surrounded by Italians. I looked around at the Italians, made an observation, and commented to my sister's friends: "Wow. There's a lot of thin people here. My sister and I both look fat here!"

And she responded, "Yes, you both are definitely fat."

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Thanks.

But then I started laughing. I couldn't help myself. I was just called fat right in my face! And I was also thinking of the irony. After all, I've always been called "The Skinny One" in the USA. I was amazed how just jumping on a plane and flying over an ocean can change people's perception. (All is relative!) It was just too funny.

But the truth is that I didn't like what I saw. I mean, I could go down to their size.. what 4?.. again if I wanted to. But they were just too skinny!! And it kinda grossed me out (the guys were too skinny too, by the way. No eye candy for me! ;-) ). There is also the reason that I just love my butt. I personally think it is the cutest thing ever. And I just can't have the cute butt like that if I'm 105 pounds. It just ain't going to happen!

So, back to the beautiful farm. After a little bit, I gained my composure and stopped laughing. I smiled at my sister's friend (who was looking at me very confused), and said, "Great! So... where's the gelato?" ;-)

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PS. Actually, I think that party was a fluke. Most Italians don't look like that. There are definitely a lot more thin people here (both guys and girls) but I would consider myself average. Though maybe a little rounder cause of my cute butt! ;-)

PPS. OOPPSS! Apparently I'm wrong. I AM fat! Ha! I was corrected and apparently I was comparing myself to ALL the population, instead of my age range. Oh well! Pasta, per favore! ;-)

Italian Drivers

I've been to Italy a couple of times - minimum 4 times - and I don't know why but I always forget about the driving here. In general, I think Italians are pretty good drivers. Crazy, but good. However, it is being a pedestrian that I'm having problems with. Crossing these crazy streets is just... well... crazy!

I remember one time in Rome, while getting a tour, the American tour guide said, before we crossed the street, "Now, I will be the first sheep to the slaughter!" and she'd throw herself on the street with cars and motorinos zigzagging around. And miraculously, all of them stop. Once we all crossed safely, she turned to us and said "That's the way to do it."

It's just crazy. I just haven't gotten used to it. When I'm crossing the street and I see a car flying towards me, my "fight or flight" response is to freeze. And the car(s) either stop or at least swerve around me. And they always give me an annoyed look, even when I do it right! (I think they just don't like to slow down in the first place). I give the "Mi dispiace!" look (I'm sorry!) and scurry across. I'm hoping in time I'll get use to this.

So I took this picture:



It seemed appropriate. A car speeding over a pedestrian walk in front of a church. It symbolizes everything I face while crossing crazy busy Italian streets. After all, every time, I say a little prayer, close my eyes, think "first sheep to slaughter!" and jump! :-)

My Arrival

I left Thursday evening from Washington DC to fly to Milan. It was a 7 hour flight which arrived in London. Then 4 hours later, I took another 2 hour flight to Milan. When I arrived at the airport, my older sister told me she couldn't pick me up so to take the train into the city. I took the train. Then she said that she couldn't pick me up at the train station, that I needed to take the Metro into her neighborhood. Ok. I found the Metro and I walked in.

And talk about lost and confused! I looked at the machines and I had no clue how to make them work. I looked at the maps and I had no clue where I was. I looked at all the signs around me and I didn't even know what the basic little stick figures were doing!

At last, I decide to ask for help. Now, I don't speak Italian except for the basic Ciao and Prego (Hi/Bye and OK). Oh, and of course, Mange! (Eat!). But at that time even those words were completely forgotten (I blame exhaustion). I tried using my Spanish because so many people told me it would help. Well, the funny looks people were giving me said that wasn't working. I tried English, body language (aka: waving my arms), even FRENCH, a dead language for me since high school (and I think the French would probably agree it should remain dead- it was horrible). No good. Nada.

At last, after 1/2 hour of trying, with only 2 hours of sleep in 48 hours, carrying heavy luggage, lost, dazed and confused, I couldn't take it. I called my sister and said, "PICK ME UP RIGHT NOW!" She said, "Take the Metro!" and I said "I CAN'T! I CAN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET A TICKET!" She said "Oh, brother."

She picked me up. Home. Relief.

I slept great that night.

Later, my sister's boyfriend said, "All tourist have the exact same problem when they first try to use this Metro. Welcome to Milan."

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@#$%@ Metro.

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YEY! I'm in Milan! :-D



(Ps. This is Il Duomo found in Milan)

By Popular Demand!

By popular demand, I have created a BLOG! In theory, it'll contain the different adventures that I've experienced while abroad. Right now I am in Milan with my older sister. I have officially been in Europe for a whole WEEK (wow!) and counting! :-) I've been pretty busy from exploring the city of Milano, to going outside of Milan and visiting a gorgeous farm near a mid-evil castle. It already has been a great adventure!

More to come! :-)