Girls..but we are in Milan!!!

well what can I say about the girls reunion weekend in Milan ....except that it was totally fabulous! We all had a fantastic time. and the catch-phrase for all the things that went right is ---- but of course.... we are in Milan!
meaning everything is possible and everything is available!!

thanks girls -- Sunay for flying in all the way from London, Katerina from Athens (what a pickup service.....all the way to Milan!) and Laura for rushing straight to Milan after work!!!
plus ofcourse also thanks to Ale our very own wonderful local guide...with all his info about every little corner and statue and places to eat and drink in Milan.

the day went somewhat like this:
Sunay and Katerina meet up ... go for some food
Sunay, Katerina and I meet up...go for some food
Sunay, Katerina, me, Laura and Ale...and 3 other of Ale's friends meet up....go for a very nice Milano style aperitivo!!
followed by a big dinner of appetiser, pizza and ofcourse some Italian wine. some red sparkling and chilled italian wine as it turns out.
the night ended at a very nice retro style bar...thanks to Francesca.

finally it was time to say goodbye to my beloved Italy.....but there is Athens to look forward to!!

ciao Italia

being a local in Verona

so apart from the tourist things, Ive also been doing other things like going to watch Laura play volleyball with the girls, cooking thai food for Laura and Alessandro, learning how to make risotto

More Verona

Some more walking today...but away from the city centre. I headed towards the Ponte Pietra, stopped at Teatro Romano, then headed up the stairs to the Castelo San Pietro for a view of the city. Quite beautiful....with the river running through the myriads of houses and churches on both sides of the bank.

Also had my brush with the italian charm today.... 2 separate incidents...... one offered to take photos for me.....funnily enough after several attempts for some reason he never succeeded. He kept trying...and was talking profusely...in italian ofcourse...and I didnt understand a word! the passionate Italian at play....

then a second guy started talking to me while I was still walking around taking more photos. an improvement this time...... since we each understood at least one word from any sentence that the other person spoke. and yes Carla...I know you wont find this surprising because according to you I can have a conversation with pretty much anyone hehehe. (as an aside....I can prove you wrong though...my first night in Verona....there I was...with my friend Laura and 15 other Italian friends of hers....2 Norwegian and a French....all of whom spoke fluent Italian.....and then there was little me...with my ciao, pia cere....and lots of smiles.....so yes I can be speechless at times)

anyhow.......I managed to figure out he was offering to take me on a tour of Verona...after my appreciation but firm refusal he then offered to buy me coffee or wine...or some other drink...(didnt quite figure what the other drink is...), which again I had to turn down. The strange thing is...if something like this happens to me elsewhere Id not engage in conversation with the guy.....but try to quikly move away. But Italy being Italy, and the italian men being known for their charm...I didnt feel threatened by having strangers approach me.

the city of Romeo and Juliet

being here, seeing the house of Juliet, the bronze statue, the writings of Shakespeare...all of that has brought back the romantic in me. Even the photos Ive taken cant do the place justice.

But soft what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun
....................................
It is my lady; oh it is my love
Romeo-Juliet, William Shakespeare


Also saw the Arena, and the piazza delle Erbe. Too bad that there isnt any opera on at the Arena.....will have to come back in summer for that.

in Verona

Made the relatively uneventful train journey to Verona. Laura was there to pick me up...in her usual vibrant and energetic self. I feel so lucky to have such friends in my life. So many of them making efforts so we can see each other.... Quintus coming all the way from Holland to Koln, Sunay and Kat flying in to Milan for our mini-reunion, Juliane travelling across Germany.......and Laura organising all the details for the girls reunion.......

anyhow, so my first Italian experience on this trip was joining a group of Laura's friends for dinner in this wonderful little cafe 3kms outside of Verona. The food was superb!! some kind of pizza bread that is somewhat similar to the Indian roti, with a variety of ham, some cheese, and italian style minced pork sausage.
I think I should do a before and after Italy photos of myself!

Theres something about Italy

I still cant fugure what it is...but there certainly is something about Italy. I was sitting on the plane.....it having just landed in Milan......and suddenly I was happy! I already mentioned this many times how I think Italy must be god's own land........ yes yes I know many people will get really upset with this sentiment...but think about it.....amazing people...I dont know where they get their passion from! lovely architecture....and mmmm the food! its just beyond description. There must really be something in the air....cos as soon as I step out...Im surrounded with that feeling of being happy again...almost in love perhaps?

well the cute boys....? what can I say....even the the very first guy I see is cute! our bus driver.....for the bus between airport to the central train station......