Valentine's Day: The Woman's Holiday

Brock and I have decided to take a trip to Verona, the “City of Romeo and Juliet,” for Valentine’s Day. And as the trip is approaching, I have been reading up on the area; Romanesque churches, historical landmarks, Renaissance architecture, and the cultural “must sees” of this city. Being only a few days away from the “Love” holiday, my studies of Verona released something more from me than a desire to learn about the history and culture, but it released… my little Romantic Bug, and it got me thinking about the romance and love of Romeo and Juliet. Not only the famous love of these two destined soul mates, but of the meaning and celebration of Valentine’s Day.

Now it is no mystery to the world (MEN!)what Valentine’s Day is really all about… NO not the chocolates or the roses, or for some lucky women the diamond necklaces or expensive perfumes… MEN, IT IS ABOUT THE WOMEN. Most importantly it is about celebrating not only the love shared between you and the woman in your life, but the beauty she has to offer and unveil to you.

It is in every woman’s genetic make up to strive for the confirmation and acceptance of the love and beauty she has to offer. It is why little girls twirl in skirts and beg the question, “Am I lovely?” Or why they stand in front of the family at holiday gatherings performing (for me it was singing and dancing) and desperately striving to captivate the audience (especially her daddy). All women start off at a young age knowing that they possess a special beauty, a special quality that God only gave them. And all women start off at this young age looking for the answer to the questions…”Am I lovely?” "Am I beautiful?"

This Valentine’s Day; whether you are married or single, male or female, a sister or a brother, a mother or a father; tell a woman how beautiful she is, that you cherish and appreciate the beauty that she possess inside and out because it represents God’s love and beauty. Eve was the crown of God’s creation, not an afterthought, but a missing piece to His masterpiece. It is an honor to be in the presence of a woman, because her beauty represents a side of God that wouldn’t be worshipped without the help of a woman. Juliet captivated Romeo with her love and beauty and he expressed and showed his love and appreciation for her. Valentine’s Day should be about celebrating love and celebrating the beauty of a woman.

Buongiorno from Bergamo

We did it! We ventured out from the hectic hustle and bustle of the city. We surprised ourselves because we have actually only have been here a little over a week and our adventurous, spontaneous drive was running a little low and was extremely worn from the Milan move, culture shock, and basic survival mode we have been in. Now the truth about our little excursion to Bergamo is…we did in fact venture out BUT it was in a way in which “Lauren likes to do it.” It was planned, mapped out, slightly controlled, and we partnered with English speaking; American friends we had met. But nonetheless, we did it!

And it only took us, a short walk from our apartment to the Metro, a ride on the Yellow Line to Centrale Station, and an hour Train Ride to the charming down of Bergamo. We had a map but hardly used it because our sole purpose was to simply explore and take in what this “country” town had to offer. It was far from the city, which added to its appeal. It had beautiful architecture with intricate details and the town was filled with historical landmarks, Cathedrals, statues, fountains, and cobble stoned alleyways. It was nothing like the city of Milan and it was everything a picturesque Italian town dreamt of being like.

Bergamo is in Northeast Milan in the southern foothills of the Alps and it crowns a very steep hill. (You will see a picture of us taking a Lift to the top.) Bergamo is divided into the medieval Citta Alta which is the upper town and Citta Bassa which is lower town. Citta Alta has a Medieval and Renaissance feel in its buildings' architecture and style. The views of the town were beautiful and although our vision was clouded by some fog, the quaint town’s homes and villas were still stunning to see from the top.

We made our way to the very top of the town and we walked our way to the very bottom. It took us over 5 hours and we just couldn’t stop taking pictures. Each new street provided a new “must take” picture opportunity. We enjoyed some authentic pastries when we arrived and sat down for a gourmet, late lunch at a fancy Restorante Café after we walked ourselves an appetite. We enjoyed getting away from the smog of the city and breathing in some fresh, open air. But we mostly cherished the time we spent sharing our stories and exploring a new Italian town together.

People All Over The World, Join Hands...

Last night Brock and I attended a Super Bowl viewing at the ONLY American Bar in Milano. I look back to my feelings this week; feeling alone in this new world and feeling a little “home” sick, and last night we were able to experience a little slice of America. It was exactly what we needed. Funny how God works; He gives you exactly what you need when you need it the most.

The Bar was exquisite in style and decorations and the atmosphere was cozy and it was filled with high energy. It almost would be more accurate to call it a Lounge and not a Bar. The lights were dimed low and there was a spiral stair case that exposed the several levels of seating that the building had. The center level had a large screen and a projector where the game was shown. The players, of course, had reserved V.I.P seating at the very top area; a Loft that had prime seating for viewing the game.

All around us, EVERYONE, was speaking English! We met Marines stationed in Milan, Students studying abroad, and Au Pairs who were living with American and Italian families taking care of their children. Everyone’s story was so unique, so liberating, and so adventurous. We all came to the American bar desiring the same thing; familiarity, family, friendship, and all of these were accomplished simply through American Football.

“How cool!” I thought. Football brought everyone together tonight and it didn’t matter the team you were rooting for or what brought you to Milan. All that mattered was that you were there, talking in a language that everyone had been craving to speak. Don’t get me wrong, we are all in Milan to experience a new culture and a different lifestyle that brings about a new opportunity that will ultimately and forever change us. But there is just something about being able to connect with people and share a little bit of your new adventure with them. Because everyone’s adventure is, like I said, unique, and sharing our stories gave me strength to continue our new adventure.


This is the view from the V.I.P section. The picture doesn't do it justice. The place was filled with tons and tons of people packed in cheering for the Colts and the Saints. Behind the people on the ground view in this picture is another level where more people were packed in at the actual bar watching the game on another T.V.
This place also hosts every Wednesday night, Americano Night, where you can pay 10 euro for a burger, a drink, and watch a movie in English. It is a very popular place and the owner is super nice.

Craving Familiarity

Have you ever so badly wanted something that just felt so normal, so natural, so comfortable to you? Everyone can relate to that feeling. From missing family members and craving their appearance, their time, their conversation; to wanting so badly that food you’re just craving that you had that one place, that one time, or by that one person, that just tasted soooo good. (Boy, have we felt that way!) Or that feeling of needing that pillow; that one pillow that makes every night of sleep… so perfect and comfortable. So we all know that feeling…that feeling that that one thing makes you feel like, you and makes you feel at home.

There are times where I just crave what is familiar to me. Many times I just want my family; yes, I have Brock, but there is something about having your mom or dad, your siblings, to be here and comfort you. Remember, Brock and I are in the same boat, figuring things out, surviving together as a team, and experiencing the same emotions. Family brings about a whole new perspective, one that is familiar and comfortable. Family brings about a comfort that makes you feel like, “No matter the outcome, they’re here, so it’s okay.”

I’ve never craved the English language so badly. Yes! The convenience and comfort of being able to greet someone walking down the same path as you or being able to ask someone directions; that luxury of being able to just simply understand what is being said. Now, I’m a chatty Kathy, I’ve met no stranger, and I enjoy being able to smile and exchange a few words…not so much here! Brock and I were getting gelatos and we heard a man speak to his family in English, and our ears perked and our hearts began to race, and we CRAVED being able to just say something…anything, to this man that knew how to speak ENGLISH!

Walking the streets and having people just talk and talk in a language that is completely foreign to you can be overwhelming and needless to say…lonely. Or even better, the street sings, building names, labels on food and clothing…can’t understand a word. It is almost like experiencing Milan as a deaf or mute. I can’t really speak enough Italian to converse or have a meaningful conversation, and the signs are so foreign that I don’t know if I am traveling in the right direction, getting on the right tram or metro and getting off the right stop, or entering a building that I need or intended to go in.

I’m not complaining, we are thankful for this opportunity. Although it may be uncomfortable and scary, and unfamiliar and unpredictable, it has only been a week and we are truly thankful for the lives we have lived. The familiarity of family and friends, shopping for food at the grocery store and clothing at the mall, vehicles that allow us to get to where we need to go and altogether just easy transportation has truly and simply been easy/ comfortable living.

All of these feeling have made us more appreciative of what we are experiencing and truly thankful for the players we have here helping us feel like home and sincerely making us feel like family. It makes you consider the feelings of others when they visit our home, when they are far away from theirs and they are craving what is familiar to them.

Night Life in Milan

Other than going to the Bistro Café the first night with some of the players, Brock and I truly hadn’t experienced the “night life” of Milan. The players have been great about inviting Brock and I places. This adventure, in particular, leaves me laughing well after the night had ended.

After practice Thursday night, Davide (Daddi) informed us that “Every Thursday night is night out for good time with team.” So we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to have “good night with team.” As I’ve said before…NO ONE HAS GIRLFRIENDS OR WIVES… but I was still invited. Fracesco Roccotiello; we call him “Rocco” or “Rocky”, one of the players came with Brock in the car, after practice, to pick me up and take me to a Techno Club. First thought, we left the house at 12:30am for this event… I thought to myself, “Well, how long will we stay, I’m already a little tired.” We arrive and there is a very long line, Second thought, “Wow, it’s cold outside, how long will I be waiting out here?!” I did not vocalize any of my concerns because naturally I stick out like a sore thumb with a group of guys who are on the prowl and I was not about to make myself look like a bigger loser.

Because the guys were football players and they had three very large, athletic Americanos with them (Brock, Nick and Jason the running back), we jumped the line and the bouncers let us right in. “Rocco you’re the man!” Rocco’s modest response, “Ok! I know. Let’s go party!” Now, Brock and I are not club goers or techno music fans by any means, but the atmosphere was nothing like we’ve ever experienced before and next thing we knew….we were fist pumping to the beat!

All our Italian friends were surrounding us in a circle and we just nodded and bounced to the rhythm. We’ve never laughed so hard in our lives. There were true, die hard, Techno junkies who were really into it and dressed the part. The Americans would just keep looking at each other, laugh, and point to what funny site we saw. We would imitate the dance moves of the Techno Italianos. They love to enjoy life and party. Rocco and Daddi kept making sure we were having a good time and throughout the night they would yell Brock’s name and give him a high 5! We left around 3am and I looked at Brock as we were leaving and I shouted to him (since we couldn’t hear because of the loud music): “Who would have thought, Lauren leaving a Techno Club at 3am?” And again, we just laughed.

Messages from Milan: Promised Pictures

We promised pictures and I wanted to get them up as quickly as possible. I made collages of the "snap shots" of our trip so far. I'll go into depth of the places and events when Brock and I were there. If you click on the collages they will appear bigger in a new screen so you can view them larger and more clearly.


Just Brocky and Me. In front of our apartmento, the Piazza del Duomo, Castello (Castle) Sforzesco, Me shopping on my own ;], and doing a traditional ritual where you stand at the balls of the bull and turn 3 times for good luck.


Via Abbadesse, Our Apartment. Here are some pictures from the outside and a picture of our bed. Notice how Brock is soooo much taller than all our door ways.


Here is the kitchen when you first walk into our apartment.


Here is our very small bathroom. Inside the bathroom is our washing machine. No dryers in Milan. You hang your clothes or use a drying rack.


Here is our bedroom. We have a balcony from our bedroom over looking the courtyard.



Our First Trip to the Supermarket. Brock was thrilled when he found Ketchup!


This is the architecture of the places we have visited. The Piazza del Duomo (inside and out), Castello (Castle) Sforzesco, a Park, Cafes, and of course some shopping.

There are more pictures to share. I will put them up soon with some stories!

Messages From Milan: Flights & First Impressions

"Ciao"
We are finally here safely and we are slightly...scratch that...EXTREMELY exhausted! Overall, between our two flights it took us over 13 hours to get to Milan. Our flights went smoothly, and I was almost surprised...we're Smith's and it is not unheard of for us to have "bad luck." We didn't sleep on our flights however, so we were running on "low" when we landed. After we arrived in Milan we were immediately thrown into this new culture we would be living in for the next 5 months. We saw the words "USCITA" and an arrow pointing in a certain direction and people walking that way, so we followed. It led us to customs, where our passports were checked, and we were quickly sent through to baggage claim. "Holy moly Brocky, this has just been too easy." I realized I spoke to soon when he can over to where I was standing with only 3 suitecases when I know we had 4. Brocky gave me that, "Oh hunny what I'm about to say might upset you" look. All our bags made it through...expect...the one with my SHOES! I thought, "Of course God! Ok, Ok I learned my lesson." But we quickly realized that it wasn't just my shoes that were missing but our winter coats were missing as well...it was FREEZING outside!

Alessio, the owner of the team was waiting for us at the airport with his friend Guito. They were so thrilled and beyond excited to have their "QB" here. They apologized over and over again for our missing bag. Our car ride from the airport took about an hour to our apartment. Brock and I were so anxious to get to our apartment, unload all of our "overweight" luggage, and lay down! We pulled up to our apartment and it was exactly what you would picture when you imagine an Italian place. Our apartment has a balcony that over looks a courtyard filled with flowers. They decorated it so wonderfully and we just couldn't wait to make it our home for the next 5 months. Once we set all of our things down, Alessio looked at us and said: "Alright, now we go!" He majored in History and he took us on a massive and extensive tour of Milano! We saw beautiful architecture, the Piazza Duomo, and some many breath taking Cathedrals. Unfortunately Brock and I were so tried we were unable to really take in everything we were seeing.

After our run around the city, we came back to the apartment around 4:30pm. Alessio informed us that we should rest up for the party tonight and that a car will be here to pick us up at 8pm. We took our nap and freshened up, the car came and took us to this very nice and very expensive "Restoriante." There was a long table and coaches and players from the team were there. This was the very first experience of the true Italiano culture. Alessio ordered the food for all of us in Italian so we were uncertain of what would be arriving at the table. Wine and bread was brought out to us right away and very shortly Brock and I had a very large, whole pizza placed right in front of us. A PIZZA EACH! This was our first course, followed by our second course of T-Bone steak with more wine, our third, pastas and meat with more wine, and finally, our fourth course, dessert; Tiramisu for me and chocolate cake for Brock and of course, a sweet dessert wine. Each time new wine was brought to the table you raised your glasses and "Chin Chin", which means cheers, to each and every person at the table and you must look each person in the eyes.

Dinner lasted 3 1/2 hours. It was a true example of the Italian's laid back life style. We enjoyed everyone's company, even though we did not understand what they were saying in Italian. After dinner the players invited Brock and I out. We went to a Bistro Cafe a few blocks away. It was nice to hang out with the players, it was just like being with any group of football guys, we just didn't know what they were saying. When we left we were parted with "Ciao!" "Arrivederci!" "Ci vediamo domani!" "E stato un piacere incontrarla!" "Bye! Goodbye! See you tomorrow! It was nice to meet you!" We truly felt welcomed.

We finally arrived home. 30 total hours of no sleep. We laid in bed and just laughed. Brocky rolled over and said: "We really need to learn Italian." It was then when we realized that we would not be able to comprehend the adventures we would encounter.

Thank you for reading this long blog.
I can't wait to tell you all about our funny mini adventures Brock and I have.
Below are just a few pictures so far. We will post up more!
Leave us your thoughts!
"Ciao"



Brocky at the Airport right before we got on our LONG flight to Milan.

My teeth were brushed, my face was washed, and fresh new make up was put on my face and I still look exhausted! Brock kept asking me: "Are you excited we did this? Are you happy? Do you want to still live in Milan?" My response: "We're already on the plane, I have no choice now!" :]


The view from our plane of the Swiss Alps.


Brocky and I all ready for our first night out with the players and coaches.