Milan: Italian Kisses and Canolli

A wise guy will never let his girlfriend visit Italy; she will come back with a head adrift with romance.

On the contrary, I attempted to say a polite "No, thank you" to the Italians' version of romance
that found me wandering in the castle courtyard with thoughts immersed in camera angles. "Ciao bella!!! We love your hat! There's none like it in Milan!! It makes your eyes beautiful! Such beautiful eyes! You are American, no?? Aw, Californian! Yes of course! The most beautiful are Californians! I come from Italy. How long will you be staying here? Such a short visit, no? You must come back and visit me again. Yes, and come soon again with your beautiful eyes." *At which point he proceeds to kiss both of my cheeks not twice, which would have been culturally tolerable, but four times!* This is when a Ciao! Gracie! and a backstep are the universal language of "Leave my unkissable cheeks alone! They are not public domain! No, not even in Italy, the land of love."

Excerpt from Joy's Travel Blog:

Milan was fantastic! Italy was definitely a welcomed change from London. Italians have a tendency to be warmer and more approachable than the English. People walk slower, talk slower, and take the time for a good cup of cafe and gossip.The Italian approach to style is less proper than the English. They figure that it's not how you wear something, but what you wear. Because Milan is touted as the fashion capital of the world, most people wore clothes emblazoned with the country's favorite designers: Gucci and Dolce & Gabanna. In London, most people take refined approach to style, especially wearing tailored coats. The Italians, however, love anything lined with fur and complete their look with massive Dolce & Gabanna aviator sunglasses. We spent the day wandering about the numerous piazzas, shopping at the outdoor market, and taking in the sights of a post-Christmas celebration surrounding Duomo di Milano and Castello Sforzeco. Jess and I also jumped at the chance to eat at a proper restaurant for a sit-down meal. Italians have perfected the art of good food and eating experience. We stopped by Caffe Aperotol near a large piazza. Despite its opulent interior of crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and plush chairs, the cafe was just a neighborhood haunt. Old Italian men and women in fur coats sipped on their tiny espresso cups, standing at the bar like they would were they ordering a beer on tap. I ordered a margherita pizza (at the advice of my Italian friend Frederico), topped with a thin layer of sauce and mozzarella di buffalo and baked in a brick oven. It was absolutely delicious. We finished off the meal with a canolli bought from a street vendor... I don't think I can ever walk into an Olive Garden back home and think the same.