Milano Roadtrip

Two of the Viani women and I took a two hour roadtrip to the city if Milan yesterday.  After getting a little lost looking for a ladies house that was selling Sonia some tables, we made it to the center of the city to the Duomo. The most famous cathedral in Milan. For obvious reasons I'm sure, because its a beauty.. and since this is the fashion city of the world, there was incredible shopping all around the center. 

 I was expecting it to look a lot dirtier for some reason, from seeing past photos of the duomo.

 Inside the Duomo.

 These were sculpted into the door of the cathedral.

 SO.MANY.PIGEONS.

i'm a germaphobe when it comes to them. is that bad? I'm not like the bird lady on Home Alone.

 

 Europe, could you please do me a solid, and get rid of your overload of cigarettes? its a sick habit, and makes these beautiful landmarks difficult to walk around when I'm constantly walking through a casino..... outside. 

Its just not cute, no matter what age you are. quit it.

p.s. for you high schoolers that already smoke a pack a day, I fear for your lungs in the future.

 yess

 This definitely happened. This was for my homegirl Kaitlyn whom i was traveling with before.... just in case she didnt get the opportunity to add Italy on the list of places shes ate Mcdonalds. Its so much more delicious here then in the states.

 I WISH i was here for the finals.

 easily could be the best photo of us.

 Its pretty cool to be able to travel by car trough Italy. To go on the highway and stuff, instead of just using trains. Unfortunately on our way home we got a flat. what are the odds. 

 This is wonder woman. She can do everything. The tire went flat so she pulled over and with a calm attitude she quickly got her orange vest out (which i learned you have to have when you're out of the car on the highway). It was about 10:30 at night.. homegirl changed a tire basically by herself, 

IN A DRESS. 

She's such a champ.

She likes to do things herself, and her way, so we attempted to sort of help, but she scolded us to get back so we weren't in danger of the cars passing. She's extremely selfless, and would do anything for the people she cares about. I adore her. Within time, and with a little help from the highway patrol, we made it home after a long HOT day in Milan. Still an eventful and great day. 

Apparently this week is he hottest week in Italy this year. 

Rome was the hottest its been in 200 years today. woah. The news informed us of that. 

 Sounds like I'll be at the beach this week then. 

 

Cathe's arrival back to Italy

 The day has arrived. Catherina flew into Pisa from Vegas. After the longest flights of her life, she came out of the airport with a smile on her face and ready to be my personal translator. Hallelujah. 

 

She survived..

 ...The USA. 

Its hard to do, i know.

 Love this girl.

 Her brother and I came in one car, and as you may know, Europeans are speed demons, so we got there a little earlier than the rest of the party, but they were only seconds behind.

 And got the sign out just in time for the rest of the airport to see it, and make it super embarrassing;D just kidding, it was awesome!

 Momma got the first hug.

 papa

 grandma

 grandpa

 And her best friend Kerre (sp?)... whom I love now as well. She's the sweetest, and let me ride on the back of her vespa when we went out that night 

 The whole group!

 Then the whole group with me. 

 You could tell she was excited to speak Italian again with everyone. What a lovely language. 

bucket list of mine: learn Italian.

 AMURRICA

 adorable best friend.

 When we arrived at Catherina's home, her friends threw her a surprise get together party.

 She had no idea, success.

 Her mother slaved over all this authentic food for almost 24 hours. That woman is a saint. Its the truth. They iron every piece of fabric in the house. Even the bed sheets and underwear. I kid you not. totally besides the point, but that popped in my mind. 

 La Spezia is known for providing these oysters guys. They're popular because of how close to the coast they live.

 Always working, I don't think she ever sits down.

 The party was a success and it seemed like everyone had a good time. When the friends left, the fam got their gifts from Vegas. They loved em!

 Grandma wanted to make sure it looked like she was kissing the camera when I took this. They were so grateful for the gifts!

We didn't waste time and went to the beach later that day, and then today again.

 we were happy to have her back in our lives. And I love knowing the conversations the fam has in Italian now. Thanks to my translator. She gets translator of the year, easily.

I can't believe this trip has to end, I DON'T WANT IT TO.

Loving it all. This is a rad country, and i can't wait to come back, even though I haven't left yet.

The Viani's can't even know how much i'm loving everyday. Even just doing their everyday life things are so fascinating to me. I could live here. The first thing I'd have to get used to is how stinking narrow the streets are, I constantly have my own brake pedal on the passenger side, and cover my eyes at least 5 times a drive because I think we're goners.

Things to do when i get back to America:

-get a Vespa (to save money on gas of course)

-get fresh mozzarella

-start watching more Soccer (futbol)

more to come...