Twice homeless in the Heart of Fashion.

by Uliana Averina (Russia)

Making a local connection Italy

I was standing in the roof of Duomo di Milano and felt how small butterflies were flying inside my stomach. “I am definitely falling in love with this city!”...the memories of staying homeless last night started melting and evaporating. Thanks to Ferragosto holiday nobody was working yesterday, when I arrived to Milan! To drag large suitcase with broken wheels and to end up in front of closed door-was my first and not the last adventure in Italian heart of fashion... “Ten minutes to make photos and then we move on!”-the voice of somebody’s group leader interrupted the flow of my thoughts. That is impressive how many people from all over the world during the centuries of existence of this cathedral carried away in their hearts and photo cameras the image of this architectural masterpiece with 135 carved columns made of white marble and stained glass pictures on the walls. I could stay in this observation deck for hours, staring at the streets and small figures of people in the square, but I had more plans for that day-visiting Couchsurfing meeting. These people are world travelers, who help each other, providing accommodation and guiding around their hometowns. It was a good chance to get to know them! I came down and couldn’t resist buying Italian gelato which was more than perfect this hot day! “Hey! What is your name?”- smiling girl greeted me, when I arrived to the meeting point. Others joined her and after 10 minutes I felt as if I was in a group of my old friends! One of them hosted 32 people during the last year, another had visited 45 countries-impressive! I told them about my summer internship, which I had just finished and conversation with Algerian student studying here ensued. We didn’t notice how night came. Aladin-that was the name of this guy, accompanied me to my new hostel. But! Who would have thought! The key, which I had taken at the reception in the morning couldn’t open the door. We tried several times...no result! I was shocked! The second night in a row I had no roof over my head in this city! Fortunately, my new friend with magic name was couchsurfer and he offered me accommodation. I was shocked even more the next morning when I came to grab my stuff and couldn’t find my luggage! What’s wrong? The answer came to me in a minute...it was wrong hostel! The previous night I tried to open another hostel in a neighbor house, which was very similar! I couldn’t hold hysterical laugh! This story is still something to remember when I talk with Aladin. We became good friends and next summer met again to run marathon in Switzerland together. Traveling is the best way to have adventures, in which you meet best people in your life! Just be brave and take every situation positively- that was the most valuable lesson which I got during that memorable trip to the country of rich history and gorgeous architecture, emotional people and tastiest pizza. Thank you, Italy! I will never stop exploring the world, because when I explore the world, I explore myself!