After a very long exhausting day of traveling, we finally made it to Milan! Although I’m currently writing this on the combined total of 10 hours of sleep I have gotten over the past three days I will try and remember everything that has happened thus far…

            Although we have not gotten to see much of Italy so far since we just arrived, the journey in itself was also worth mentioning briefly. The real adventure began on Saturday morning, the first official day of this program. I was surprised to have been able to wake up in time to get ready and on the us without rushing (not all of us were so lucky…). Flying from Newark to Milan was a very different experience. The moment I got on the plane, I could already see cultural differences between Italians and Americans. I observed their fashion, social mannerisms, and communications to be more elegant and outward towards each other. Before taking off, a group of Italians flying back were all turned around talking to their friends and family, and even on the plane, a man came and stood by the man next to me and spoke to him for a while, which would rarely be observed by two Americans. After the rocky landing, we were finally in Italy.

           Our WorldStrides contact/guide in Milan, Luca, picked us up from the airport and took us to our hotel. On the drive over, it was interesting to observe the advertisements and cars in Italy as some were like those in the United States, which shows how global most companies have become. However, it was also interesting to see the businesses unique to Italy, like smaller beauty shops, separate pharmacies, and smaller shops even in a major city. Milan is a very modern city, with large cultural influences that can be seen in the architecture. Our group then enjoyed what felt like a four-course meal at the restaurant Delicatessen. Unlike in the United States, when Italians eat, they eat. Bread is served not only as an appetizer but is constantly refilled throughout the meal. Deli meats and cheeses are also eaten before the main meal, along with a “cleanser” style dessert after which was very new to experience. I later went with a group to the Buenos Aires shopping area and was thrilled to see and buy unique Italian brand clothing different in style and trends compared to the U.S. Lastly for dinner on this first day a large group of us went to L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele, and enjoyed the Italian experience of dining with main goals of conversation rather than eating quickly and leaving. I am extremely excited to get to see more of Milan tomorrow!