| Life in Milan . . .
Never before in my life have I experienced such a love-hate relationship with a city - or country. Saying I like certain things and don't like others does not suffice in capturing my true feelings towards the place. Here's a brief look at the good, the bad, and absolutely gorgeous.
La Galleria - one of my favorite spots in the city.
Italy is beautiful. London comes close, but one genuinely breathes culture in Italy. It's not just a treasure chest of parks, museums, and monuments - it's the country itself: the buildings, the roads, the countryside, the chapel across the street that's twice as old as the US.
Already, and with minimal effort and expense, I've seen the Colosseum, Michaelangelo's Pieta, many Caravaggio masterpieces, Da Vinci's Last Supper, amazing architechture, and fantastic music. Add some great food and pastry to the mix and you've got Paradiso . . . or so it would seem..
Il Duomo - The Cathedral, absolutely awe-inspiring.
"Tradition" has obviously contributed to the wealth of culture in this country, but it has also resulted in the perpetuation of many bad habits. Living-up to their reputation, Italians have demonstrated a clearly different 'outlook' on business and general organization and efficiency. Shops close at will; schedules are always subject to change; nothing gets done during the holidays (which are routinely extended); prices are often higher than they seem; and on top of all this factor in a general disregard for (and distrust of) the authorities. Driving me through the streets of Rome and avoiding all the cars that routinely broke red lights and went the wrong way, Fr. Tom, my good friend and guide, summed everything up, "Here, Nick, red lights and traffic signs are only suggestions."
Unfortunately, these daily annoyances like the public transportation strikes and webpages that don't work pale in comparison to the greater problem of discrimination here. One can read about racism in books and the news, but when somebody spits at you and tells you to go back to China - as soon as you step off the bus from the airport no less - everything becomes painfully clear. A classmate and I helped two of our African classmates find accomodation, and let me express just how apalled I was by the treatment they received - everything from looks and sneers to curses under one's breath and outright lies. As many of you know, this problem further manifests itself in football where fans continue to abuse foreign players, even the ones on their team! I realize that there are a plethora of historical reasons for this, but it's a problem nonetheless and needs to be addressed..
Castello Sforzesco - Former fortress and ducal residence, now a beautiful park and bastion of art, complete with a bevy of museums; a.k.a. my front yard  !
As I've mentioned above, though, Italy has a lot to offer yet also so much potential. A lot of the acclimation is cultural, I know, and I know I'm better because of it. What I once viewed as a closed shop I now also see as a family together for the holidays. I'm definitely happy to be here, sharing in the life of another culture - no regrets. . |
This weekend is the big AC Milan - Inter Milan Derby, so the whole city is revved-up for that. The only other major excursion I can think of is my Valentine's weekend trip to Verona, the home of the real Romeo and Giulieta. Only one and a half hours away by train, the quaint town was a great day-trip. We managed to see both Romeo and Jiuliet's houses as well as her famous balcony.
