Milano

Yesterday we took a surprise trip to Milan, or as they say here Milano.  It was a relatively nice day outside so it was good just to walk around and see the city.  The first place I went to was the Duomo.  The Duomo is a huge church, but I have to admit that it is prettier on the outside then on the inside.

It also just happens to be Milan fashion week so there were tons of people running around.  You can see the runway tents set up, but you have to have a invitation in order to attend an event.  There was a smaller public stage but there wasn't anything going on when we were there.

After passing through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, which is home to the original Prada store, we saw the famous statue of Leonardo DaVinci.

Next we hit up the Michigan Avenue of Milan.  It was very easy not to spend money here because most of the things at these stores cost more then my plane ticket to Italy!

Finally we visited a very famous restaurant, known all over the world, McDonald's!  It tasted about the same but it was so busy in there!

Over all I loved it and can't wait to go back and see more of the city.  I also fully plan to see the famous Last Supper painting if I can get tickets!

Ciao,
Peggy
 

Sweet vs. Salty

I am not really a chips person, I am what they call a sweet tooth.  I love sugar in all forms, fruit, candy, chocolate, etc.  If you are a sweet tooth you understand exactly what I am talking about when I say that I crave sugar most of the time, even if I am full.  But some times, every once in a while I get this huge craving for chips.  And when I can't seem to help my self but just keep eating.  It is really out of control.  Its like the way people eat popcorn in the movie theater, as if they have been starving to death and the popcorn is the first nourishment they have received in weeks.  If you have ever seen the Ellen stand up you will know what I am talking about.  That is how I end up eating chips when I get this craving.  It's kind of a problem.  I guess the only good part is that this only happens about once every three months or so.

So which are you? Sweet or salty?  And do you ever get mad craving for the opposite?

The Catholic Chruch

I love going into old Catholic Churches.  The are and architecture are so overwhelmingly beautiful that it is hard to understand why we now prefer functionality over ascetics.  Within all this beauty though there is one thing that most Catholic Churches have that I don't find enjoyable and that is the large scary looking Jesus, usually located front and center.  Granted not every Catholic church is like this but nine times out of ten there he is, staring at you making you feel guilty and afraid.  Or worse yet he is looking away as if he is ashamed of you.  This is one of the biggest differences between the Catholic approach to Jesus and the Protestant approach.  They Catholics focus on guilt, while the Protestants focus on grace.  Personally if I was not a Christian and I walked into a Catholic church with a big scary looking Jesus I would probably run the other way, but that's just me.

Just some thoughts from my touring experience today.

Love from Liberty,
Peggy

Rain, Rain go away.

Today it was raining.  This does not make for good sightseeing weather.  I did go for a walk today but I didn't take any pictures.  Mostly I went into shops and looked at baby things for my sister.  They have some really cute baby items here but I resisted to save for another day.  Between the rain today and not feeling well yesterday I don't have much to report.  Alessandro is getting better and numbers and he is very good with colors.  We have been working on "where is" compared to "what is it".  Depending on his mood he either does really well or doesn't want to do anything.

As for my Italian I am sad or report that I am not doing as well.  I think I might need to look into a language class or a tutor so that I have a specific time and reason to work on it.

Tomorrow I think Cristina and I are going to go shopping after we drop Alessandro off at school.  This should be a nice outing and a good chance to spend some time with each other outside of the house.  Well I guess that is about it for now.

Love from Liberty,
Peggy

Destination Wedding

Today as I was exploring the beautiful city of Bergamo I found a wedding planner, a wedding dress shop where they do custom wedding dresses, and numerous bakeries, so can you say destination wedding!  On top of that there are so many beautiful churches, even if they are Catholic.  Now all I need to do is find a man.

I also visited the museum of modern art, which is conveniently located right around the corner from the house, literally.  The fact that it is free is also a plus.  It is a nice museum with three floors of galleries.  The first floor is the best because they have a print out in English of each piece and information about the artist. For some reason they don't have this for the second and third floors which made them less enjoyable.  Also on the top two floors have much more obscure art, and displays that I would not consider to be art but who am I to judge.

The weather today is beautiful, drastically different from yesterday.  Yesterday it wasn't cold like in Iowa but for some reason I just couldn't get warm.  It was one of those colds that just gets into your bones and no matter what you put on or wear you are still cold.  Today is was nice to be able to walk around outside with only a heavy jacket.  So while most of you who read this are dressed for snow know that I am here enjoying an early spring!  Miss you all lots!

Love from Liberty,

Peggy

Today I Went for a Walk

Today I went for a walk in the city of Bergamo, Italy.  The city is divided into two parts, the top and the bottom or old city and the new city.  I am living in the new city but at the very base of the old city.  On my walk today I took the steps to the old city.  I wondered around trying not to get lost.  I found a cute little park with a great view of the bottom part of the city.  

One thing I learned today is that in the city of Bergamo the streets are not formed in blocks like they are in the states.  If you wonder down a street you may never find your way back unless you turn around and go back the same way you came.

Last night I discovered that I live almost directly above and ice cream shop, which they call gelato.  This could be very bad for my waist line but it was really good.




I made this discovery after coming home from pizza.  It was so good.  Here everyone gets their own pizza, they don't share.



The family I am staying with is really nice.  The little boy Alessandro is cute.  He doesn't speak English but that is the whole point of me being here.  So last night we worked on colors and some toys.  He is very smart and I think he will catch on quickly.  It will probably help that I don't speak any Italian, well maybe five words if that counts.  I am hoping to improve this by the time I come home. 


Well that is all for now!  Ciao!


Love from Liberty,
Peggy

Update

Well my mom did not get to have a snow day today.  She went to work as usual, but I enjoyed a day inside.  Awhile a go I told you about an opportunity to go to Italy.  Things have changed a bit since I wrote that post but I am still going.  First the visa paper work has still not come in and so I am unable to go and stay with the family I originally was planning to go to.  On the upside they have a friend who is in need of some help has she and her husband have one little boy and are expecting another in April.  This family lives outside of Milan in a cute little town with lots of old churches.  After speaking with them I am really excited to be staying with this family.  They seem very nice and laid back.  I think this will also be a good match for me and I am looking forward to meeting them.  I have book my flight and officially leave on Tuesday!

My mom helped me pack tonight, which was a challenge as I only get one checked bag.  She never ceases to amaze me with her packing ability!  So in less than a week I will be off to the country pasta, romance, wine, history, and art!  I can't wait!

Love from Liberty,
Peggy