Two Weeks and Counting

February 1st marks my official first two weeks in the city of Milan. I have conducted several adventures since landing in Italy, and definitely gone over my budget one too many times. The first few days were extremely busy for me. I attended several lengthy orientation presentations detailing safety, transportation, housing, etc. Day one was the hardest, as I did not sleep on the plane ride over. Jet lag is no joke, and as soon as you land you hit the ground running. Your orientation leaders do not let you relax, as they want you awake, aware, and adjusting to the time zone difference. 

The minute I stepped foot in my housing assignment, I was thrust into paperwork and activities. I and the other students were shepherded to a nearby restaurant for lunch, then expected to meet again around 4:30 pm for a walking tour of the neighborhood. By the time I made it to my room after dinner, it was close to 9 o’clock. The next day was similar. And the day after that.

Don’t let long presentations and logistics freak you out, though. I had plenty of free time to leave my housing assignment and explore different areas of the city. Additionally, I had signed up for a field trip that Saturday. We were to embark on a two hour bus ride to the Italian province of Parma, home of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. 50 students were guided through the main factory as our tour guide detailed the process of making this famous food. Afterward, we were given two samples of three different agings. Overall, it was a fantastic experience. 

On January 25th, I explored the antique market in the Navigli neighborhood. It occurs every last Sunday of the month and is filled to the brim with furniture, clothes, purses, jewelry, and art. I made my first purchase in Milan here. An old, brown leather coat with an intricate fur pattern lining caught my eye. Be warned, these markets are not cheap. One coat was 85 euros. Don’t be afraid to just look around at first and come back later with spending money. 

Me wearing the brown coat I bought at the vintage market.

You will spend your first two weeks engaged in your Italian language placement course. It is fast paced and intended to throw you in head first. I admit I was overwhelmed. However, your class is small and it is easy to form quick connections with other struggling students. I was recently assigned a project in this course. A classmate and I had to explore a monument close to the heart of Milan’s culture. We picked the Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio. It is a charming church in the Navigli area sandwiched between dozens of pop-up vintage stores. 

Immediately upon entering the church, I was floored by the gorgeous architecture. Vaulted ceilings and genuine brick walls cradled ancient artifacts. The Portinari Chapel features gorgeous in-the-round frescoes detailing the life and saga of St. Peter Martyr. The domed ceiling is painted rainbow as it stretches into the sky. You can get lost in gazing at the detail in this basilica. The Chapel left me breathless as I admired these triumphs of art.

A photo from below the Portinari Chapel ceiling. 

On the way back to the metro stop, I decided to do a little shopping. There were so many places with a variety of goods. I spotted a storefront called “Zenverse” and was enthralled by a pair of jeans in the window. They were black with curved seams, zippers, and tears that created a grunge-esque aesthetic. I tried them on and fell in love with their silhouette. They were pretty pricy at 89 euros, but I simply could not leave them behind. 

Me wearing the new jeans.

Overall, it has been a jam packed first two weeks in Milan. I am slowly getting used to using the metro system everyday, and walking where I need to. Once you learn the names of the lines and memorize which trains split and how to identify where they are going, it gets easier. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! IES Abroad provides multiple resources to reach out to depending on the problem. There is a solution to every roadblock, so never hesitate. 

Keep exploring!

Adelaide Miller