Oh Hey, It's Love

If you hadn't been able to tell by the title of this post, I'm sort of in one of those absolutely amazing moods right now. I woke up this morning, while earlier than I had liked (what up 8:45 am class), on the right side of the couch. I was optimistic that it was bound to be a good day. The girls were sleeping and decided to skip out on class but I was up, ready to go, and out the door.

Class was interesting and I contributed quite a bit so that was good. I also finalized the group I will be in for my big group project. Once I had taken care of the necessary, I decided to enjoy the brisk air and walk home rather than take the tram. I made it home quickly but came to find that our elevator was broken yet again. Oh well! Nothing was going to phase me.

I hopped into the apartment and made myself some lunch before getting on my computer to see if I could get some trips organized. I'm thinking about going somewhere in Lombardia this weekend. I wanted to check out the weather forecast and check the train rates to see what might offer the most worthwhile trip. I didn't have too much time, however, because I had class again at 1 pm and needed to jet back to Bocconi. The girls left behind me but we all know I'm a rather speedy walker so I got there before they did by tram. haha Go figure!

I had Management of Fashion and Design, which had been canceled the first week of courses. Therefore it was my first lecture. Let's just say the class was worth the wait. I loved the aspect of combining fashion with business and taking a more strategic stance on the topic. I have a feeling that my love for the fashion industry and my business experience could leave me with a direction in terms of career. Look out Milan, I just might be back to take you by storm!

Unfortunately, the class was double the usual time so I had to sit in lecture for 3 hours. Long, yes, but I was gaining copious amounts of information and that's sort of what class is all about so I didn't complain. After class ended, I bumped into Max and chit chatted with him for a bit before heading back to the apartment. I opted for walking again because I was simply in the mood to be outside enjoying this city and the people around me. Unfortunately it had been raining all day and the sprinkles were still coming down.

By the time I got home, I was a little hungry so I grabbed a quick snack before taking off for some exploring. If there is one thing I plan on doing here in Milan, it is getting to know this city backward and forward. While there are numerous areas not worth seeing, there are plenty that I want to discover, even if it simply means just walking down a street once. I love to venture. I usually go by myself because the girls tend to be doing something together on their own but I don't mind the wandering in and out of little alleys all on my own. It's fascinating to see how you might think you're going in one direction but before you know it, you recognize exactly where you are yet you're in a place you never thought you'd be heading. The streets twist and turn, bend and bow all directions and its not unusual to find yourself right back where you started or close to it. Although it was cold and still sprinkling outside, I was more than happy to be on my own, finding hidden restaurants, and admiring the old buildings and barren trees scattered in between.

I arrived back to the apartment a bit tired and ready to plop down to go to sleep. My girl Mandy P, however, had sent me a service from the Rock that she wanted me to watch so I figured what better time than the present?! The service was incredible. The focus was on pain and its reality in our lives. Having gone through the tumultuous year that I did last year, it was a topic that rang quite true and rather loudly for me. I listened intently. Pain is the inevitable. There isn't a single individual that lives a life without pain. Pain, however, is a message to learn about our present and arrive to conclusions. We go through those painful times to arrive with the answers of what to avoid in life. We're meant to figure out what types of people, things, events, etc. will be better left behind. And rather than dwelling in our times of pain, we have to look towards the future. When we don't, we end up hiding behind fear. That's not what life is about. Life is about living and its about making the best of every minute. If there is one thing I know to be true, it's that happiness is the key to life. When the light goes out inside and happiness has left you, life loses all value.

Enough of my rambling, back to the day. After I rested it was time to hop to and get ready for aperitivo. My beloved Francesco, who studied at USC last semester, had invited me to join for aperitivo with him and some friends. He, of course, invited the girls to come along too. So around 7:15 pm we got on the tram and found our way to Porta Romana. I was more than pleasantly surprised to see a group of my favorite people! Joe, Brian, Anna, Ada, Francesco and Stefano (4 Italians who studied at USC last semester) along with some of their friend. I was beyond ecstatic!

We took off towards Palo Alto for drinks and aperitivo. The food was delicious but the company was even yummier. For those that know me well (which is pretty much any person who cares enough to read this), you know that I am quite the conversationalist. I could easily choose a night over dinner than going out clubbing. That's just me. So as you can imagine, sitting around a big table making conversation with people you adore was pure bliss. The only negative was that this bar had a ton of people smoking in the "outside" area. By outside, I mean attached to the inside that really didn't have much distinction from the "outside." In other words it was a cig box and I was dying. I ignored it though because a) no need to make a scene and b) I was happy to have my friends with me.

After we finished eating, chatting and all that good stuff, Ada decided that we MUST get gelato. Obviously I wasn't going to turn that one down. It was raining harder now so some people went in Anna's car while myself and some of the others walked to the tram. The tram we took was soooo crazy. That driver must have been to his own aperitivo beforehand because we were flying all over the place. I definitely almost ate it a good 2-3 times. Seriously akwardness on my behalf.

The gelateria Ada took us to is her favorite in Milan. They are known for having special flavors unique to their gelateria. I have to admit that the gelato was delicious and definitely rivals GROM and we all know GROM sort of has a special place in my heart. The girls decided to head home earlier than I did because Anna was willing to drive them. I, on the other hand, wanted to stick around and continue to enjoy the amazing company. I was especially glad I did because I got a ton of great tips on where to visit in Italy and how to combine all the places I wanted to go into weekend trips. Exciting.

It started getting a little late and people were dispersing. I was the only one going in my direction so I said I'd head home on my own. Every boy said "oh no, you can't! Someone must accompany you" I laughed and told them they were being silly and that I'd be fine. Joe took his tram one stop to where I would get off to walk home and then it was me, myself, and I.

At this point the rain had started to fall harder and puddles were forming left and right. I started to walk and with each stride, I realized an additional ounce of happiness. I'm here in Milan. I'm 20 years old. I'm ready for the experience of a lifetime. I'm free and hell, I'm going to take advantage of every opportunity lingering in front of me.

As the rain poured down on me, I ignored my sopping feet, frosted hands, and glistening face to simply fall in love with the moment. I'm excited for what's ahead. Foot against pavement, I felt like I could walk forever. A smile creeped up on me and I couldn't help but basque in the simplicity of happiness.

I came home drenched but content on every level. I was just excited to be here in Europe, making memories, gaining culture, and growing as an individual. I'm in love with where I am and what I'm about to do. But even with all that, I couldn't help but think with excitement for what I'll come home to. I look ahead and imagine landing in Cali, knowing what absolutely amazing things await.

With that, I'm out.
xoxo
Me