First real post...finally

So I have been here in Milano for about a week now and it feels like much longer. Everyday has been packed with things to do and in my free time, I have been trying to see as much as possible (read: shopping) because I keep forgetting that I am going to be here for three months.

So here will be my probably inaccurate renderings of the past week

Monday/Tuesday - Simply put, the longest day of my life. Our flight left Philadelphia at 4pm and we got to Milan at 6am their time. I basically skipped night and then had to go through an entire day of activities.

We had some Italians pick us up from the air port, Elenora and Sanda, and took us to our apartments. We are right in the middle of the Navigli district which is the artsy district with all of the canals. Our apartment has a courtyard and it looks quintessentially Italian.

After getting settled, we went to a restaurant that would soon become our regular place - Luna Rossa. For 7 euro, you get a main course, a soda, wine or beer, and a coffee. Their main courses are large enough for 2 or 3 people to split too. I haven't had a bad food experience yet. Everything is amazing here - even McDonalds with their curly fries (Patate Vertigo).

After lunch we walked around a bit. Here are some pictures from that walk.

After walking around just for the sake of staying awake, we had to go to a nice dinner. It was probably the best dinner I have had in a long time. It started with antipasta outside in a courtyard walled by bushes with champagne, bread pastries and cigarettes. After about an hour after that, we moved inside and had wine and risotto with a little pasta and mushroom dish as a second course. Then about an hour later, they brought steak and vinegarette. The dinner took about 4 hours and all. Even lunches here take a minim um of 90 minutes. Italians really love their food and eating together.
After dinner, I passed out.

The rest of the week was nice. We spent a lot of time walking around and got to see some good landmarks and learn the city. I am able to semi-navigate the metro now and can walk to and from classes without constantly checking to make sure I am going the right way.
Here are some pictures from walking around some more.

This is the Milanese answer to a shopping mall - this houses the original Prada store

More pictures are coming. It is just taking a while.
For now, Ciao