Dim Sung at Duomo

At La Piazza Duomo, the Mecca of Milan, resides the third largest cathedral in the world, exquisite dining and, of course, some of the best shopping in the world. I went there for the umpteenth time today because it is such an extraordinary architectural monument. It's simply magnificent. Along with the striking scenery, I enjoyed my cappuccino and a delicious panini. Somehow, my conversation always comes back to food, which brings me to a funny development... Speaking of food(again), I had my best authentic Chinese meal to date in Milano, Italy tonight. Who would have thought? As I was sitting in the resaturant, Giardino di Giada or Giada's Garden, which happens to be at La Piazza Duomo, I could not help but think that I am among Italians eating Chinese food. For some reason, it was comical to me. Not only was I eating the best dim sung of my life, but I was sitting in the company of six different nationalities and languages. Yes, I was the only American. At that moment, all of my self-proclaimed "worldliness" went out the window, and I realized that I have a lot to learn... At least in Western countries the rule of thumb states "Ladies First!" because in Asian countries, the man is always first! I learned that little cultural tidbit at dinner... 

Umbrellas and Jeans

Today it rained. It rained a lot, officially marking my first experience with the "wet season," yet, I didn't seem to mind much. There is something quite fascinating about a city in the rain--all of the colorful umbrellas that move poetically in cadence with the footsteps below... It was extraordinarily beautiful, in a simple sort of way. Despite the rain, I was content walking around sans umbrella and jacket because the rain was warm and refreshing to me; and, yes, I did get several looks from the Milanese. I am sure they were thinking, "La ragazza matta!,"but I don't mind. I am still in awe of being in Italy and living among the hustle and bustle of Milan, so the enigma each day brings is merely a new adventure to experience. Quite a bit has happened and I have made some cultural discoveries that I will share briefly. Firstly, the equivalent to our motorcycle cops ride Ducati crotch-rocket type bikes and speed all over the city, which is comical for some odd reason to me. Secondly, Lake Como is absolutely breathtaking and one of the most serene and tranquil places I have ever traveled to. I recommend. Lastly, the Italians (both men and women or in Italian uomo and donna) have never heard of jeans with flare. Seriously, the men wear tighter jeans than me, so I finally broke down and bought some straight leg jeans in an effort to blend in and assimilate myself into the Italian culture. Amusingly, some of the jeans that people wear, I don't own underwear that tight... I wonder how the hell they get those things on in the morning or how many people it requires for such an undertaking... Don't worry, though, because the jeans I bought don't require three people and some pliers to help me get them on... at least for now. Italian food is irresistible and unfortunately all carbs... Oh, well. 

Ciao for now...