The day started off with me somehow waking up to my alarms and wandering to the lobby for breakfast. Similar to my trip to Berlin, the breakfast was largely comprised of cold cuts and types of bread. There was also some scrambled eggs and hard-boiled eggs for a protein boost. I also had some banana yogurt and a cappuccino. After some quality time with friends and the Bursics at breakfast, I headed upstairs to get ready for my new room. Last night, I was in a single room, but my double with Jack was ready for today, so I had to pack everything up again. The new room looks very similar to the prior one. There is not enough floor space for us to walk across the room now that our suitcases are laid out.
To continue the morning, I attended the Italian language crash course. The instructor was bubbly and excited to teach us simple conversation. I learned very quickly throughout the day that my brain reverts back to “thank you,” “have a good one,” and “good morning” when in public. Starting the interaction in Italian is the most difficult thing for me. Once you speak English, many Italians use the conversation as an opportunity to reply in English. It was helpful to also learn about a few hand gestures that helps people understand me. After the language lesson, a group of us headed to a nearby restaurant to get lunch.
After browsing the lunch menu and realizing that I was still full from breakfast, I settled for a salad. The oil, vinegar, and pepper on the salad tasted delicious. It was a nice break from the heavy helpings of carbs with every other meal on the trip. I ended up eating gelato a few hours later anyways, so I was glad that I had a light lunch. At the end of the walking tour, the group came to The Galleria in Milan. The stores were all intimidating because I knew I would not even want to risk touching the shoes from Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and a few other stores. When we stepped through the mall area, I was awestruck by the size of the Duomo di Milano. Pictures do not do this site justice. Every inch is chiseled to perfection and overwhelming detail. After taking a few photos and learning about the history of the Duomo, we had a bit of time to plan for the rest of the night.
Ever since being accepted for this program, I have been planning my visit to an AC Milan match. Today was the perfect day for it. We got to learn how to use the metro system to get around, how to ask for directions (a lot of times), and how to buy tickets. The process was very exhausting and time-consuming but the roar of the home section gave me an adrenaline shock. Hearing chants to the rhythm of the bass drum while watching a European match in person was a completely new experience. It is impossible to recreate the atmosphere in the MLS or USL. Hearing Italian chants, swear words, and basic chatter added to the experience. Getting back to the hotel was a completely new battle because the metro cars were completely filled with people falling over each other trying to get home. Trying to get a group through Milan, while remaining together, was a challenge, but we all made it, and no one got pickpocketed. After a long day of walking, I need a hot shower before bed.
