My first full day in Milan started with a delicious breakfast in the hotel. It was nice to finally get some sleep after being so tired yesterday. After breakfast we had an Italian crash course in which we learned lots of important phrases in Italian. We learned the basics for ordering in restaurants, coffee shops, and introducing ourselves to people. It was nice to learn common phrases in Italian because it allows me to immerse myself even more in Italian culture.
After the meeting we were set free to get lunch on our own so twelve of us decided to go to this random restaurant for lunch. We ended up at this smaller restaurant and I had the best meal I have had so far. I got the spaghetti al pomodoro e basilico (spaghetti with tomato and basil) and it was incredible, it was probably the best pasta I have ever had. It was also really nice because it was one of the few restaurants that let us all pay separately for our meals.
After our amazing lunch we went on a walking tour of Milan. It started with walking to the skyscrapers in Milan. They are something that is very new to Milan and the locals are still a bit weary of living on the top levels of those buildings. We then crossed over to a shopping center which had a fountain in the middle of it in order to keep the area cool in warm weather. There were also multiple holes that were needed for structural support, however they were all decorated in fun ways. One had long tubes that connected to other floors below it allowing people to talk to strangers promoting communication. We then stopped for gelato at Eataly which was a really cool grocery store at it was incredible.
We continued our walking tour headed to the Duomo Cathedral. The walk there was so pretty, just looking around at all of the old buildings is something I will never forget. It was a lot more of the stereotypical images of Italy will all of the cobblestone streets. I was surprised by how much greenery there was because most cities in the United States only have small areas of trees. When we arrived to the cathedral I was amazed by how large and beautiful it was. I understand why it is the center of Milan because it is such an amazing work of art.
That is all for tonight, buona notte!
