Milan the Beautiful?

Before coming to Milan, I knew that it was an industrial city and I wasn't expecting much when I arrived on Thursday.  I came in during the evening so there wasn't much to see on the drive from Linate to the flat where I'm staying.  Friday morning, however, I was outside during the day (getting driving lessons in stick shift).  I got my first taste of the neighborhood where I'm living.  I was a bit shocked at how dirty everything looked in the area around the house and schools.  It's reminiscent of a ghetto, or what I'd imagine one to look like.  The apartment buildings are basic brick complexes, the walls of every building are covered with graffiti. 

I'm am fortunate that the interior of the flat where I'm staying is very nice.  The mother, Daniella, is an architect and she designed a great space.  It's very simple with clean lines on all the furniture and lots of glass partitions.  I really love the bathroom I'm sharing with the kids...green tile the walls, two simple basins for "washing up," and a great glass shower with two "rain" nozzles.  I am extremely happy that the family is clean too; they are very organized which is a relief.

Saturday I had another driving lesson around the outskirts of town and then I was dropped off closer to the center where I met Connie, a friend from Charleston who is also working as an au pair here.  She and I walked around the center and to a few "hot spots" in Milan.  We were mostly complaining about how dirty the area is and how we were shocked to see such a thing because it's supposed to be a very wealthy city. 

As we walked closer to the fashion district, were were relieved to see a bit more of what we originally expected...areas that reminded me of Florence and some other great Italian cities.  Again today I drove into the center and then walked around, first with the family and then with Connie.  We were near Via Dante which is close to the castle and is much nicer than the majority of what I've seen so far.  Connie and I went to the Irish pub we found yesterday to have a pint and lo and behold, I met an Irish guy.  I miss that accent so! 

I've just gotten back to the flat and am quite tired after walking all afternoon, but slowly I'm starting to feel better about Milan.  It may not be a beautiful city, quite the contrary really, but I think I'll grow to enjoy my time here.  I have to keep in mind that even the graffiti can be considered art, and like the washed up boat on Folly, part of this city's culture.