#7: Milan, Florence, and Rome – The Italian Journey

Sistine Chapel and “The Creation of Adam” in the Vatican Museum
(credit to http://www.museivaticani.va)

It finally feels like fall in the Czech Republic. Not only are the leaves turning red and yellow, but the cold air now cuts through you like a knife. It’s supposed to snow in a few weeks too. This country has very unpredictable weather. It reminds me of home.

My trip to Italy this last weekend was long, but also short. I guess time is like that. We spent two days in Milan, one day in Florence, and three days in Rome. It was incredible. I was able to see Michelangelo’s “David” and “Creation of Adam.” Touring the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel was also extraordinary. It’s difficult to articulate how surreal it was seeing original artwork and structures that you’ve known about your whole life. Each piece and place was unique and nothing like I expected.

Like in Budapest, I had the opportunity to connect with a local. Ryan’s uncle GB is a Roman, and he showed us the night life of the city with his family. We attended a local dinner and dance event, ate the acclaimed “best gelato in the city,” and saw a local jazz funk band. We had a great time.

Based off of my conversations with GB and my own observations throughout Italy, here is what I learned about Italian culture:

Italians are not afraid to stare. Even more so than Czechs! That took some getting used to.
The attitude in Milan is very similar to New York. People walk quickly, speak to the point, and aren’t afraid to push past you. I think it has to do with Milan being one of the world’s top fashion sites. It’s a bustling city.
There are sooooooo many churches. And statues. And paintings. Art is everywhere. It’s beautiful, but it can be a lot.
The sidewalks are very slim in Rome. I feared for my life a few times.
Never take a step backwards when you step out into traffic. You must be assertive with Italian drivers. Otherwise, you could get really hurt.
Italians have this theory about wine. They claim it’s very good for digestion. So, another glass please!
Strikes are fairly common in Italy. Sometimes for very serious reasons, but most times to get a three-day weekend. (That’s what GB told me!)
Vatican City is another country that’s ruled by the Pope. So, I technically visited two countries this last week.
Public transport drivers are very nice. They wait for passengers to step on for several minutes. We predicted that that was why the buses and trams were usually late.
If you get a kiss on the cheek, it means you’re apart of the Italian family! GB’s wife accepted Beza and I into his family, and suddenly we had a lot of family members. (Family could be by blood, but in Italy, “family” usually meant who you knew well. A lot of neighbors and community members are considered family.)
Italian cured ham, cheese, and supplì are AMAZING.
Also, gelato. Gelato is incredible. I had so much gelato while I was there. It was so worth it.

I won’t be back in Prague much longer. In a couple days, I’ll be on my way to London. I can’t wait! Look forward to wet, cold pictures of me next to great England landmarks soon.

For now though, enjoy these pictures of my wonderful Italian journey.