The morning finally arrived where it was time to head off to the beautiful country of Italy. Whenever we went to our professional venues and traveled from each city, we had our own private bus that was generally pretty large and spacious, which we all loved. We did, however, notice that the shorter the trip the better the bus, the longer the trip, the worse the bus. For this 6 hour drive, we hoped that we would have a killer bus.
Our spirits were more than crushed when we all walked out of our hotel in Zurich to see a van. Yeah, you read it right. A VAN. Like those windowless stalker vans that scream "stranger danger!!" Except okay, yes, our van had two large windows.
After crying on the inside and whining/complaining on the outside for about 30 minutes, we all got settled in, with barely enough room to breathe and we began our drive. Driving with us was our new travel guide, Alexandra, who was Italian and immediately reminded me of my Mom. Small, gorgeous, feisty, and with a purpose. I knew this was going to be a fun trip.
We drove for about 3ish hours before we made our first stop. This wasn't just any stop, we had reached the Alps, where we would drive through them a bit longer before reaching Italy. Yeah, yeah, you see mountains all the time, right? (If you live in Texas and just modded your head in a yes motion, I'm laughing at you. We don't have mountains). ANYWAYS.
The Alps. THE SWISS ALPS. Like THE alpha's of mountains. Right in front of my eyes. I was kind of at a loss for words, so I took pictures to better explain what I saw.
Our spirits were more than crushed when we all walked out of our hotel in Zurich to see a van. Yeah, you read it right. A VAN. Like those windowless stalker vans that scream "stranger danger!!" Except okay, yes, our van had two large windows.
After crying on the inside and whining/complaining on the outside for about 30 minutes, we all got settled in, with barely enough room to breathe and we began our drive. Driving with us was our new travel guide, Alexandra, who was Italian and immediately reminded me of my Mom. Small, gorgeous, feisty, and with a purpose. I knew this was going to be a fun trip.
We drove for about 3ish hours before we made our first stop. This wasn't just any stop, we had reached the Alps, where we would drive through them a bit longer before reaching Italy. Yeah, yeah, you see mountains all the time, right? (If you live in Texas and just modded your head in a yes motion, I'm laughing at you. We don't have mountains). ANYWAYS.
The Alps. THE SWISS ALPS. Like THE alpha's of mountains. Right in front of my eyes. I was kind of at a loss for words, so I took pictures to better explain what I saw.
Breath-taking, huh? It's like, you can't see the beginning but you can't see the end either. Just like love. It's blinding, consuming, powerful. As my BFF, Taylor Swift would say, it's fearless.
So we hopped back on the bus, or van I should say, and were ready for our next stop: Milan, Italy.
I automatically knew we were in Italy as soon as we entered. The sky was a perfect blue, not a cloud was in site, the rays of sun hit the window and reflected on my arm and it felt like the perfect summer day where nothing could go wrong. The grass looked like it came our of a magazine and the houses were even more beautiful than the ones you see on House Hunters International.
We made it to our hotel to drop off our luggage, where half of the lobby was currently under construction with. Such a peaceful place to stay, in my opinion. (major sarcasm in case you didn't catch it). Then it was time to go feed our growling stomachs. We made it to our very first Italian pizzaria, where I literally wanted to order everything off the menu. Though I was unable to do that, I successfully ordered in straight Italian where our waitress was shocked and pleased at the same time. I guess you could say I'm a pro.
Halfway through eating my pizza (this is going to give away how much I eat), one of the guys looked over at my half eaten pizza and said, "How have you eaten so much?! I can't keep up!!" Haha I guess this goes along with every time my Dad tells me my future husband better have his wallet ready for when he takes me out to eat.
So we finished our pizzas and headed off to the center of Milan! On our way, we walked through the Milan Gay Pride parade that was happened which was TOTALLY awesome!! The diversity of people, the food, the blaring music through the historical streets, it was so rad. Kind of unreal, but it was definitely something worth walking in the middle of ( while trying to keep up with my group and not getting lost).
So we hopped back on the bus, or van I should say, and were ready for our next stop: Milan, Italy.
I automatically knew we were in Italy as soon as we entered. The sky was a perfect blue, not a cloud was in site, the rays of sun hit the window and reflected on my arm and it felt like the perfect summer day where nothing could go wrong. The grass looked like it came our of a magazine and the houses were even more beautiful than the ones you see on House Hunters International.
We made it to our hotel to drop off our luggage, where half of the lobby was currently under construction with. Such a peaceful place to stay, in my opinion. (major sarcasm in case you didn't catch it). Then it was time to go feed our growling stomachs. We made it to our very first Italian pizzaria, where I literally wanted to order everything off the menu. Though I was unable to do that, I successfully ordered in straight Italian where our waitress was shocked and pleased at the same time. I guess you could say I'm a pro.
Halfway through eating my pizza (this is going to give away how much I eat), one of the guys looked over at my half eaten pizza and said, "How have you eaten so much?! I can't keep up!!" Haha I guess this goes along with every time my Dad tells me my future husband better have his wallet ready for when he takes me out to eat.
So we finished our pizzas and headed off to the center of Milan! On our way, we walked through the Milan Gay Pride parade that was happened which was TOTALLY awesome!! The diversity of people, the food, the blaring music through the historical streets, it was so rad. Kind of unreal, but it was definitely something worth walking in the middle of ( while trying to keep up with my group and not getting lost).
After a few metro stops and about 20 minutes of walking, we made it to the center of Milan. We saw the beautiful and famous Dumo, where we entered and I stopped to light a special candle for my best-friend, Karmina. Yeah, you probably hear me talk about her all the time, but if you've never seen us together then you won't get it. She's my soul sister, other half, and honestly an Angel sent from heaven. We've been through thick and thin, and we're sisters until death do us part! Wishing she could be there with me to release all the emotions I was feeling, I said a prayer to our God who conquers all and catches us when we choose to take our own paths and helps lead Us back to the path of righteousness. I also took the time to think about every single person in my life -- the ones who came and stayed, the ones who came and left, the ones who hurt me, and the ones who loved me and encouraged me through every waking moment. And I settled on a simple thank-you to God, for not putting the people that I wanted in my life, but the people I needed. The ones who taught me lessons, helped me grow, changed me for the better, and the ones who helped me become the person I am today. Though there is much, much more to come in my life, I'm grateful to each and every person for everything they've brought me. Tears, joy, heart breaks, happiness, laughter, adventure, clarity, confusion, sadness, nerves, angst, anger, exhaustion, smiles, warmth, energy, risks, craziness, stupidity, and what basically could have been summed up in one word: life.
None of you have gone un-noticed, remember that.
We walked through the famous Galleria, where we spun on our heels on the good-luck charm located in the center of the mall.
Then we decided to do something crazy, which for us was kind of normal at this point. Connor and I, decided to walk into Prada, pretend that I was his demanding bitchy girlfriend, find him a suit, be dissatisfied with the service, and walk out. As my Mother's child, I knew exactly what to say, when to say it, and how to say it, in all stores, but especially this store. Had we been dressed for the occasion a little better, we totally could have pulled off the power couple look. Connor was wearing sperry's, Bermuda shorts, a North Face dry-fit shirt, and a brown belt -- which I instructed for him to tuck his shirt in, tighten the belt, and clip his sunglasses on the outside rim of his shirt. And the adventure began. We walked in, where we were greeted and I led Connor downstairs to the Men's section where I immediately informed an attendant that we needed a business causal suit. He then began to ask questions, like if Connor preferred light or dark colors. Connor of course, said light, and I said dark. Who did the guy listen to? Yep, ya guessed it. Me. (Before we entered the store I told Connor he would have to know his measurements because they were going to ask and I told him to think before answering when they asked.) so the moment arrived when they asked Connor what measures he has, and he literally had no idea what to say, until the attendant offered up a number, and I chimed in that he was about a 36 L. wide in jacket and a 32 in slacks. The attendant left and came back with a few sizes to try on, where of course, I was spot on. The colors he brought back were a dark gray, a black, and a medium gray with light pin-stripes. Connor said he liked the dark gray, and I stepped in and said the medium gray would look better, and we would be needing a cream colored button down and a tie to match. Then the million dollar question came: Are you conservative or classic?
Connor's response: Conservative
My response: Classic
Hahahaha it was honestly, hilarious how well we fit the roles. The demanding girl with the guy who just went along with it. The tie was picked out, and then it was time to try on the pants. Because the jacket was so large, the pants were a little loose and would need to be altered. HOWEVER, just at our convenience, the alteration could not be done until the next morning and picked up until noon, and we "had a train to leave for Rome at 9am and it simply couldn't be done." We would look for the suit in Rome. The gentlemen thanked us, apologized for the inconvenience, welcomed us back at anytime, and we parted ways. Nearly laughing our heads off when we approached our group of friends, we told them what an epic experience it was as Connor kept saying, "It was the best piece of clothing I've ever put on. Like it makes me want to throw my clothes away."
We moved on and went to tour a beautiful Palace that from each location on a compass could reach Paris, Rome and Venice.
None of you have gone un-noticed, remember that.
We walked through the famous Galleria, where we spun on our heels on the good-luck charm located in the center of the mall.
Then we decided to do something crazy, which for us was kind of normal at this point. Connor and I, decided to walk into Prada, pretend that I was his demanding bitchy girlfriend, find him a suit, be dissatisfied with the service, and walk out. As my Mother's child, I knew exactly what to say, when to say it, and how to say it, in all stores, but especially this store. Had we been dressed for the occasion a little better, we totally could have pulled off the power couple look. Connor was wearing sperry's, Bermuda shorts, a North Face dry-fit shirt, and a brown belt -- which I instructed for him to tuck his shirt in, tighten the belt, and clip his sunglasses on the outside rim of his shirt. And the adventure began. We walked in, where we were greeted and I led Connor downstairs to the Men's section where I immediately informed an attendant that we needed a business causal suit. He then began to ask questions, like if Connor preferred light or dark colors. Connor of course, said light, and I said dark. Who did the guy listen to? Yep, ya guessed it. Me. (Before we entered the store I told Connor he would have to know his measurements because they were going to ask and I told him to think before answering when they asked.) so the moment arrived when they asked Connor what measures he has, and he literally had no idea what to say, until the attendant offered up a number, and I chimed in that he was about a 36 L. wide in jacket and a 32 in slacks. The attendant left and came back with a few sizes to try on, where of course, I was spot on. The colors he brought back were a dark gray, a black, and a medium gray with light pin-stripes. Connor said he liked the dark gray, and I stepped in and said the medium gray would look better, and we would be needing a cream colored button down and a tie to match. Then the million dollar question came: Are you conservative or classic?
Connor's response: Conservative
My response: Classic
Hahahaha it was honestly, hilarious how well we fit the roles. The demanding girl with the guy who just went along with it. The tie was picked out, and then it was time to try on the pants. Because the jacket was so large, the pants were a little loose and would need to be altered. HOWEVER, just at our convenience, the alteration could not be done until the next morning and picked up until noon, and we "had a train to leave for Rome at 9am and it simply couldn't be done." We would look for the suit in Rome. The gentlemen thanked us, apologized for the inconvenience, welcomed us back at anytime, and we parted ways. Nearly laughing our heads off when we approached our group of friends, we told them what an epic experience it was as Connor kept saying, "It was the best piece of clothing I've ever put on. Like it makes me want to throw my clothes away."
We moved on and went to tour a beautiful Palace that from each location on a compass could reach Paris, Rome and Venice.
We moved on and went to tour a beautiful Palace that from each location on a compass could reach Paris, Rome and Venice.
Inside the palace, was a beautiful ceiling painted by Leonardo Da Vinci, which was made to give the illusion that you were in a forest. When it was first painted, the walls were covered with a beautiful wood, and the only light that entered was from the windows, where the imagery came to life.
There was also a sculpture by Michelangelo (one of three) of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. This was the last sculpture made by Michelangelo, and was left unfinished because he passed away. I tried to capture the magnificent beauty of this sculpture but it's beauty can only be perceived in person.
Once a completely different sculpture, Michelangelo didn't like it, and created this new one out of the same materials, where if you look closely at the Virgin's head, you can note two faces. The perfect love symbolized between Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary was shown from the side and the back of the sculpture where they were connected, almost intwined in each other and mended. Just as a child is while in the mothers womb, which portrays the perfect love from birth until death by the cross from the Virgin Mary towards her son, Jesus Christ.
Ingenious and perfect, the sculpture depicted the end and beginning of life in one image.
Inside the palace, was a beautiful ceiling painted by Leonardo Da Vinci, which was made to give the illusion that you were in a forest. When it was first painted, the walls were covered with a beautiful wood, and the only light that entered was from the windows, where the imagery came to life.
There was also a sculpture by Michelangelo (one of three) of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. This was the last sculpture made by Michelangelo, and was left unfinished because he passed away. I tried to capture the magnificent beauty of this sculpture but it's beauty can only be perceived in person.
Once a completely different sculpture, Michelangelo didn't like it, and created this new one out of the same materials, where if you look closely at the Virgin's head, you can note two faces. The perfect love symbolized between Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary was shown from the side and the back of the sculpture where they were connected, almost intwined in each other and mended. Just as a child is while in the mothers womb, which portrays the perfect love from birth until death by the cross from the Virgin Mary towards her son, Jesus Christ.
Ingenious and perfect, the sculpture depicted the end and beginning of life in one image.
Our third and final day in Milan was a professional day, where we busted Telecom Italia, which is the AT&T of Italy.
In the square where the venue was located, there was an awesome statue which was built by citizens and the government to express their feelings towards the Nazi movement.
After our professional day, we quickly changed out of our clothes and ran out in search of adventure. With hopes of finding the BEST pizzeria in Milan, we got lost a few times but finally ended up at this killer place. Get ready for some major food porn.
We spent the rest of the late evening walking around as much as we could, shopping, talking about life, people, cities, cultures, fashion, cuisine, photography, traveling, success, morals and much much more. It was a beautiful closing for such a beautiful city.
In the square where the venue was located, there was an awesome statue which was built by citizens and the government to express their feelings towards the Nazi movement.
After our professional day, we quickly changed out of our clothes and ran out in search of adventure. With hopes of finding the BEST pizzeria in Milan, we got lost a few times but finally ended up at this killer place. Get ready for some major food porn.
We spent the rest of the late evening walking around as much as we could, shopping, talking about life, people, cities, cultures, fashion, cuisine, photography, traveling, success, morals and much much more. It was a beautiful closing for such a beautiful city.
Until next time beautiful Milano,
XOXO,
Ana
XOXO,
Ana