Author: Siena Burke

This week was the busiest week yet! Some of my favorite activities were going to the Biennale and seeing both heart shattering and inspiring pieces. Something I particularly enjoyed was the exhibit on nuclear energy and how it can be used to create sustainable living solutions. The design work on the actual exhibit made it easy to understand for someone with no knowledge of nuclear energy, and the design of the actual project itself was something that I found very unique. That was an exhibit that inspired me despite many pieces highlighting the negative impacts of human life on our planet. I also really enjoyed the concept of the AI generated interview to display gender disparities in the workplace. Something else that we did that I loved was the Mudec museum, where we saw exhibits designed by Christino who we previously met! I really enjoyed a particular piece that represented the cycle of life and human relationship with the earth. Finally, one of my favorite things we did this trip, visiting the Armani Silas which presented pieces previously in season. This was something that hit it out of the park for me in all aspects. The design of the dresses were all unique in their own way, in color and in texture. The museum itself was engaging through the music, lighting and color. The way the exhibit was set up made the visitors feel as though each piece was a glowing trophy, demanding attention. The music relaxed my senses, allowing me to focus only on each piece.

This week I experienced traveling by train in a foreign country! We went to the Swiss border town, Aosta, which enchanted us with its quaint streets and quiet restaurants. The Alps directly peeked through the narrow streets, which was one of the most beautiful sights I’ve seen this trip. The food was uniquely comforting and warm to contrast the vast landscape, we had rich fondue and bouncy gnocchi. Before our weekend trip, a small group trip to a coffee shop stood out to me during the week. In the middle of our walking tour, the group decided to stop at a local coffee shop decorated as if it were from a storybook. It had exposed wooden tables and fruits and vegetables hanging throughout the small storefront, creating a rustic and elegant atmosphere. The coffee was a perfect pair to the people watching, and the feeling of community within our group reminded me of the kinships created thus far on this trip.

This week has been busy since landing in Milano. Once I landed, after a less-than-restful 8-hour flight from JFK, I was immediately greeted by Emma. From there, we met another group of girls and traveled by train to Milan. The train was clean and easy, much different from many public transportation systems in the United States. The neighborhood in which the hotel was in was one that I appreciated. It seemed like a family-oriented, quiet, and beautiful community that was filled with mostly natives. Upon arrival, we saw a huge outdoor market with fresh food, bread, and various vintage clothing. Later, I explored the local cafes where I had a coffee and sat outside. Into the evening, I enjoyed some dinner while sitting outside at a local pizza restaurant known well in the area. My introduction to classic Milanese living was a clear depiction of the value of taking life slow and enjoying socializing.