pardon my french

Ciao Como!

I just returned from a fabulous week in Italy with my three bff's from school…it's amazing how you can feel rejuvenated and exhausted all at once!

We were told the apartment we rented had wi-fi. I brought my computer with and wanted to blog while we were there, but of course, nothing's perfect. The place was spacious and perfect for 4 girls on an Italian getaway. We were right on the lake in a town called Lezzeno near Bellagio. (The photo is just standing on our terrace.) So, I open my computer the first night, and no signal.

The owner lives across the way, so we asked her about it…"oh yes, there's in-terr-net" in her staccato Italian accent.

"See, you walk up the hill to our how-ze. And then you can get the in-terr-net."

Ummm…OK. That's not what Americans think of as wi-fi access accommodation, but if you're really in need of Skype, Facebook or email…I guess you might balance on one foot, turn around 3x and pray to the tooth ferry to get your fix.

We politely smile and say, "Oh, OK. Grazi."

"And, the only prob-lemma" she says with a smile, "is that some of the tim-me, it doesn't-a work."

So, that's how they roll in Italia. Internet sometimes if you walk up the hill and borrow it from your neighbor.

I can be down with that.

Almost a week without phones or internet was definitely liberating for all the reasons you can imagine. The thing is, I've always flirted with the idea of no technological strings attaching me to the outside world. A little tech-detox. It just seems everywhere you go has internet. And if cell service is interrupted for a few seconds along the freeway you're nearly pushed to switch carriers. We romanticize the idea of going dark, but there's few places left to actually do it. I could have gone to an internet cafe or hung out in the owner's driveway (as glamorous as that is). But, this was my chance, and I can't say it was life-changing. It was just slower. And, shockingly(!), life moved on without me updating my Facebook status.

We likely missed out on a few things in town to see or do because Mr. Google wasn't constantly churning out ideas and tours. But, we ate unbelievable food. Drank fabulous wine. Soaked in the sunshine. Partied with George Clooney. (And by "with" him, I mean sort of near the vicinity of where he sometimes lives.)

The people in Italy are so warm and hospitable. Not hating on the Parisians, but truly...we were all surprised at how the locals were willing to help us. Give recommendations on what to do. (Take that Mr. Google!) Free coffee and wine. They live well. Eat well. Have a great sense of humor. What more can you ask for?

If you have the chance to go to stay on Lake Como, go. It's beautiful, low key, a quick drive from Milan. The best gelato you've ever had. Need I say more?

(Carolyn, Gillian, me & E'Lane at our last breakfast at Villa d'Esta)

It's back to life in Paris. I'm off to my first day of Superior! Wish me luck!