So much has been happening I've barely got time to keep up with the posts and photos! I've recently created an instagram account though so for those who wish to keep track of my wonders around town, it's @impicassi. 

Just some other photos I have left out in the last post, along with another 20 odd others which I've yet to  edit and fix for the blog so I guess it'll just keep coming, slowly. The photos above are still from my first trip into the city centre, Duomo. Absolutely stunning place, particularly the cathedral. I've just recently gone back there yesterday with a couple friends and it still took my breath away. I don't think I'd ever get sick of that place. 

The second time we went there, we found even more hidden gems. Tiger (I believe there's a store in London) sells all sorts of random shit including sketchbooks, markers, novelties, food, really anything random and weird, you can find it at the store for a shockingly reasonable price (yes they do exist in milan!) Just to give an idea of prices, I bought a A3 sketchbook 100gsm I believe, about 100 sheets for 7 euros, a smaller rectangular sketchbook same paper quality and sheets for 3 euros. They stocked paintbrushes for about 3 euros too and the biggest surprise was I found my polo mints! And here I was trying to ration the remaining 5 polo mints I had on me for the entire stay here! 

Another great place we dropped by was a makeup/cosmetics store called KIKO. It's based in Milan and it's definitely another good place to go to for makeup. It's very reasonably priced and the packaging, store presentation and all seems rather decent too. I decided to try out a foundation which I got for 5.90 euros and a face toner which I got too, for another 5.90 euros. What's amazing is that I don't even need to have to tilt the bottle to get the toner into a cotton pad before applying it on my face, all I have to do is press down and it'd spray right on my face. Extra fresh. 

The store stocked other reasonably priced (and seemed pretty decent for the price too!) items too such as face scrubs, lotions, toners, serums, make up, foundation, honestly, it was just like the milan version of a MAC. Lipsticks and glosses were about 6 euros and under and I've been told they do last an entire day, foundations were between 6 to 13 euros depending on which you get, eyeshadows were on a massive sale when we visited, with over 30 shades to pick from for just 2-4 euros each I think. 

I cannot stress enough how amazing the gelaterias in the town are as well. Absolutely, heavenly. I don't think I've missed one each time we're in town. Definitely a must do to whoever who's visiting the city. Shockingly, for milan, they aren't too expensive either, usually costing between 2.50 euros to about 3 euros for 2 scoops in a cone or cup. 

So anyway, that's it for my little short update again as I'm about to head for a nice hot relaxing shower. I might be back later, who knows. If i'm up for it.

ttfn.

It's all sunshine and warmth here, miles and miles away from the grim wet and cold weather back in the UK. Lovely old buildings and streets everywhere with the rows of shophouses and balconies above. It's strange too because even after a 30 minute stroll down the streets, it definitely felt more like a 10 minute walk. It is possible to take the metro, trams and buses (though I haven't quite had the guts to attempt the trams and buses yet) but walking, especially in this amazing weather, it just makes perfect sense. With all the streets connected to one another, all the amazing things to see on both sides of the street, it's easy to forget how long that you've been walking for.

The university's about a 5-7 minute walk from Romolo station though it is possible for me to take a 25 minute stroll from halls. I attempted it on the first day, leaving myself 40 minutes for travel time knowing I would get lost. Naturally, of course, I did. Like all the places in Milan, the campus is absolute stunning too. It's shared by two other schools in there, I think, though NABA takes up the majority of the buildings. It's lots of open space, lovely cobble paths, sunshine, benches and picnic grass areas inside in between each building. 

The buildings are named from letters A to R, again, I think. Each building's no higher than about 2, 3 floors and in the middle of the campus is a massive empty space, a courtyard with stone benches and lots of sunshine. Basically, it's a great atmosphere and environment, definitely miles away from the grim view I got of Rochester/Chatham back at university in the UK. And unlike back "home", it isn't too much of up and down the stairs and attempting to navigate yourself from one floor to the other without getting lost (yes, I still get lost at times even after a year and a half!). At NABA, it's pretty straightforward with the building letters and floors. Easy stuff. Or least I say so now, we shall see tomorrow when I officially start day 1.

One thing I realised about Milan too is the amount of graffiti around the city. Literally, they are everywhere, every blank wall you see, it would be covered with all sorts of graffiti or street art. Makes it all the more interesting though, arsy fartsy.