Italia (Pisa, Cinque Terra, Milan)

PISA:
I arrived at night and realized right away that I wouldnt be spending much time in my room (it was nice, but very small). I was a bit peeved that the most expensive hostel was, by far, in Pisa where I didnt really even want to stay. Nonetheless, the energy from my travel excitement had me ready to go. I got in at night and went out in search of food (and beer). Having found some Pisa that can only compare in greasiness to Chanellos healthy bread I went ahead and wandered around the city a bit. I made my way to the tower and have to say, it was quite serene at night. I revisited it during the morning too as to snap a couple pictures and get a few postcards. Its actually hard to take a picture of because you want to hold your camera at an angle where it appears straight up. Other than the tower, Pisa doesnt really have much to offer, and why do we celebrate the tower anyways? True, its really old, but millions each year flock to see a poorly constructed creation. It left me wondering why my crumbled baking soda volcano from 4th grade isnt in a museum somewhere. Recommendation: stop in Pisa, see the tower, get the heck out.

CINQUE TERRE
The name itself is italian for thats a spicy a meatball or something like that. Kidding of course, scholars actually maintain the translation was lost years ago. For serious though, I would recommend these five town along the italian riviera to anyone who can walk six miles. They are connected along a coastal path with beaches, hiking, marinas, vineyards, and some of the most breathtaking views youve ever seen. This was also my first hostel dorm experience, where you share your room with other random people. It actually went quite well as there were nine of us in an apartment. Four rooms (three bedrooms and a kitchen) and everyone was quite friendly. We spent the evening sharing stories on our balcony in the southernmost town until a neighbor yelled -HEY BLONDIE, WE TRY TO SLEEP, YOU WANT TO SPEAK, YOU GO TO BEACH! Needless to say she wasnt happy. The funny part was: I was probably the only one of the nine not talking at the time, but since I was in the light she chose me. Didnt feel too bad though, it was only eleven, which is rather early in italy.

MILAN
Another city where you can spend about a half day. The Duomo is the third largest church in the world and an absolute feat, both inside an out. Its intricate detail is quite inspiring but you cant help but feel a bit of an eerie goth feeling at the same time. Da Vincis The Last Supper is indescribable, due in large part to the fact that I didnt see it. Turns out you have to make a reservation weeks ahead. Oh well, lesson learned.

I wandered around a bit and found my way into the Navigi (or something like that) district. Here they are known for their happy hours, which are done a bit differently than in the US. You pay anywhere from 5 to 7 euro for a drink and you get a hugh buffet for free. Dinner and a drink in Milan for 7 euro (the more the drink, the better the buffet)? not bat. Also, apparently its fashion week here so there are a bunch of models walking around. Now Im no fashionista but I was able to pick them out as they had five distinguishing characteristics: they were taller, thinner, more attarctive, blonder, and had smaller chests than me. That evening I wandered around the Galleria, an upscale shopping area next to the duomo and happened my way into a Piano Concert. The music was beautiful and in conjunction with the atmosphere it seemed almost Majestic.

Overall, however the experience was pretty negative. I ran into a few kind people, most of whom didnt speak english. Others, however, were quite nasty. My hostel had nine people crammed into a small room with no locked doors, no towels, etc. My train out left at 1025 so I caught a 9AM bus since it took me only about 20 minutes from the train station. Well this time it took me an hour and a half to gett there, just in time to see my train leave. Wouldnt you know the first italian train EVER to leave on time happened to be mine. The next train doesnt leave for another four hours, so Im here updating my blog. Im going to miss any possible outdoor activities n INterlocken, an outdoorsmans paradise, but I guess that means Ill just have to go back.