The past week or so I’ve been having what I am now going to call sandpaper syndrome. Part of studying abroad is choosing this sandpaper-ness—that is, choosing to go somewhere where you have to exist in a more abrasive way. But it’s hard, and I knew it would be, but I didn’t know how. I am trying to find comfort in this, knowing that it is part of my experience and whether it feels good or not it will contribute to my development as a person. That being said, I have tried to seek out spaces of comfort here while still challenging myself to be in new places with new people.

Overall Tips:

•  Cash!!!!
  •  The festival takes cash, not card. Bring enough to sustain you. Many of my friends didn't bring enough and had to cut their day short, so keep this in mind. Also keep your budget in mind- you're probably going to spend more than you want to
• Get there early:
  • Some people will disagree with me but I really do think you should get to the festival early. On weekends, the grounds open at 9:00 a.m. and everyone sprints to the tent that they want.

BEST CHEAP & QUICK FOOD #1

            Tyche Greek Pita Gyros (Corso di Porta Ticinese 40, 20123 Milano Italia) 

Absolutely delicious Greek food—I didn’t like Greek food before trying this place. I recommend the pita pollo. It's cheap and definitely filling.

BEST CHEAP AND QUICK FOOD #2

Every Friday afternoon, I take the best shower of my life. I wash away the sweat from biking, the rain clogging my hair, the fur and grit under my nails, the dirt covering my body like fine peach fuzz, and most importantly, the smell of the dog kennel. But a few things stay: my joy upon seeing the dogs re-enter their clean kennel (by my and the dogs' standards), met with a fresh bowl of water, a new bowl of food. They sniff and wag their tails and gaze at me with appreciation before shoveling into their neatly blanketed bed. Those images stay and keep me returning every Friday.