Leaving for Florence

June 18th, we depart for Florence, travel bags packed and the bus is loaded. We have a long day ahead of us, with a stop at G2 textiles in Prato where we are greeted by Wally and Sara. Wally is part owner of G2 and textiles is in his lineage. They are very gracious to us and speak to all of us about the textile industry and its importance in Italian culture. A tour of the manufacturing facility allows the students to see how certain weaves are done. It's loud but watching an actual piece of fabric being made is truly where it all begins for me!

June 17th, My last free day. The students will prepare tonite to leave for a week in Florence. Florence one of the very first centers of textile production. Namely silk, but also wool and cotton. The history of Florence in regards to textiles is remarkable and many books have been written on the subject. Prior to arriving on Florence we will stop in Prato, the original city for which silk was produced. Today was a day of rest, preparing the students for what they are about to experience, leaving a modern city hanging on to their roots while trying to keep up with modern day society and the needs of the consumers to a medieval city, where historic architecture, art and culture is key tot heir very being! Florence I hope you are ready for us.

June 16th, Another free day. Some students ventured out to Como and Verona. Having been there before I thought I would take this day to explore areas of Milan that I have not see before. These areas consist of small, narrow roads, quaint little cafés and boutiques filled with timeless treasures. I cannot help but stop and look in all of the windows. As each store has something special to offer. Whether it be the butcher, the baker and yes I can even say a candlestick maker, each one is unique. A wonderful women greeted me and called me Chiara, a tern used of endearment. This alone makes you fell welcome! My italian is getting better, letting the shop keepers know I am just looking ,"guardando", or asking how much "quant costa" is becoming a common phrase. The service her is absolutely impeccable. Beautiful silks grace the walls of many shops, these beautiful pieces are being shown in the Laura Mancini boutique in Milan. The colors and patterns are exquisite. And the shop owner is friendly and greets everyone with grace and style.

Brera, where art really does influence fashion

This morning I journeyed to Brera one of the hippest spots in Milan. During the day the streets are quiet with a few travelers looking for a special and unique gift. While i brought some students with me, I left them on their own to make their way. A stop at Angela Caputi, where I treated myself to 2 bracelets and necklace. No buddhas this year but i did manage to buy elephants. The jewelry is unique and I know no one in the United States will have the same piece! A few hours in Brera makes you truly understand the culture as the small shop owners do not speak English and you are forced to speak the language of song! I actually did pretty good, I think my accent however lets them know I am not an Italian but an American trying to do my best. The great thing is that they smile at you and try to answer in English. They all smile! I was called chiara a few times today, it was so nice, that is what they call the local women! It was a wonderful day, tonite I will do the unthinkable! Look for a laundry mat!

The first week is just about over, with the weekend as a free weekend for the students I will have a chance to walk the city and explore new areas. Everytime I think I know an area I find a little street that has something special to offer. Tomorrow i will branch out to the Brera area of Milan, artsy, bohemian chic and well a little expensive. I have saved for another piece of Angela Caputi jewelry. Hopefully she has more buddha pieces to offer. The hotel that we are in is very close to everything and is basically the united nations. Many people front eh trade stay here so we have access to meeting people from all over the world, Australia the other day and then Turkey. Today was a fantastic day we went to Missoni, we were greeted by Vittorio Missoni, who gave the students a personal tour of his families business and 1.5 hours of his valuable time. I must say I was in Missoni heaven!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There was not one pattern or color story that I did not like! I wonder how a woman who marries into a family like that cannot be in heaven. The are the most creative yet tasteful company when it comes to missing pattern color and texture. As soon as Amelia sends me wonderful pics i will post.

Well I have missed many days and for that as a professor I am embarrassed. I wanted to make sure everyone was ready, the program was ready and well I forgot my charger. The students arrived safely today and our partner Fulvio from Fashiontimes was there to film the arrival. So far things have been great, a few meetings and events. Everyone is very kind. I went to Bar Duomo and "my waiter" who calls me Prof was there. Amazing he remembers. Ha ha I must be unforgetable. It is good to know people, first seating back row, within a few minutes front row opens and he's dashing our drinks to the best seat in the house. Grazie Mille Alex, grazie mille! Pictures will be posted soon for as much as I can explain what Milan looks like one must really see it. Tomorrow the students first visit to the Duomo! Ciao and Buona sera

June 7th. I arrived yesterday but was too tired to write. I did find the energy to have a cappuchino and margherita pizza and water with frizz ante! Then watching Italian news, I did the unspeakable. I fell asleep. Up again at 830, then back to bed at midnight. I had a good night sleep the streets were busy with young people for quite a while. This is good for my students who will arrive in a few more days. Today, I hope to find the necessities I need for the next month. The weather today is overcast but seems cool and not muggy If the rain holds it will be good. Tonite I will go to the Versace Aides Foundation Gala and will be able to mix and mingle with industries elite. Yesterday I walked the neighborhoods to find the quickest route for the students, noticing balconies in full bloom. Pictures to come. Ciao and i will write soon.