The trek to Italia- Milano per favore

After a week of gluttony and relaxation, i continued my travels to the fashion capital of the world -Milan! It was about a four hour trip by train from my corner of France to Milan. Luckily, I arranged to have an old jolly man waiting for me at the station there. My grandpas family on my dad side is originally from Milano and came to Monroe Wisconsin in the 1950's to make parmaesan chesse. Some of our relatives still there and so I arranged to meet and stay w/ them for 2 days. My distant relative Sandro met me at the station. Sandro used to work for UPS in public relations. His English was impeccable and he had so many wonderful stories about traveling the world and opportunities he took advantage of. For example, he drove an indy car in Indianapolis and sat in the Air Force's F4 Phantome jet! Anyway, Sandro took me to there 3 story house in the suburbs where I met his mother-in-law Rosie (my grandfathers 1st cousin) her two daughters, Fluvia and Nella, and all four of their children, Robert, Stefano, Laura (30), Marta (23), Stefanos girlfriend Vanessa, and Lauras boyfriend, Masssimo. I had a 4 course meal with them that night including pasta pomodora, proscuitto & melon, pineapple, and apple cake. We drank regular and sparkling red wine, strong italian coffee, and sambusca - an famous anis flavored liquor in Italia that knocks your socks off! The conversation was a mix of English and Italian. Only the three young girls, Nella and Sandro knew any english so it was a comedy of errors. I was so happy to have the experience of our cultures mixing, to laugh with my cousins, and to discuss the worlds problems from a European and American viewpoint. American film, tv shows and music are universal, therefore we compared favorite singers and actors, and declared our desire to see the new Sex and the City movie. I felt really comfortable and at home. That night, i stayed in the same flat with Rosie who does not speak a word of English. We had some trouble communicating, but bear in mind that people are people no matter what they speak or where they live. With a little respect, patience, and lots of gestures, we actually became close by the end of my second day. Rosie gave me the best gift ever for my train trip to Rome. She gave me a huge box of Lindt Chocolates! How she knew that is my favorite is beyond me, but we had a connection it seemed and I felt a twinge of sadness leaving her. I think she even said the next time i come, hoping it would be for my honeymoon, she might not be there....
Early the next day, Sandro took me to the station where i deposited my bag, and then to down town Milan to explore. I first discovered the Costello (castle) Sforzesco where Da Vinci had his studio at one time. It is one of Milans best known monuments and was damaged in WWII and was orginally built to defend against the Venetians. I only took a look before going to the Duomo. The Duomo is the second largest church in Italy. It was inspired by the work of Michaelangelo and has beautiful views of the city from its rooftop. So i took the elevator to the top and took some amazing snap shots! The flying buttresses were so beautiful - i cant wait to see the photographs. After the church, I wandered in the fashion district of Milan near Teatro (theater) alla Scala (a very well known opera house) and to a galleria (covered outside mall) of shops like Prada, Louis Vuitton and to street via Monte Napoleone where shops like Cartier boast extreme prices and beautiful wares. Needless to say, I didnt buy anything but enjoyed window shopping among some of the most expensive brands in the world. My day in Milan ended with lunch in the public park and walking back to Milano Centrale, the train station. Although my stay in Milan was brief, i feel i was able to experience the best it has to offer. Between a day with my family and a day in the center I was able to get a good feel of what the place was about. Industry. Fashion. Somewhere that I dont think I would want to live but maybe will visit again someday.

Time with old friends and former collegues

During my week vacation in France, I have also had the opportunity to see my adopted families and my former collegues at the school where i taught. During my last stay here, I met an American family who invited me every week to church and then to their house for lunch. They took me out for lunch one day to a nice french restaurant called Les Veilles Prison (the old prison) within the winding streets of Annecy. It was so nice to catch up with them and they purchased my *cultural* meal of what the french call *friture* I wasnt sure what that was but now I know it is basically fried minnows they catch from the nearby lake! In short, they were not that great but an experience nonetheless. After lunch, we did a bit of window shopping and discussed the diffulties of french life and cultural differences that take years if not your lifetime to understand. For the past few days, i have been staying with my french family in the little town in the mountains. They picked me up and took me spulunking in a small cave in the alps near Seynthenex. The people in this part of France are so active! My pants were loose before from grad school but now they practically fall off with all the walking and activity im doing! The hike by the cave was beautiful complete with waterfall and flora and fauna. I did slip at one point and caught myself with one arm centimeters away from falling in the mud!
I also visited my former place of employment, Lycee Rene Perrin. It has been a joy to suprise my former coworkers and students. Everyone has been happy to see me and have invited me for a meal or coffee. Word of my arrival has traveled fast. I went to buy a newspaper from my fav tabac shop and they knew i was here! I also went to an english teachers house for dinner one night and met her 8 month old baby. It seems that all my good friends here are either pregnant or just had a baby. No worries though im definately not ready for that yet.
Its a good thing im walking as much as i am! French food as the rumor states is so good and good for you. I have had quiche, veal, tarte aux pommes et fraises, french bread (which is what i missed the most), chocolate mousse, all sorts of wine and raqulette -le regional dish of cheese and potatoes. Life is always beautiful when youre on vacation, but especially beautiful when youre in the French Alps.

My weekend in France w the boys

Last thursday i arrived in Europe to start my summer internship with the WHO. The first thing I want to comment on is how fun it is to travel internationally! You never know who you will meet and it all starts with your plane buddy. This trip from chicago to amsterdam and then to geneva, I met a Nigerian professor of philosphy who has his own ngo (and asked my advice about training african doctors) and then a woman who has a son that works for CARE. A well known international ngo that aims to take care of poor children. So right off the bat, I have 2 interesting contacts that could help me down the road one way or another = )
When i reached Geneva, I knew i was in Europe because all the trains were on strike! Protests, strikes, and demonstrations are not uncommon here. In fact, a few days later i ran into a group of protestors on the street who were all dresssed in black. It was a bit frightening but they were just there to raise awareness about the small salaries of teachers. Anyhow, I took the bus instead of the train into Annecy, France that evening after spending the afternoon in Switzerland and was well received by a former student of mine, Nicolas. Annecy, is known as the venice of France. It has canals running through it due to the snow melting from the alps- its so beautiful. Nicolas had dinner prepared for us and took me shopping the next day for a few things i had forgotten. The whole weekend was filled with visiting with 4 former students of mine. We went to a Orange themed party, to a discotheaque to dance both nights, and the beach. It was quite interesting to see young french people interact - especially drunk young french people. One guy offered me oral sex and asked me to follow him into the bathroom! A cutltural experience i guess. With all this partying and sleeping until noon everyday, im never going to adjust to the time change!