A Little Piece of Heaven: Friday, June 27, 2014 Milan, Italy

Day one of our adventure begins. All the way from Chicago to Dublin to Milan. Milan is busy, mysterious, unique, and beautiful. We have not been here long enough to experience the heart of the people but we sure have met some angels. On our way to our hostel from the airport, the was a kind gentlemen who showed us the ticket stub system and where to get off along our bus route. Which by the way was filled with so many different languages. That was the first time that either of us (Lisa and I) have been engulfed in a surrounding with unfamiliar languages for some years now. It sort of makes you yearn to better yourself. Why is it that Americans are the only ones that know just one language while people from other countries are able to fluently communicate with multiple groups of people? Just something to think about. So.... Angel number two.... Lisa and I were wandering in the crowded square under the beauty of the Duomo for some time, without a map (not our smartest move) when a kind  soul from England used his computer to pull up the location of our hostel. It was very clear that the two blondes with white skin and giant suitcases were lost amongst the crowded sea of teenagers who were swarming around the plaza stalking the band Kiss Kiss that happened to be in town. This kind person walked us half way to our hostel and we managed to complete the rest on our own. The name Lucas was related to both kind people that helped us today, so we think Lucas must be our lucky charm for the trip, or at least for today. 

So.... The Ostello Bello hostel, located just 10 minutes south west of the Duomo on via Medici, is the most fantastic little space you've ever seen! Hostel... I don't think so, it's more like a little piece of heaven. The people were friendly, the building was beautiful. Talk about terraces.... There were two beautiful welcoming sitting areas, with hammocks, and surrounded by greenery, not to mention the view.... That can be seen if you stand on you tip toes on the corner of the terrace haha... But regardless. I am looking to my left and see Thyme, and basil plants. I look to my right and see fresh tomatoes and so many other plants that I don't know what they are actually called because they are written in Italian. Above my head are the vines and grapes that are growing to evolve the scenery even more. But as I sit here I can hear the Italians mingling with the people staying in our hostels below me. Some are enjoying drinks, others are laughing, and many cheering on the Milano vs. Sienna soccer game. I also don't want to forget to mention the game room filled with applause and equally filed with tears and booze. Inside the hostel kitchen behind me I hear six spontaneous people exploring new cultures and sharing their stories. When was the last time that you shared your story? I honestly don't know when I last did. I don't even know what my story would sound like today, but it is my goal and my hope that both you and I get to share it with someone soon. It is so wonderful to hear abut other lives and know that we can relate on some level. I know that there is a sense in everyone to figure out who they really are, and that is really all they are trying to do. They are trying to be the best that they can possibly be. Aren't you? 

Now lets rewind a little... My friend Lisa and I are the two women who are currently on this wholehearted adventure. We soon will be met in Athens by our other two friends Jenny and Jessica. I think that we would all call ourselves soul friends (the ones who back you up and are honest with you... you know, the ones who would tell you that you have a booger in your nose, or that you are being too bossy). Those are the people you want around you because they are the ones who will shape your life and help you to become the person that you are created to be. So now that I have gotten way deeper than I thought that I would tonight I am going to head to bed. The adventure will continue tomorrow as we head to Cinque Terre. Ciao! Heather