Standards

This blog is supposed to tell about my experience here in Italy. The cultural differences, my take on everyday life in Milan. New people I meet, new foods I try, new challenges I face.
But I say 'supposed to' because I feel like I don't live up to it.

I've noticed a fair share of differences between Italians and Americans.
I've eaten little octupi and slimy orange fruit.
I know at least 40 new people. 15 different nationalities.
I've talked to street saxphonists and taken a train alone.
I've lived through fights with my host family, cultural prejudices, and opposite view-points.
I am lost in translation.

Have I put any rational thought behind these events? In what way they affect me?
Probably not. And I sure haven't written about it.


I'm going to add that a friend killed himself Friday night. We weren't close, I didn't talk to him much when I was in town, much less here. We just went to the same schools since we were 5. But it affected me. At what point in one's life do you start to have acquaintences who die? I assumed it was one is retired, with gray hair and achey joints and 30 different pills 3 times a day. What if next time it wasn't just a boy who used to be in Gardening Club with me when we were 6. And rode the same school bus. And had the same art class. Someone...closer.

Sorry this blog doesn't live up to my standards.

Rip Oscar Miles