After much excitement and preparation, the time finally has come: we are now in Milano! The flight from Pittsburgh to Newark was relatively uneventful, but the flight from Newark to Milan was very exciting, as it was my first international flight. My favorite part of the flight was being able to converse in Italian with the Milanese passenger next to me, and I was very surprised at how much our conversation centered around our families, which is an integral aspect of making connections in Italian society. The conversation was also my first exposure to how open and outgoing Italians are to strangers, especially foreigners traveling to a new land.

Our first meal in Milan was lunch at the Delicatessen Ristorante, where we were treated to the tre piatti common throughout Italy. Il primo piatto, or the first course, consisted of a variety of Italian breads, meats, and cheeses, which alone could be enough for an entire meal, much unlike traditional appetizers in America that attempt to serve as a bridge to the main meal. Il secondo piatto was a delicious lasagna, but because of how full I was from the prior plate, I was unable to finish the course, while the final course was a smooth and cleansing bowl of limone sorbetto. The main difference that I noticed between American and Italian dining was the slower pace and gradual delivery of the courses, which allowed for greater conversation around the tavola (table), which is an important part of Italian socialization between friends and family.

Despite starting off as rainy, the weather cleared up and I was able to go out to eat at L’Antica Pizza da Michele, where I had a Margherita Pizza that was as delicious as the Neapolitan pizza that I have eaten in the states. After exploring the city a bit more and taking a much-needed nap, I believe that I will always fondly recall il mio primo giorno a Milano.