So last night was the famous masquerade party hosted by ESEG at Le Banque. First off I must say how excited everyone was to wear their beautiful masks from Venice to this grand event. Upon entering the club, we were given VIP status and let in to the exclusive vault for our own special celebration. The music was fantastic and the costumes even better.
Some of the internationals from other schools took this opportunity to have a second Halloween. There were the ghost busters, a mime, even a lady with a head on a plate. All of our possy wore their masks and looked great.
We left the raging party around 3:30, ready for rest and relaxation in the comforts of our home. Sleeping in until 12 was the icing on the cake of a wonderful Carnivale end.
Ciao Ciao
Elle
Friday, February 19, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Venezia Carnivale= Glamorous
So my day started off yesterday with a 6:30 wake up time. Not my favorite time of the day to get up, but all was overlooked when I knew that I was heading to Venice for the big Carnivale. We took a taxi to the meeting point and waited on the bus for everyone to show up. I slept most of the way there, and once we reached the big bridge, we all got on the ferry to take us to the island. As we watched from the outside balcony, I could begin to see Venice in view with all of it's wonderful buildings lining the sea. I felt a slight pang of sadness when I realized that the one person I wanted to be there the most, was sleeping at home back in the US.
We got off of the boat and the first thing in sight was a beautiful hotel called Hotel Gabrielli. I took this as a sign that today was going to be great. We immediately started taking pictures and looking around. As we walked the stone cobbled streets of Venice in the warm sunlight, I could tell that for some reason I was always meant to come here. I felt as if I was in some sort of dream as we saw all of the people in wonderful costumes and masks.
There were so many elaborate costumes and tourists stopping every person they saw to take pictures. We saw many beautiful structures and of course gondolas! It was very neat to see all of the arched bridges that ran straight through the narrow streets! I was greatful for how small the streets were because then we didn't have to worry about being run over by a car or moped. If you have ever been to Italy, then you know what I am talking about. We came across a little gelato place, and I got to experience my first taste of real italian ice cream. Words cannot describe the smooth creamy deliciousness of this cold treat, but the Straciatella and mint chocolate made Venice seem that much more special.
Around 4 p.m. we headed to the piazza to see the fashion show with the most elaborate costumes. It was absolutely stunning to see all of the details and hard work that goes into this festival. There were even families dressed up all together. Some people even had wings! We stayed at the show for an hour and finally decided that it was time to get a mask. Choosing a mask in Venice is not an easy task because there are literally thousands to choose from. I settled with a beautiful all white mask. It was simple but very elegant looking. Mary got this fantasicly wild royal blue mask with huge feathers. Jordain choose an emerald green mask with fewer feathers, and Alyssa choose a black mask with the right side covering the whole face, and the left side covering just her eyes. All were glamorous.
At six we got back on the boat and headed back to the buses. We stopped at a rest stop and somehow a funny thing happened. I was trying to leave the stall but it somehow managed to get stuck and I was trapped inside for atleast 5 min. It would not have been so bad but the stall door reached all the way down to the floor and I was the only one in the bathroom at the time. After yelling and banging on the door, the man who ran the cash machine came sprinting in, and unlocked it from the outside. What a way to finish the day. All I could do was laugh because I was so inevitably tired. We reached our apartment around 12:30 in the morning and I quickly dosed off, thinking about how I am definitely returning to Venice sometime soon.
Ciao
Elle
We got off of the boat and the first thing in sight was a beautiful hotel called Hotel Gabrielli. I took this as a sign that today was going to be great. We immediately started taking pictures and looking around. As we walked the stone cobbled streets of Venice in the warm sunlight, I could tell that for some reason I was always meant to come here. I felt as if I was in some sort of dream as we saw all of the people in wonderful costumes and masks.
There were so many elaborate costumes and tourists stopping every person they saw to take pictures. We saw many beautiful structures and of course gondolas! It was very neat to see all of the arched bridges that ran straight through the narrow streets! I was greatful for how small the streets were because then we didn't have to worry about being run over by a car or moped. If you have ever been to Italy, then you know what I am talking about. We came across a little gelato place, and I got to experience my first taste of real italian ice cream. Words cannot describe the smooth creamy deliciousness of this cold treat, but the Straciatella and mint chocolate made Venice seem that much more special.
Around 4 p.m. we headed to the piazza to see the fashion show with the most elaborate costumes. It was absolutely stunning to see all of the details and hard work that goes into this festival. There were even families dressed up all together. Some people even had wings! We stayed at the show for an hour and finally decided that it was time to get a mask. Choosing a mask in Venice is not an easy task because there are literally thousands to choose from. I settled with a beautiful all white mask. It was simple but very elegant looking. Mary got this fantasicly wild royal blue mask with huge feathers. Jordain choose an emerald green mask with fewer feathers, and Alyssa choose a black mask with the right side covering the whole face, and the left side covering just her eyes. All were glamorous.
At six we got back on the boat and headed back to the buses. We stopped at a rest stop and somehow a funny thing happened. I was trying to leave the stall but it somehow managed to get stuck and I was trapped inside for atleast 5 min. It would not have been so bad but the stall door reached all the way down to the floor and I was the only one in the bathroom at the time. After yelling and banging on the door, the man who ran the cash machine came sprinting in, and unlocked it from the outside. What a way to finish the day. All I could do was laugh because I was so inevitably tired. We reached our apartment around 12:30 in the morning and I quickly dosed off, thinking about how I am definitely returning to Venice sometime soon.
Ciao
Elle
Thursday, February 11, 2010
niente
So I feel like I am really getting used to this whole being in a foreign country thing. I have gone to the Duomo by myself, I am not scared of using the tram or the metro by myself, and I am gaining some really good friendships during this crazy ride. A trip to Venice is planned for Saturday and I am beyond excited for Carnivale! It should be pretty amazing considering it is Venice. Went to aperitivo at Old Fashion last night, and I am pretty sure that will become a regular Wednesday activity. Went and bought myself a new pair of boots and a beautiful red dress and was really excited to wear it last night. I just love the fashion here. It is incredible to see what the fashion capital of the world has to offer.
Today was full of classes, yuck, but I guess that is the main reason why I am here. I did however really enjoy my photography class today. We met at the Duomo and walked over to see a photography exhibit of Steve McCurry, who is a famous National Geographic photographer. I was completely amazed by the different photographs that I saw. Many were portraits, and looking at the different points of view that he used was breathtaking. I can't believe that this city is so full of different kinds of art. Even people in the metro sell hand drawn art just trying to make a couple euros a day.
This city has a lot to offer, and I just hope that I can take it all in.
Ciao
Elle
Today was full of classes, yuck, but I guess that is the main reason why I am here. I did however really enjoy my photography class today. We met at the Duomo and walked over to see a photography exhibit of Steve McCurry, who is a famous National Geographic photographer. I was completely amazed by the different photographs that I saw. Many were portraits, and looking at the different points of view that he used was breathtaking. I can't believe that this city is so full of different kinds of art. Even people in the metro sell hand drawn art just trying to make a couple euros a day.
This city has a lot to offer, and I just hope that I can take it all in.
Ciao
Elle
Sunday, February 7, 2010
I got a feeling...
OK so now that I have officially been in Milano for a grand total of one week I have decided that I absolutely love it here. Every single night has been an adventure. Since I have been on, we have gone to "the club", a sangria party followed by "lime light", and then last night was Le Banque.
Prior to going out my roommate Natalie and I decided to go grocery shopping. Our intentions were good, but our execution was horrible. We bought a lot of great fresh groceries, but just too many for the two of us to carry. Luckily the check out guy took pity on us and gave us a few extra bags to help with the load. Trying to walk back to the apartment with everything in hand proved to be too much. We ended up having to stop multiple times to keep from losing everything. The whole things was disastrous but really funny all at the same time. Needless to say that by the time the evening came I was ready to go out after being so stressed from the day's activities.
"The club" was very nicely decorated, but going on a Thursday night, you are taking the risk of it being super crowded, which it was. The music was pretty decent until about 1:30. Then it turned into all techno music and they had so many different strobe lights that even though I don't have epilepsy, I was still afraid of going into a seisure. I have also discovered that even though I had been warned, people are so graby here. I could not even walk to the bar without people pulling me in every direction, or without my hair getting grabbed. So it was a nice club, but not the best time.
Friday night was the famous sangria party at Cicio's. Since we all showed up fashionably late, after getting lost for a good twenty minutes, by the time we finally reached our destination it was incredibly packed. I will say that the sangria here is dangerously good. It was just like drinking fruit juice, so by the time we got there everyone else was trashed. We made it in time to have a little sangria before moving the party to lime light. Had I known it was a twenty minute walk with around 75 people I might have passed on the activity, but lesson learned I guess. Lime light would probably have to be my second favorite going out place. The atmosphere was good, plenty of dancing room, and great music. The only thing is I got my camera stolen there. This really put me into a bad mood so I could not fully enjoy the club the way I should have. Another lesson learned, never ever take a camera to a club even if it is in your front pocket, it will somehow disappear. Plus the cab ride home was 20 euros so it was not the best night of my life.
Last night consisted of a smaller sangria party. This was much more enjoyable since there were only like 15 people there. We could actually sit and have a conversation and enjoy the company. After 2 hours at Cicio's we headed for Le Banque. This is considered to be the nicest, most chic club in all of Milan. It used to be an old bank that they turned into a club, so it was beautifully decorated. Walking in took quite a while and by the time we headed for the bathroom it was already packed. There was about 100 girls trying to use 1 stall since the only other stall had a drunk girl in it with her pants pulled down, so no one could get in. After waiting a half hour, we decided it was not worth it and headed for the dance floor. Since it was around 2 at this point all the music had turned to techno. This would not have been that bad had the floor not been so incredibly crowded. I somehow managed to get headbutted, stepped on, and of course my hair touched after getting annoyed enough to decide to go home with the other girls.
Overall this first week has been jam packed with going out every night and meeting new people all the while. I love it here and the food is beyond amazing. More later
Ciao,
Elle
Prior to going out my roommate Natalie and I decided to go grocery shopping. Our intentions were good, but our execution was horrible. We bought a lot of great fresh groceries, but just too many for the two of us to carry. Luckily the check out guy took pity on us and gave us a few extra bags to help with the load. Trying to walk back to the apartment with everything in hand proved to be too much. We ended up having to stop multiple times to keep from losing everything. The whole things was disastrous but really funny all at the same time. Needless to say that by the time the evening came I was ready to go out after being so stressed from the day's activities.
"The club" was very nicely decorated, but going on a Thursday night, you are taking the risk of it being super crowded, which it was. The music was pretty decent until about 1:30. Then it turned into all techno music and they had so many different strobe lights that even though I don't have epilepsy, I was still afraid of going into a seisure. I have also discovered that even though I had been warned, people are so graby here. I could not even walk to the bar without people pulling me in every direction, or without my hair getting grabbed. So it was a nice club, but not the best time.
Friday night was the famous sangria party at Cicio's. Since we all showed up fashionably late, after getting lost for a good twenty minutes, by the time we finally reached our destination it was incredibly packed. I will say that the sangria here is dangerously good. It was just like drinking fruit juice, so by the time we got there everyone else was trashed. We made it in time to have a little sangria before moving the party to lime light. Had I known it was a twenty minute walk with around 75 people I might have passed on the activity, but lesson learned I guess. Lime light would probably have to be my second favorite going out place. The atmosphere was good, plenty of dancing room, and great music. The only thing is I got my camera stolen there. This really put me into a bad mood so I could not fully enjoy the club the way I should have. Another lesson learned, never ever take a camera to a club even if it is in your front pocket, it will somehow disappear. Plus the cab ride home was 20 euros so it was not the best night of my life.
Last night consisted of a smaller sangria party. This was much more enjoyable since there were only like 15 people there. We could actually sit and have a conversation and enjoy the company. After 2 hours at Cicio's we headed for Le Banque. This is considered to be the nicest, most chic club in all of Milan. It used to be an old bank that they turned into a club, so it was beautifully decorated. Walking in took quite a while and by the time we headed for the bathroom it was already packed. There was about 100 girls trying to use 1 stall since the only other stall had a drunk girl in it with her pants pulled down, so no one could get in. After waiting a half hour, we decided it was not worth it and headed for the dance floor. Since it was around 2 at this point all the music had turned to techno. This would not have been that bad had the floor not been so incredibly crowded. I somehow managed to get headbutted, stepped on, and of course my hair touched after getting annoyed enough to decide to go home with the other girls.
Overall this first week has been jam packed with going out every night and meeting new people all the while. I love it here and the food is beyond amazing. More later
Ciao,
Elle
Thursday, February 4, 2010
aperitivo
So the past few evenings have been spent doing something called Aperitivo. It consists of going to a bar or club and eating appetizers and having a drink for free. I think this is a genius idea. So far we have gone to Bar Magenta, Hollywood, and Old Fashion. Magenta is more like a pub atmosphere. You can eat lunch there, and it is not a place that gets really packed. Good relaxing place.
Club Hollywood was pretty good. Lots of people there, so dancing is fun. 10 euro for 3 drinks with the ESEG which is also a good deal. The only thing was the music. Every single song was American and it all came from the early 2000's. It was very strange to be in an Italian club and hear things like Ja Rule and such.
Then last night was Old Fashion. By far my favorite place. The club itself has an indoor and outdoor to it. It's obviously too cold to use the outdoor part now, but it was decorated very nicely. Inside it looks very high class. Last night was "American night" so their aperitivo consisted of hotdogs, chicken nuggets, and caeser salad. The music was much better than Hollywood. Lots of beat pumping songs. They did throw in some JLO but mostly it was a way better selection.
Well that's all for now, probably write more tomorrow
Ciao bella
Club Hollywood was pretty good. Lots of people there, so dancing is fun. 10 euro for 3 drinks with the ESEG which is also a good deal. The only thing was the music. Every single song was American and it all came from the early 2000's. It was very strange to be in an Italian club and hear things like Ja Rule and such.
Then last night was Old Fashion. By far my favorite place. The club itself has an indoor and outdoor to it. It's obviously too cold to use the outdoor part now, but it was decorated very nicely. Inside it looks very high class. Last night was "American night" so their aperitivo consisted of hotdogs, chicken nuggets, and caeser salad. The music was much better than Hollywood. Lots of beat pumping songs. They did throw in some JLO but mostly it was a way better selection.
Well that's all for now, probably write more tomorrow
Ciao bella
Monday, February 1, 2010
oggi uno
So flight plans were definitely rough. Had a huge delay in Indy which caused me to miss my connecting flight in Chicago by literally 2 minutes. Certainly not the way I thought that my trip was going to start off. After finally getting on the flight from Chicago to Heathrow (London) I was feeling a little bit better. Once morning hit and I could see out of the airplane I was shocked. It felt like I was looking down from the Wonka glass elevator and looking down on little ole England, and unlike in the US, you could actually see all the hills and such from the air. While closing in on the airport I saw the Wimbledon stadium, and building process for the summer 2010 Olympics. Way cool.
Then it was a short hour in my wait to board to Milan. I immediately fell asleep and when I woke up I was amazed at what I saw. I was realizing that it was moment of truth. I was shaking as I walked onto that platform alone, but in a way it was the most empowering moment of my life. I made my way through the airport and got into the pickup service van. Then we pulled up to my amazing new apartment. After walking three flights of stairs, I stood outside onto the balcony and was blissfully happy with the view of the city.
I quickly met my two new roommates, Jordain and Natalie, and we crowned our apartment with a toast to a new adventure. Dinner was served at a quaint little pizzaria right across from the apartment, and I am now so blissfully tired that I am not sure how I will survive a 9:30 a.m. meeting tomorrow. Thats all for now
Ciao
Elle
Then it was a short hour in my wait to board to Milan. I immediately fell asleep and when I woke up I was amazed at what I saw. I was realizing that it was moment of truth. I was shaking as I walked onto that platform alone, but in a way it was the most empowering moment of my life. I made my way through the airport and got into the pickup service van. Then we pulled up to my amazing new apartment. After walking three flights of stairs, I stood outside onto the balcony and was blissfully happy with the view of the city.
I quickly met my two new roommates, Jordain and Natalie, and we crowned our apartment with a toast to a new adventure. Dinner was served at a quaint little pizzaria right across from the apartment, and I am now so blissfully tired that I am not sure how I will survive a 9:30 a.m. meeting tomorrow. Thats all for now
Ciao
Elle
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