Memorial day

Once again I am traveling on a national holiday and once again I am reminded of how much I love my country. Interestingly enough, the place I am staying is located right down the street from the U.S. consulate. The first time I walked by, I had no idea it was the consulate. I noticed to heavily armed Italian military guards and then saw the American flag.  When I saw the flag, I immediately had that sense of pride. 

Today, on Memorial day, I reflect on all those that have given their lives for freedom- for the U.S. and those in other countries. I will forever be grateful to them. God Bless the USA! 

Lago Maggiore

How fitting that one of the most beautiful places on earth is situated in a city called "stresa". To me, this is one of the greatest Italian jokes. Lago Maggiore is absolutely breath-taking. If anyone leaves there with "stresa", they definitely need to have their head examined. This day trip was just what the doctor ordered after such a hectic first week in Milan.

Lago Maggiore hosts the Isloe di Borromeo or as it was known in Heminway's Farwell To Arms, Iles de Borromees. Makes me want to good back and re-read that classic!

Positive image restored

Over the last couple of days, I have had the good fortune to encounter several accomodating Italians. There was the taxi driver who chatted my ear off about how much he loves Chicago and Milwaukee and a very nice man who as he was exiting the train told me that "this train ends in Bergamo" in his best broken English. He made sure to tell me this as I thought I had accidently boarded the train to Porta Susa-Torino. Finally, there is my new host family. They were horrified at the thought that someone would actually host a traveler and not have toliet paper, soap or enough to eat.

So, the bottom line here is that my positive image of Italians and their hospitality has been renewed. It is amazing how one or two bad incidents can cause you to doubt.

Day after the night before

It is now the day after the night before.....what does that mean- well, when I got home last night my lovely host decided to turn off my overhead light. Not only that, she closed the shutters that covered the door so I couldn't see a thing. It felt like something out of a stereotypical Italian movie. 

In any case, I am out of there. So, what did I learn about this adventure-I was reminded that people are individuals and not stereotypes- good or bad. This, to me, is a very valuable lesson. Often times, especially in global business, we are quick to stereotype one nationality or another. While it is important to understand certain tendencies, one should look at every situation as a unique opportunity. 

Biases

It is a good thing that I am intimately familiar with Italian culture and customs or I'd be ready to quit. The woman that I am staying with told me the only reason she is a host mom is for the money. I couldn't believe it. Well, now I do. Yesterday I found out that it is my responsibility to buy toliet paper! I was furious. It is good that I have been exposed to many generous Italians in my lifetime. As a matter of fact, this is the favorable stereotype that I have. I guess it goes to show that there are all different types of people in all ethnicties.

Media bias or selective understanding

Unless one has been living under a rock these days, everyone is aware of the global economic crisis. It has been interesting to chat with Italians to see if they are worried about the state of their economy. When I ask them 'are you worried that Italy will follow Greece and Spain?' they tell me that there is no problem because most Italians still take vacations. What?!!! Have they not heard of the PIIGS- Portugal, Ireland, Italy and Spain- the four countries whose economies are in the most danger of collapsing! 

At this point, I am not sure if it is media bias or plain ignorance. I plan on exploring this further by talking to more people and reading the papers. 

Different place, same story

So....stop me if you've heard this before....the connection to the Internet stinks! And....nothing works the way it should! It is so frustrating. For example, on the keyboard if you want to make a question mark you need to make an comma you simply push the dash. Now, I would make a dash but I can't figure out exactly where it is on the keyboard. 

Also, the connection to the Internet from my laptop is non-existent.  Actually, just found the dash as I tried to make the question mark!!! Talk about frustrating. 

So, what is the moral of the story here? Technology in other parts of the world isn't the same. Or perhaps, in other parts of the world it isn't as important? In any case, I seem to be the only one frustrated by this so it has to be me!

First things first....

My trip to Europe was very pleasant as I was unexpectedly upgraded to business class :)

My host mom was a bit stand-offish at first but as time went on, we struck up a conversation and she talked my ear off.

This morning I had the adventure of trying to navigate the bathroom-
- where is the toilet paper
- the towels
- trash can
-why won't my plug stay in the wall?

Coming to school I had the joy of being ripped off by the metro machine. Got into a fight- in Italian- with the guy who sold me the ticket. So, all in all I'd say I'm adjusting to life in Italy.

Ready for a little R & R...

I'm off for my first of two international learning experiences this summer. It will be interesting to see how my Italian lessons for the last few years have paid off. My guess is that I'll be in a low-intermediate class.

It should be an interesting few weeks as I start in Milan, head down to Turin for a few days, down to Florence and then to Rome. I really am ready to experience "La Dolce Vita".

Ciao