Lots of foreigners in Italy right
now it has been getting increasing warmer for the past few weeks minus the cold
that comes with the rain and storms. So
as most would I have lost the jackets and long pants and layers of clothes for
short sleeves, tank tops, capris, etc. (as most other students from the U.S.)
while noticing that the Italians are still wearing their winter coats (not
joking saw someone in a winter pea-coat on the metro). So what is up with this? Some say it is
because during this tie most years it is still chilly in the 50’s and 60’s. It
has apparently skipped spring and gone straight into early summer weather here.
Which for most of us is wonderful. Sun, sand and foreign languages. What else
do you need?
School is back in swing and it has
been great this week. I have a Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship field
trip this week and it was fun. We toured
two Italian family businesses and they were very interesting to learn
about. We also got some free wine and
snacks and the first one and then had a wonderful homemade (everything) meal
and a very quaint restaurant that literally looked like it was someone’s house.
And the hosts were so nice and friendly. Then it was off to the winery which we
glanced out over the fields of grapes while learning about the company and then
toured the storage areas and then went into the tasting area. Where we were
given samples of their wines and they were very high quality and delicious to
taste (even if the strengths and flavors weren’t my favorite). It was a wonderful way to learn outside the
classroom in a real-life situation and see how what we have been learning about
have come about in the real world.
Though I must say if we think Americans are bad drivers, think again I’m
pretty sure the bus driven was insane as fast as he was going on the tiny as an
alley back roads we had to take to get to the businesses. I thought my dad’s driving was bad, sheesh
not anymore. Not to mention the maneuvers the driver had to make to back the
bus down a hill and then proceed to not hit a stone wall and scare the
passengers to turn the bus in the opposite direction. Seriously thank the Pope for him getting me
back safely. Though despite the crazy
driving the views were spectacular to see and witness and even sparked a
weekend trip idea that will hopefully pan out.
Also its time for the crazy to emerge
in Milan, it is EXPO 2015 time. With
EXPO beginning officially on Friday May 1st, it make a large difference
to the inflow of people into the Milano area. It will be something to watch
since the influx of tourists means an increase in pick-pockets in the area.
Also there is warning of protest and demonstrations that may turn violent in
the process from April 29th until May 2nd, thank you U.S.
Embassy for the warning.
Next, I spy a mini-vacation in my
future. I finally have plans to visit Cinqueterre (5 lands) here in Italy. I am
super excited along with figuring out what my last days will bring. If you have
any ideas or suggestions leave a comment on this blog link post or message me
if you are on Facebook. I am excited and
sad to see the end of my study abroad coming so close to its end, but I am
excited to see my friends and family again after such a long time apart.
Ciao amici!