It was a pretty smooth transition to get to the airport, but of course with the usual Italian bustle and last-minute rush, as is always present. After exiting the train, and finding the correct of five terminals, it was a relatively painless trip to the airport. Italian airport security is MUCH less painful than at American airports. I don't even have to take off my shoes! It's wonderful. And it moves much quicker. Consequently, you have a little time to kill, but in the rush of airports, time is always welcome. A few minutes later, and the shuttle comes to bring all the passengers to the plane. Everyone crowds on, all talking rapidly on their cell phones to either fellow business colleagues or loved ones. A couple children scream in the background, their parents trying to hush them as best they can.
The flight was short - less than the time it takes me to fly from Minneapolis to Chicago. I guess that put's into perspective the size of Italy versus the United States! I took a seat in the back of the aircraft, a space by the window so I could look out onto Italy before it was overtaken by clouds at higher altitudes. Rome and all of it's craziness fell into the distance, the coast quickly came and left the view, and soon the sea blotted out all memory of land. A few winks of sleep later, and lights of the cities and towns below glittered on the black ground, mountains looming but not yet distinguishable. Soon, the highly gridded system of Torino's streets and boulevards came into view, a very welcome sight.
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| I didn't take this.. but this is more or less what I saw. Looks good! |
Torino's airport is small, but clean and easy to navigate, which helps when you have someone to meet. Various people stood outside the sliding glass doors marked "Arrivals/Arrivi" holding signs of different travelers. Some were normal, with various last names written on cards, some were peculiar... like "Hot Buns" ...to which an entire group of Scandinavian-looking businessman answered. ...
My contact was also my incredibly gracious host, Signore Miglia, the father of my dear friend Marina with whom I was staying. Though he spoke no English, his kindness and generosity was obvious. I so desperately wish I knew more Italian in order to talk with him more! We drove straight to the Exhibition for our projects, something I had been looking forward to for a while! Almost everyone was there when I got there. It was so good to see everyone! I realized then how much I missed all of the Italian students. Being Italy isn't quite the same without them in class! They are what made Torino great - being able to see it and experience it with new-found local friends. Later we went out for pizza, the first place of the first night that started it all. Not everyone was there, but it was still a good crowd. The Americans were pretty outnumbered... as it should be :) The place was Sicilian, and had specialties like aranchini - which are fried balls of rice with a filling inside. They are pretty delicious. After dinner we went out for drinks, as always, and this time to a fancy-looking Indian-themed bar/restaurant. I just needed coffee. Everyone talked like they used to. Sharing music and movies, figuring out differences in Italian and American culture... asking to repeat phrases when someone spoke too quickly...
I know it might seem like I like Torino a little too much. But.. I really do love it! It was much more of a home than Rome is. Rome is a metropolis, full of ancient items and tourists, souvenirs made in China and much much too much rain. I do like Rome a lot, but it is not a home. Torino is more of a home, even if it was only for a short period of time. It was so good to be back!
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