Homeward Bound

I always get a little bit sad when it is time to leave.  Don't get me wrong, there are some places that I never care if I ever see again; but Milan is not one of them.  I liked Italy 25 odd years ago, and still like it today.  Like many European countries at the moment, it is facing some challenges especially from right wing politics, but the people are lovely, warm and stylish.  It has been a good trip.

I had a hearty breakfast of all things not Slimming World and grabbed my heavier suitcase and made my way to the station. I do like the railway station at Milan, even that is stylish.  I purchased my ticket and waited for the next train just so I could watch the world go by. Trains were going to places such as:  Rome, Tourino, Zurich, Naples and Florence.  My little brain was working over time.  I may have to visit Florence and rein-act the final scene from Silence of the Lambs, just sit in the plaza having a coffee (Google it if you do not know what I am on about).  It was like yesterday going to see the Scala.  Not much of a building outside and there was no way I could afford a ticket to go inside, but it was my nod to Morse who, in one episode, was in Italy and went to he Scala to see some Opera.

The train journey went well and I mangled to get a window seat, with a plug.  A win there - go me!  The queue at the bag drop at the airport was busy with

a huge group of very noisy, young people making their way to London. My heart sunk.  They were mainly American (you can always hear the Americans, they want to be heard) and some other Europeans and they were being led by a guy who was about my age but looked like Romarno from ER (he had both his arms - Google that if you don't know what I am referring too), who was dressed as if he was still dodging the Vietnam draft from the 1970s.  I cannot see them (or hear them at the moment) so perhaps they are not on my flight - I do not know why I am even saying that, of course they will be and I will be sitting next to Romarno! #prayforkaren.  As I just finish typing this, the young people have just arrived at the gate.  I taught some of the Italians a phase to use and gave them the context about when and how to use.  The phase was/is:  'kill me now"! Yep, kill me now!

It is going to be a busy summer.  I have an easy to complete and submit by the end of April, a 15000 word dissertation to research and submit by the end of September, I am now holding down two, yes two jobs and also there are some big plans on the horizon for the end of the year.  This year is going to fly by so I do not think I will e doing any further travelling until the end of the year.  I hope you have enjoyed reading my rantings of a mad woman and I would encourage you all to visit Italy.  Starve yourself first and book yourself in for caffeine rehab on your return, but go visit Italy.  Learn some of the language (I think I am going to (again), the end of the year) and go and visit this wonderful country. I really do not think you will be disappointed.

 Ciao e alla prossima volta x

(Bye and until next time x)