Ciao!
The last week has been both busy and a ton of fun. I had classes, I went to the Expo Milano, I finally started writing a little bit for my internship, and I tried sushi in Italy. Overall, a very good week. Look below to see what has been going on.
First off, I love Italian gelato. I love it. There's no other reason to explain why I've gotten gelato 4 times this week. Twice I got what you see above, which is a "coppetta piccola", or small cup, with Super Dark Chocolate gelato and Stracciatella gelato. These are both good flavors anywhere, but Cioccolati Italiani is the best place for it, because all the chocolate is fresh and amazing. Also, as a lesson for those who don't know what Stracciatella is, it's a milk gelato where chocolate is pured into the churning gelato and then harden into amazing, melt in your mouth goodness. Chocolate Chip Ice Cream has nothing on Stracciatella.
Next order of business? During the week I had to get an Italian phone number so that my boss could call or text me without ridiculous fees. Some of the girls in our apartment from past semesters had left cheap phones there, so all I had to do was renew the plan. Now I have enough minutes, texts, etc. for whatever I need here. It's not a huge amount, but I got the smallest plan (10 EUR) since it's not really used much. It's so weird using a flip phone though. It reminds me of one Dad used to have for work. The only flip phone I had was a Katana and that was flat and cuter.
On June 12 I lit a candle in memory of my cousin Ryan who died on that day in 2010. I think he would have appreciated it, since I know he liked the tradition and flames. Ryan, I miss you!
On Saturday I went to the EXPO Milano. Most of y'all have heard of it I'm sure, but here's a refresher. Every few years there's an expo (the used to be called "World Fair's") where countries meet to discuss pressing issues and what they see as a viable solution. This years theme is "Energy and Sustainability for Life", or basically food and sustainability.
The first exposition that I'm showing is the USA's building. It was massive, had a rooftop bar, and there were food trucks in the back. It looked very neat and definitely covered important aspects of American food culture. On the ground floor it had a room that talked a little bit about the different food styles around the country as well as showing the different state welcome signs. It made for an interesting photo opp. and interestingly enough this was the first time I took a photo next to a VA welcome sign!
However, little most things in the US, it was also not very information rich compared to other Big 7 Nation's booths and it was obviously sponsored by Walgreens. Overall though, it was very good. Something you can't tell from the photo? Michael Jackson and other similarly iconic signers were playing in the background =D
I figure I should put a picture up of Russia's building as well, or at least the entry way. Their building was very impress, but also dimming lit. They focused on grains, other plants, and the elements (periodic table). They got points for content and for a free sample of Kvas, which is a non-alcoholic grain drink that is tasty. However, it was not as open of a place for relaxing, and it got a bit crowded.
Next, I am ashamed to say that I went to McDonalds. First I must clarify that they are the only place in the end of the Expo (5km long) that took credit card. Next, I was hungry and they had okay portion v. price ratios. I'm suprised to say this, but the McDonald's there was actually pretty good. I know that some places online say that McDonald abroad is better than home, but it's actually true. Plus? Prettiest McDonalds I've ever seen.
The last place that I visited was the Czech area. I saw this sign there and had to take a picture to share with all the Pilsner Urquell lovers in the family, amongst them my Dad and Uncle Mickey. I actually considered getting one, but it was 5 EUR, 9pm, and I was about to get on the metro. Still... Dad? Drink one for me instead.
For dinner I went to the UK exhibition. It was yet another place that took card, and it had no lone. The fish and chips you see above are the best I've ever had. And icing on the cake? The Malt Vinegar actually tasted malty. It was great!
What was lacking? The UK booth with the focus on bees. I'm guessing that's a UK thing, because its been a topic in DW episodes, BBC, etc.
By the time I left the EXPO, it was 8:30pm and I had been there for almost 11 hours. Over the course of the day I had visited 18 exhibitions, sampled free chocolate and kvas, took roughly 300 or so photos, and totally killed my feet. The next day I basically slept, ate, and did Italian homework.
Last night one of my roommates, Kyla, had a craving for Salmon, With that in mind, we went out to eat at Sushi Box, a tasty japanese sushi restaurant. The prices weren't amazing for sushi, but they weren't horrible either. I got tuna, miso soup, and a lemon soda for 9.60 EUR. After that we went to get gelato at Cioccolati Italiani, the only gelatario that was open around 10pm. I got the same pick that you saw in the first picture, and I absolutely to not regret choosing something different.
As an aside, the last few days people have started planning weekend trips more. One of my roommates works at a travel agency/tour type place and told us about a great trip for around $30 with thermal baths, dinner, live music and transportation. With that our travel plans commence. I'll keep y;all posted with what my plans and trips are, plus plenty of pictures to make you wish you were here. Enjoy!
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