University of North Carolina Athletics
Postcard From Europe: Jennifer Nelms
May 14, 2004 | Women's Basketball
May 14, 2004
Buongiorno!
I can think of only one word to describe the flights from Raleigh to Milan, Italy - OUCH! Jetlag has attacked on more than one occasion, but despite its attempts at spoiling our traveling experience we are having a fabulous stay in Italy!
Our first day's visit to Milan's town square was our first reality check - we are foreigners! A reliable source advised us against wearing white tennis shoes so that we might fit into European culture more easily. Despite the good advice, I'm quite certain we still manage to stick out like a sore thumb. It's kind of funny though because many Italians will continue to speak to us even after they know we only speak English. When this happens I found the best thing to do is just smile and nod until the one-sided conversation is over. Don't forget to say "Ciao!" when you're leaving, either.
In Milan, we climbed the 150-plus-step staircase to the top of the Duomo, the third largest cathedral in the world. Well, I didn't actually climb to the top as my acrophobia created somewhat of a problem. However, one of my wonderful teammates was kind enough to take my video camera to the top and get some shots of the view. It was a magnificent sight.
We've been staying in Como the last two nights and the sights have been gorgeous here as well. Yesterday we took a boat ride to Villa Carlotta and Bellagio via the picturesque Lake Como. Every site we've visited has provided numerous photo opportunities, each one perfect and unique in beauty. To top off our adventures in sightseeing and the discovery of gelato, delicious Italian ice cream, we won our first game 91-86 against the semi-pro team Familia!
Today we leave Como for Florence. It will be a long trip but we will be making a stop in Pisa and I'm excited about seeing the famous leaning tower!
Thanks for checking our postcards from Europe.
Ciao!
p.s. I want to take this opportunity to say HEY to my buddies from CFC, T-Fi, NB, my favorite oldhead, and last but certainly not least - los yas to my kiddies and much love to all mi familia. You are all in my thoughts and are greatly missed!! (Happy 19th Birthday Richard and Randall!)
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