Pre-session Summer 2018
(May 16-May 30) 
Madison’s top 10 photos!
June 28, 2019
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Milan is one of the many places that every fashion enthusiast wants to visit. From designer stores to custom shops the city of Milan is full of character. One bit of character that cannot be overlooked is the beautiful architecture that graces the streets. One building in particular that I admired was the Duomo where I climbed 237 stairs and gained a life-changing view. This Gothic style masterpiece is one that many come to see and is not for the faint of heart so if you’re afraid of heights, well, bring a buddy. The sights, once you reach the balcony, although beauty is nothing compared to that of the rooftop once reaching the top visitors, must watch their step on the slanted walkways that make for a picture perfect moment. Once reaching the top you are able to see a large portion of Milan and feel a great sense of accomplishment for climbing 237 stairs, and yes we counted.
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Although the roads were winding on our way to the destination I found Poppi to be one of my favorite stops on our tour of Italy. Upon arriving in Poppi we were graced by yet another rainy day. At this point in the trip, our group had become well accustomed to the treacherous weather of Italy, so this did not put much of a damper on our adventures. On our first day in Poppi, we were able to enjoy many unique sites such as castles, chapels, and rigorous Hills, many of which we hiked. But weather and sore feet aside the sights of Poppi were unlike any other, The constant thought that crossed my mind was “ Am I on a movie set?” The foggy hills and cobblestone streets are something straight out of a romance novel and the fantasy-like castle add even more to that Ambiance. It is only after you enter these extravagant places do you learn that the stories line up more with that of a war movie. Among the many castles was sawed we were able to learn about Dante and his inspiration as well as learning a few Italian phrases in a lesson in the mists of a small village. This small town, although not very popular with tourist groups is definitely not one I would have wanted to miss. The Locals all are very accommodating and the stories you will hear are enough to inspire any writer. .
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Here’s to a wonderful trip!
...Unfortunately while I was in Italy the only camera I had was a polaroid so the pics are tiny but here were my favorites!
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I never know what things mean or why they matter until later. I am still processing my experience. Every day I realize something I didn’t understand a month ago. Milano was exciting for many. I thought it was a strange place to end a trip that emphasized being vero. Every day I was moved to tears by the real beauty, truth, and light in people, art, music, and the world around me. By the time I found myself at that mall, I didn’t want anything money could buy anymore. I was pretty badly behaved in Milano. I cried for days and didn’t care who saw. I had no intention of getting on the plane. I fought with my roommates over whether or not I could survive the summer alone. In the end– I was just short of physically forced to pack and go. (“You’re my ride home! Pack NOW! We’re leaving!” Plus some colorful language. Madison became a real friend.) Why did it feel like my heart was being torn out of my chest? First of all, I wasted too much of my life to accept more wasted moments and opportunities. The time to do anything is right now. Also, I disappointed myself by not being the person I wanted to be. I was a coward, worried constantly about nothing, and had regrets. Most importantly: I always said if I went anywhere–I’d never come back.. as if it never mattered where. Italy became my home. This escalated very, very quickly. In the end, this was something worth doing right. Running off with no plan at all would not have ended well. (Dropping out of school to get there quicker is not the right decision either. It took weeks beyond my return to fully understand and accept how much time, patience, and hard work this will take.) I would have no resources to fight this uphill battle back to Italy, if it weren’t for specific ways I grew there. I learned so many things I didn’t expect– but mostly how my own stubbornness and overthinking are what keeps shooting me straight in the foot. I did a long adaptation of Dr. O’Connor’s favorite exercise on the plane. (It was a long freaking flight!) I didn’t think I’d ever post it (or anything about Milano at all) because I didn’t want to write anything negative. Negatives became positives, given proper perspective. The end of the trip wasn’t the end of anything. It wasn’t even a new beginning, but a point somewhere in the middle. 5 Most Beautiful Sights: Views: Tuscany from castles and towers, Milano from the rooftop of the Duomo, any glance in any direction, anywhere. Uniquely juxtaposed architectural elements- mismatched buildings, cool windows, doors covered with graffiti.. The rainbow flag hanging in the Capital. (This shocked me. I had mistaken Italy for very conservative.) Boys playing kickball in some part of Venice only locals and lost students see. Narrow walkways, tiny bridges, hidden...
