Well...I've finally landed in a place where I have a "stable" Internet connection! whoo-hoo! It's amazing how we take the little things for granted!
Now, I'd like to give a quick recap of some interesting business-related activities I saw in Milan.
1 & 2- I had two interesting encounters in an area around the Duomo in Milan where I saw the Italian entrepreneurial spirit. I know, some may say this is an oxymoron. Both had to do with the sale of beer! On my first night, I witnessed a gent on a bike with the sign "birra ghiacciata" - cold beer! Last night as I watched the U.S.A. take on Brazil in the Confederation Cup there was another gent walking around with a cooler selling cold beer! Hmm... I'm beginning to see a theme here.
Another interestng observation...at every metro stop there was a bike rack with some 20 bikes. I noticed that it was possible to rent these bikes for a day or for the year. So, when the commuter steps off the Metro they can grab their bike and go. Not sure how this would work in Chicago in January but I found it interesting.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
The big adventure!
No, it wasn't a trip to one of the fashion houses although I did a lot of window shopping and dreaming :) It was my trip on the Metropolitina. I tried it yesterday to get to the train station as I wanted to go to Lake Como. I got on the train and then had that feeling in the pit of my stomach- I was going the wrong way and completely confused. Where is my husband when I need him? He is such a wiz when it comes to navigating train lines.
I disembarked from the train and exited the train station. Thankfully, I have an terrific sense of direction. I started walking and lo and behold there was the train station. I proceeded on to Lake Como without incident.
Lake Como was very picturesque. Just beautiful with the little towns on either side. Unfortunately, no sighting of George Clooney.
Today, I tried my luck at the Metro again and voila I was able to navigate it. I was a woman on a mission as I still can't get a good Internet connection at the hotel. So, I took the Metro to the only Internet cafe (as far as I can tell) in Milan. I am hoping that my Internet luck changes soon. I feel completely lost without my instant access. Ciao!
I disembarked from the train and exited the train station. Thankfully, I have an terrific sense of direction. I started walking and lo and behold there was the train station. I proceeded on to Lake Como without incident.
Lake Como was very picturesque. Just beautiful with the little towns on either side. Unfortunately, no sighting of George Clooney.
Today, I tried my luck at the Metro again and voila I was able to navigate it. I was a woman on a mission as I still can't get a good Internet connection at the hotel. So, I took the Metro to the only Internet cafe (as far as I can tell) in Milan. I am hoping that my Internet luck changes soon. I feel completely lost without my instant access. Ciao!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
A chance encounter
Last night I ventured to the Galleria for dinner. I knew I was going to pay too much but I was in the mood to people watch and that was the place to go.
By luck, I was seated next to a very charming British couple- Pat and Ray. I was eaves-dropping as their waitress told them that their food would be there soon. They misunderstood what she had to say and I translated for them. This little exchange ended up then becoming a 3-hour conversation. We talked about everything-family, sports, politics (imagine, me talking politics).
Misconception #1- National healthcare is not as good as private healthcare- I could tell by talking to these people that they had been very successful in their careers. We started talking about national healthcare ( you know, the one that so many Americans seem to think is the answer) They informed me that there are so many little "catches" that they pay for private healthcare so that:
-they have access to better care
- can have it done much faster
- to ensure that they have the necessary coverage
The stories they were telling me where absolutely mind-blowing in terms of what is/isn't covered and how it works. They were in Milan celebrating Pat's 70th birthday (she didn't look a day over 50) She was told by the NHS that she was too old to be covered under the National plan and had to have private insurance. Hmm! Seems we better do so more investigating!
Misconception #2- The English aren't warm people. As mentioned above, we chatted for 3 hours. It was a truly lovely time. Upon departure, I reached out to shake Ray's hand. He grabbed my hand, gave me a big hug and kiss. Pat did likewise. They were so incredibly kind. I will never forget our dinner.
So, the night started out with Pat & Ray not understanding the Italian waitress and I was able to clear things up the and ended with Pat & Ray enlightening me in so many ways.
By luck, I was seated next to a very charming British couple- Pat and Ray. I was eaves-dropping as their waitress told them that their food would be there soon. They misunderstood what she had to say and I translated for them. This little exchange ended up then becoming a 3-hour conversation. We talked about everything-family, sports, politics (imagine, me talking politics).
Misconception #1- National healthcare is not as good as private healthcare- I could tell by talking to these people that they had been very successful in their careers. We started talking about national healthcare ( you know, the one that so many Americans seem to think is the answer) They informed me that there are so many little "catches" that they pay for private healthcare so that:
-they have access to better care
- can have it done much faster
- to ensure that they have the necessary coverage
The stories they were telling me where absolutely mind-blowing in terms of what is/isn't covered and how it works. They were in Milan celebrating Pat's 70th birthday (she didn't look a day over 50) She was told by the NHS that she was too old to be covered under the National plan and had to have private insurance. Hmm! Seems we better do so more investigating!
Misconception #2- The English aren't warm people. As mentioned above, we chatted for 3 hours. It was a truly lovely time. Upon departure, I reached out to shake Ray's hand. He grabbed my hand, gave me a big hug and kiss. Pat did likewise. They were so incredibly kind. I will never forget our dinner.
So, the night started out with Pat & Ray not understanding the Italian waitress and I was able to clear things up the and ended with Pat & Ray enlightening me in so many ways.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Technology and all of it's frustrations in Milan
First full day is now history and what a day it's been! Visits to the Duomo and the fashion district (more on that in a later post).
A quick word about the technology and how frustrating it can be in Italy!. How can a country with a history some of the most technical advances be so backwards when it comes to simple things like Internet connections?! So very frustrating.
Last night I had an "ah-ha" moment. I was standing in front of the Duomo,an absolutely breath-taking masterpiece-I'm sure there was cutting edge technology when they created that but I digress, watching the soccer match on the big-screen t.v. between Brazil and South Africa, drinking a diet coke from McDondald's and texting my friend Sam in Brazil after they scored a goal. I thought, "is this what it means to be global or what?".
Hoping to post more tomorrow assuming we can get the Internet issue resolved :) Patience is the key.
A quick word about the technology and how frustrating it can be in Italy!. How can a country with a history some of the most technical advances be so backwards when it comes to simple things like Internet connections?! So very frustrating.
Last night I had an "ah-ha" moment. I was standing in front of the Duomo,an absolutely breath-taking masterpiece-I'm sure there was cutting edge technology when they created that but I digress, watching the soccer match on the big-screen t.v. between Brazil and South Africa, drinking a diet coke from McDondald's and texting my friend Sam in Brazil after they scored a goal. I thought, "is this what it means to be global or what?".
Hoping to post more tomorrow assuming we can get the Internet issue resolved :) Patience is the key.
Technology and all of it's frustrations in Milan
First full day is now history and what a day it's been! Visits to the Duomo and the fashion district (more on that in a later post).
A quick word about the technology and how frustrating it can be in Italy!. How can a country with a history some of the most technical advances be so backwards when it comes to simple things like Internet connections?! So very frustrating.
Last night I had an "ah-ha" moment. I was standing in front of the Duomo,an absolutely breath-taking masterpiece-I'm sure there was cutting edge technology when they created that but I digress, watching the soccer match on the big-screen t.v. between Brazil and South Africa, drinking a diet coke from McDondald's and texting my friend Sam in Brazil after they scored a goal. I thought, "is this what it means to be global or what?".
Hoping to post more tomorrow assuming we can get the Internet issue resolved :) Patience is the key.
A quick word about the technology and how frustrating it can be in Italy!. How can a country with a history some of the most technical advances be so backwards when it comes to simple things like Internet connections?! So very frustrating.
Last night I had an "ah-ha" moment. I was standing in front of the Duomo,an absolutely breath-taking masterpiece-I'm sure there was cutting edge technology when they created that but I digress, watching the soccer match on the big-screen t.v. between Brazil and South Africa, drinking a diet coke from McDondald's and texting my friend Sam in Brazil after they scored a goal. I thought, "is this what it means to be global or what?".
Hoping to post more tomorrow assuming we can get the Internet issue resolved :) Patience is the key.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Getting settled in Milano
After an uneventful flight (the best kind, to be sure), made my way to the hotel without a problem.
Room isn't ready for 4 hours, so here I sit working diligently so that I can go out and enjoy my first day in Milano.
First impressions of Milan, it is definitely different from the other major cities in Italy. More industry, pace is much faster. More people who speak at least some English!!
Room isn't ready for 4 hours, so here I sit working diligently so that I can go out and enjoy my first day in Milano.
First impressions of Milan, it is definitely different from the other major cities in Italy. More industry, pace is much faster. More people who speak at least some English!!
Getting settled in Milano
After an uneventful flight (the best kind, to be sure), made my way to the hotel without a problem.
Room isn't ready for 4 hours, so here I sit working diligently so that I can go out and enjoy my first day in Milano.
First impressions of Milan, it is definitely different from the other major cities in Italy. More industry, pace is much faster. More people who speak at least some English!!
Room isn't ready for 4 hours, so here I sit working diligently so that I can go out and enjoy my first day in Milano.
First impressions of Milan, it is definitely different from the other major cities in Italy. More industry, pace is much faster. More people who speak at least some English!!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Anticipation....
Hanging out at Admiral's club waiting for flight to JFK, then on to Milan. Anticipating a productive week in Italy particularly taking the fashion tours in Milan.
Husband doesn't understand the allure of the "fashion tours" but I'm sure all the ladies reading know the importance! Oh well, since hubby not traveling with me it will be a perfect reason to check out the fashions
Husband doesn't understand the allure of the "fashion tours" but I'm sure all the ladies reading know the importance! Oh well, since hubby not traveling with me it will be a perfect reason to check out the fashions
Anticipation....
Hanging out at Admiral's club waiting for flight to JFK, then on to Milan. Anticipating a productive week in Italy particularly taking the fashion tours in Milan.
Husband doesn't understand the allure of the "fashion tours" but I'm sure all the ladies reading know the importance! Oh well, since hubby not traveling with me it will be a perfect reason to check out the fashions
Husband doesn't understand the allure of the "fashion tours" but I'm sure all the ladies reading know the importance! Oh well, since hubby not traveling with me it will be a perfect reason to check out the fashions
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Bags are packed....
I'm all packed and ready to go. Looks like hotel location in both Milan and Barcelona are ideal.
Biggest concern is transportation from Malpensa to hotel. Really wishing that I would have stayed on top of Italian lessons. Feeling a bit rusty. Hoping that I'll get into the swing fairly quickly.
Biggest concern is transportation from Malpensa to hotel. Really wishing that I would have stayed on top of Italian lessons. Feeling a bit rusty. Hoping that I'll get into the swing fairly quickly.
Bags are packed....
I'm all packed and ready to go. Looks like hotel location in both Milan and Barcelona are ideal.
Biggest concern is transportation from Malpensa to hotel. Really wishing that I would have stayed on top of Italian lessons. Feeling a bit rusty. Hoping that I'll get into the swing fairly quickly.
Biggest concern is transportation from Malpensa to hotel. Really wishing that I would have stayed on top of Italian lessons. Feeling a bit rusty. Hoping that I'll get into the swing fairly quickly.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Preparing to go to Europe
Fresh off my one week intensive "International Business" class at University of South Carolina. Spent a lot of time analyzing differences in business practices specifically in terms of marketing around the world.
My focus on my Europe trip will be to observe the business practices-similarities and differences in Italy and Spain. Also, I will look at how the culture impacts business practices.
My focus on my Europe trip will be to observe the business practices-similarities and differences in Italy and Spain. Also, I will look at how the culture impacts business practices.
Preparing to go to Europe
Fresh off my one week intensive "International Business" class at University of South Carolina. Spent a lot of time analyzing differences in business practices specifically in terms of marketing around the world.
My focus on my Europe trip will be to observe the business practices-similarities and differences in Italy and Spain. Also, I will look at how the culture impacts business practices.
My focus on my Europe trip will be to observe the business practices-similarities and differences in Italy and Spain. Also, I will look at how the culture impacts business practices.
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