Written in a restaurant opposite the Scala, Milan.
'I have never witnessed such a beautiful atmosphere as I did exiting the Duomo metro station in Milan. After a long day on my feet at the exhibition centre, I was invited to attend the Opera Aida with my friend Margerita's sister. It was an early evening, a light breeze in the air. Many men on the streets trying to sell lights that flew into the air to create a kind of electric firework. The buzz of tourists and residents illimunating the darkness was a spectular feeling. I was alone and as I stood facing the fourth largest catherdral in the world, I took in a deep breathe. Never had I been in a country where I did not speak any of the language, not even a thank you or hello before this morning. I was alone in the city of love, fashion and architecture. For a few moments I sat down on the steps of the Duomo and looked around me taking it the electrifying atmosphere. I am not sure if it was the city or if it was the fact that I was alone in a foreign land, but I sat there mesmorized and enchanted.
I was hungry so once I located the Scala, I found a sweet little restuarant that looked resonable. I was greeted by the waiter and I took my seat ordering my first real Italian pizza. It came out larger than any pizza I had in the UK. Thinking back the largest pizza I had eaten was around a metre in circumference in Bolivia! The pizza was delicious. I don't think I have ever eaten alone before, this night was full of new experiences for me. It gave me a strange feeling of freedom but also of loneliness.'
The opera was 4 hours in length, a beautiful show full of music, dancing, singing and drama. I was glued to each and every moment. We sat in a box as if we were royalty and I dreamt of the magic of opera back in the days when ladies and gentlemen walked arm in arm into the theatre together, dressed in their finest clothes.
I took the metro home alone at 12 midnight, there were no others around but I managed it! After 4 days at the show, my mum came over to meet me. We spent another 4 days enjoying all of the delights Milan had to offer. Lake Como with its mist and chill in the air, as well as a strange Scottish guy trying to either geniunely show us around or slyly steal our money, we were never sure of his intentions! We spent the next day walking the streets of Milan, navigating the road names, the metro and all of the beautiful buildings, coffees and ice creams it had to offer!
On the Wednesday, we took a trip to Verona and Lake Garda, we went to see Juliet's balcony and the beautiful Alps that surround the famous Lake. It was a great trip with some great memories!
