Lost in Milan
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As orientation ended, I found myself in a situation many students dread: I was lost, and it was only day two. I looked down at my phone and realized I had no signal. I tried retracing my steps, but every street looked unfamiliar, and I had no idea which tram would take me home. Luckily, I had downloaded an offline map, which told me I could walk back in about an hour and a half. So, in 95-degree weather and wearing Crocs, I started walking. Crocs were definitely not my first choice for exploring Milan, but after the many layovers and travel complications I experienced getting here, they had become my only choice.
As the walk continued, my anxiety slowly turned into curiosity. I was still worried about making it home before sundown, but I began to notice the city around me. I passed flea markets, old churches, and streets filled with fresh fruits and vegetables sold by local vendors. What started as a stressful walk began to feel like my first real glimpse of Milan. Along the way, I met a 17-year-old Italian girl. Despite the language barrier, my broken Italian was enough to explain that I was lost. With her broken English and my broken Italian, we somehow understood each other. She kindly walked with me and helped me find the train I needed. Eight miles later, I finally arrived at Villaggio Olimpico, my home for the next four months. Looking back, I can laugh about being lost, but I also think of the kindness I experienced along the way. In an unexpected way, it felt like Milan was welcoming me with open arms.
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