The Finale: Isola D'Elba

On June 1st at 1pm I finished my FINAL final for my MBA! At 2 pm I was en route toward to the coast of Tuscany. The picture shown here is the sun setting in the mediterranean that I took while on board a ferry from Piombino to Isola D'Elba!

I came to Italy January 2 during what turned out to be one of the worst winters Milan has had in over 20 years. I thought what better way to spend my last few days sailing in the Meditteranean. It was not merely for the shear pleasure, but it was also so I could take time and reflect on the journey I've been on since deciding to pursue my MBA.

I brought my journal with me to the Island. So, I figure for this final post to this blog I would just take selections from my journal that best captures the experience.

01-June-06

It's about 11:45 pm and I'm on a sailboat of the Tuscany coast. Today I finished a milestone! By the grace of God I completed my MBA! What an experience the last 3 years have been. From the very summer of 2003 when I first took the GMAT for b-school admission until now! This has been an incredible journey. And all along the way I have been provided with absolutely phenomenal people to get me to this moment. Who would have ever thoguth I would be concluding the MBA journey by spending the last finve months in Italy! Just sitting here reflecting all I can say is "Praise God!"

The best lesson on this academic voyage actually has very little to do with the frameworks typical of the core curriculcum. Porter's 5 forces, NPV analyis, Sensitivity Analysis, VaR, etc..., while interesting, pale in comparison to the lessons I learned via "Life690" about the importance of cultivating good relationships with effective communication. Whether it was in my personal relationship with God or the relationships with my classmates, professors, love interests, family and friends...I have been priveleged to take away som meaningful object lessons that will help me in life beyond B-school. Some relationships blossomed, and sadly, others were a total disaster! And yet, by grace, some of the "disasters" were salvaged! But the core of all the scnario's have communication as the central channel for growth, or the lack thereof as the source of demise.

Life is evolutionary. As it Evolves there is one constant presence- God! Regardless of how I move in & out, HE is constant. I simply pray that this new evolution draws me closer to allowing all I do do to be actions guided by His active influence in my life.

04-June-06

It was nice to be able to get away from Milan, the internet, cellphone, etc. and really think about my life. In about two months I will turn 30!! The key question: What have I learned in my 20's Am I a better communicator? Am I more self aware of my weaknesses and strengths? Have I learned to appreciate others and accept them for who they are? Have I learned to love more authentically both others and myself? Have I rached the point that I can I embrace the things and relationships that are sustaining and in tune with who I am? More importantly, can I let go of things and relationships that don't fit in well with who I am and strive to be? Can I look at the difficulties in my life along with the scucesses and joys and smile in absolute appreciation of all this life has brought my way? The answer to all of these questions is YES!!

I recognize I will always strive to become a better person. However, in this moment I feel like my life is full of excitement, rich with experiences, and enhanced with truly fabulous people who have supported me along the way!

What is amazing is while closing one chapter another begins. I am anxioulsy awaiting for my next evolution. I am confident in this one thing: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philipians 4:13

05-June-06

It's 6 am and shortly I will begin my travel back to the states. I just want to take this opportunity to say "Thank You" to everyone who has been supportive of me while here. I could not have made it without you!

Ciao mi amici!

Rochelle

A Busy Spring: Almost Done!

I have just about two weeks left in Milan and it's been a very complete experience! The last two weeks will be dedicated to my academics (for the most part.. LOL!). Anyway, the last entry I made was the beginning inMarch. From then until now, life has been a mixed basket of lessons and experiences.

For the remainder of March, I found myself doing a lot of cooking... primarily things I missed.. American Style Brunch! Thanks to Mustafa's visit in February, I had pancake mix, Mrs. Butterworth, Welch's Grape Jelly, and Cheddar Cheese! ... Essential Ingredients! LOL

In March, I had the pleasure of finding out that a Sorority sister of mine, Janelle James, not only lives in Milan, but up the street from my place! So for the remainder of March I was blessed with a new friendship with someone who has a lot in commonwith me! However, Janelle moved back to the states at the end of March to get ready for b-school this fall!

At the end of March through the end of April I had 2 sets of visitors! My Soror Tamara Wiggins and her cousin came to visit for 10 days! During that time we did the normal girl thing... Shopping and picked up a few items from the Gucci Store as "Symbolic" purchases! LOL!!

Well, being the good AKA's that we are, we contacted the international chapter and Germany: Mu Psi Omega, and decided to headover to Germany for a weekend and hang out with our sorors!

The Soror's there truly serve community! Since I live in Europe I decided to show my support of their initiatives and activated with them! So yours truly is a member of Mu Psi Omega!

After Tamara left, I had about a week or so before Deanne's visit! Deanne did the "Power" Weekend! She arrived on a Thursday and left Monday! And let me tell you Deanne is a tropper!! She came ready to shop and "DO Milan!" Honestly, the weekend she came was probably one of my best weekends here! We toured around Milan. She actually attended classes with me! (she takes better notes than I do!!).

The best thing was that we met another American that lives here! We were walking down Porta Ticinese (shopping of course!) and I saw this girl who I saw in the Gucci Store when Tamara was here.. so I was like: "Parle Inglese?" She was like, "Yeah, I speak English!" Come to find out not only is she a Sorority sister of mine, she is here as a guest professor at Bocconi from Cornell!... Dr. Quinetta Roberson, "Dr. Q!" So, I'm like hey come hang with us.. and so for the remainder of Deanne's Weekend we are a group of 3 girls who all appreciate shopping! Well, we decided to go to Florence with the idea of going to the outlets... Well, we never made it and found ourselves quite content in the leather market! We trippled teamed one of the vendors and each walked away with an awesome leather overnight bag!

Deanne left that Monday and I left for the States that Thursday! I couldn't believe how excited I was to touch down on familiar grounds. I flew Milan to Paris and Paris to the ATL!! The 1st thing I did was go " get my Hair Did!" So, did is what was done!! 2 packs of Wavy Weave #4 & 30 blend! Now, I recognize that is probably understood fully by a handful of sista's ... Anyway, I wanted to try something different and the funny thing is by time I made back to Milan I cut it down and back in Milan I cut it into short layers! Now, for those who know me.. You know I like to try different looks on the regular... Anyway, make sure you check the photo links for pictures!

I was in the U.S. for 10 days. The 1st part of my time I was in Atlanta (For those I didn't see or call! I'm sorry!! Much love!!) and the remainder of my trip was spent in Philadelphia. I saw as many people as I could! I went to all the places I missed (including IHOP!!) Unfortunately, I think my eating style has changed drastically and IHOP wasn't the best for me! Anyway, I went to Negril, Javaology, Starbucks (yes! I still miss Chai Latte!), Atlantic Station, etc... I had the chance to hang out with a few classmates, went to Goizueta saw professors, faculty, etc.. Nicest part was just hanging out with girlfriends! For example, that Saturday, after church (1st time I've been to church all year!) Augustine and Myaisha came over and we just had a good old girl time! I really needed that! I really miss the familiarity and the simple things like simply going to church!I flew back to Milan via JFK and in doing so, I even had the chance to have brunch with my long time friend/Soror Alicia!

I flew back to Milan a bit sad - to say the least. Life is really about all sorts of experiences. And hopefully from the experiences (good and bad) you can emerge from it a stronger person. I had been gone for four months and seeing people and spending time with those I care about was of utmost priority for me! Though it wasn't possible, if I could, I would have spent every waking moment around the ones I hold closest to my heart. It is really hard to explain what it feels like to be removed from everything you are comfortable with and then make a return to that place. Things change, people change, but hopefully understanding and appreciation of the experience will be treasured forever.

Demonstrations in Milan

So, today was probably one of the most scariest times here, actually, in my life.
Around noon I left my apartment to go study at school. I live at the corner of Via San Gregario and Corso Buenos Aires. I saw the area of the street was empty and that there were police at further down. I saw a banner hanging, and I actually just thought they blocked the street of for a marathon or something. I proceeded to go to the subway, and it was closed. I thought that was strange, but I just again assumed, that maybe the transporation workers were on strike. I started to walk down the street and talk to a few bystanders to see what was going on...since I realized there were no runners! I was told it was a "Manefestation" or demonstration against the fascist government (Elections are in April here). I was like, "cool" let me get some pictures. I proceed to walk down Cs. Buenos Aires and all of sudden I hear a loud boom! By this time, I learned that the the anti-fascist were demonstrating without a permit... So, me and my assumptions... I just figured it was the police shooting off a smoke bomb to disperse the demonstrators... I begin to get a little scared... However, it wasn't until I realized the entire area was blocked off and I was stranded outside that I got a bit more scared. Then, there was a round of shots, and two loud "Booms!" shortly after, I completly freek out!

If you're not use to this kind of stuff, like most Americans, this is the time you start to think "Oh, my God! I'm in a foreign country, what am I to do!" I had my cell with me, but I only have a few #'s in this phone. Luckily, at 6 am in the states, I was able to connect with my girl, Augustine McDole! At this time, I'm thinking, "If something happens to me, who will know?" For a while, I was carrying my passport with me, then I was convinced, hey this Europe, you don't need to do that." Then I thought about how I never went to register with the US embassy so they know I'm here. You never know what you will do in a situation until you are indeed there!

Anyway, I went around the corner (which was also blocked) and slipped into a Salon and pretty much stayed there until it appeared things were under better control. It was really crazy, sirens, helicopters, moments where you would see the police running in packs, people running when the explosions happened. So, I had to walk back down the street and I was quite amazed at what I saw. Apparently the demonstrators blew up 4 cars on the street and of all the shops that line Cs. Buenos Aires, the only shoped that was a victim of the demonstrators, was the American icon, McDonald's. As a proud American, when I see things like that it makes me sad.

I update my Blog monthly. My blogs so far tend to focus on the positive aspects of being here.. some inconveniences, but nonetheless, my tone is positive. However, I recently told a friend of mine that March is going to be a tough month for me. March is only 1/3 completed. As wonderful as the people whom I've meet here are, I'm definitely quite homesick and miss so many of my friends and comforts of the states. Today, was definitely added to my level of homesickness, and I hope I will get over this soon!

Anyway, I just wanted to share this day with you. I hope that my March update will be much more positive.

I posted additional pictures of today's events. Click on the link to the right of this post "Rochelle's Pictures" and the click on the Photo Album "Demonstrations in Milan"

Appreciate your life!

New Place, Greek Party, Academics, and a Visitor!

Wow! I can't believe I have been in Milan for nearly 2 months! February has definitely been quite busy! From moving to a new apartment to hosting my first vistor from the states, I have truly had a full month!

So, where do I begin!
Well, how about my new place! Yes,I moved to Via San Gregario and I now have 3 roommates: Tal, Courtney, and Stephan. Tal rents out rooms to somewhat transient people... 31 American born lady who hasn't lived in the US since she was 17. Courtney, recent Cornell art-grad, from Cincinatti, studied in Bolgna, currently works in a Art Gallery here but is moving back to the states to NY to work in a gallery there. Has an Italian grandfather hence, she was able to get dual citzenship..pretty cool! Stephan moved in a couple of weeks ago, from Germany and want to work in the fashion industry. As for the place, I rented out the best room (I have my own bathroom!)... I couldn't imagine sharing one with so many strangers. I have a decent shower area!Also, it at 650 Euro, it is definitely cheaper!!

Next, on the social side... The Greek students threw a party! What can I say except for " it was quite a party!" In fact, I haven't partied much since then. In short, the bartenders poor heavy drinks and afterwards I crashed at my classmates house!

On another note, let's not forget, I am here for school! LOL! Well, I finished up 2 classes at SDA Bocconi, European Integration and International Trade. Honestly, I didn't enjoy them that much and felt the teaching methods were a little dull. But at least it over. My semester at Bocconi started and I am taking Private Equity and Venture Capital Finance, Management of Financial Institutions, and Real Estate Finance. For me, these are definitely way more interesting than the previous classes.

The best part of February just concluded yesterday! Last Monday, I hosted my first guest from the US! Mustafa flew 15 hours to come spend seven days in Italy. AND, he came bearing "Gifts!" I now have Cheddar Cheese, Skippy Crunchy Peanut Butter & Welches Jelly, Banana Nut Crunch Cereal, Kraft Original Mac n Cheese (yes, I love it!), Pancake mix, Mrs. Butterworth Syrup!, Extra Gum, Seasoning Salt, etc...!!!
Unfortunately, it is still cold here in Milan, but regardless I was able to give a decent tour of the Milan. The main attractions: Duomo, Castello Sforzesco, Shopping, etc... We spent two days in Milan and flew to Sicilia (Sicily) where the true adventure began with us missing the flight. Mustafa, has never missed a flight, and I am seldom on time... not a good combination when flying in a foreign country. Well, we spent an extra 2 hours in the Milan Linate airport and after 2 bottles of wine we were off! Sicilia is actually the largest Island in the Mediterranean and is part of Southern Italy. We flew into Palermo and though it was raining it was definitely much warmer than Northern Italy where Milan is.

After settling into our hotel we had a nice aperativo (happy hour)at this Japanese spot and then dinner next door at this traditional Palermian restuarant: San Fransesco. The next day we walk around Palermo a bit, had a nice lunch at this Tunisian restuarant, and then took a train to Sciacca where they have a big carnival celebration. In Sciacca, the most challenging aspect was the lack of street signs and just tons of hills. Not to mention, outside of major Italian cities (Milan, Rome, Florence) there really aren't a lot of people who speak English. As for me, less than 2 month here, my Italian is quite broken and it takes a while for me to figure out how to communicate what I need. Regardless, we had a good time exploring the area on our own. As for the Carnival, it rained, and we didn't feel like walking to the other side of the city to take part... so we watched it on TV!

Sunday, we headed back to Paleremo to catch our flight back to Milan. Me not wanting to miss a flight again made sure we had plenty of time to get to Paleremo airport! Thank God we left Sciacca early enough! Well, I managed to buy the correct tickets for the train to the Airport and we were waiting on the correct platform. However, somewhere in the communication process, when the train came, we got on and assumed this would be the same train to go back to the airport. It started to move, but at a rather slow pace... and to my shock and dismay... we ended up at the train depot... the train conductor discovered us and we ended up catching another train back to the train station and then that train left for the airport!

Now, for the Airport! We arrived four hours before our flight! In fact, check-in for the flight wasn't for another 2 hours... So, where in good shape! We hang out, have a couple of bottles of wine, a bit to eat, and pass the time. Well, before we went to check-in, I wanted to look at some sunglasses... Damn, Damn, Damn Sunglasses!! Unfortunately, the flight closed 40 minutes prior to departure... we missed check-in by 5 minutes!! Unfortunately, there was no other flight on Volare Web going to Milan...So we had to book full fare tickets on AItalia to get back to Milan that night. Needless to say, we were both frustrated...but, hey, we made it back and Mustafa made his flight back to the states the next day!

There were definitely some glitches to make this a less than perfect trip. However, all in all, I did my best as a host, and for me, this was the best week I had since being here!

Enjoy the new pictures! Click on "Rochelle's Pictures" and it will take you to photobucket where you can find 4 new Albums: "Tour of Milan," "Tour of Sicilia," "Via San Gregario," "Greek Party!"

Enjoy Life!

The Alps, Shopping, & the Shower Curtain Project

I can not adequately describe the range of emotions I have felt with the variety of experiences I've encountered in this very short time of being in Milan. However, when I was standing on the top of this mountain, I realized how very priveleged I am! Here I am skiing in the Alps. At the beginning of 2004, had someone told me I would be here, I wouldn't have believed them. Now, it is Jan 2006 I am having a incredible experience that is ever evolving into an even more fantastic adventure!

So, what have I been up to? January is known as the month of "Saldi!"Everywhere you go, there are incredible deals! We'll I had my first Italian Shopping experience the previous weekend. It was awesome! The best thing about shopping in Italy is buying Italian brands with out the heavy import tax one would normally pay in the states. Benetton is one my favorite all around brands because they make their clothes long enough... I have never ever been to a Benetton store that was 3 levels... you can imagine I was in awe! Don't worry, I kept my wallet under control and bought only things "I needed!" LOL! My key purchase however, was from the Furla store, I bought a pair of boots that were clearly made for me! Pictures of my shopping experience can be found in the "Week 2 in Milan" photo album.

So, you read about my apartment. To give you a better idea, I created a photo album called, "What 800€ rents" By the way in $ terms that's $995! And yes, my bathroom does not have a shower rod for a shower curtain... until NOW! Yes, I rig up my very on shower curtain! For a week or so, I was on a shower curtain project... I had to track down where I could find a shower curtain! Thanks to the Chinese variety store around the corner from my school, I was able to find a cheap shower curtain for 2€. So, what about the rod... well everyone hangs their clothes to dry. Hence, I bought a sturdy clothes line, some adhesive hooks, and threaded the clothes line throught the shower curtain rings. I had to upgrade my hooks since the initial hanging, but hey I've got my shower curtain project completed!!

Now, back to this weekend ski trip to Bormio! Honestly, the pictures explain the trip best! I went with the ski club (about 35 people) and it by far has been the best experience I've had. We planned to leave at 6pm Friday, but in typical "Italian style" We left around 8:30. I was in the car (A VW Golf) with Tamasso, the Ski Club President, his Girlfriend, Marie-Giovanna (in the front) and I sat in the back with Mario and Daniel. Luckily, Mario was the shorter one among us and he sat in the middle. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that nearly 90% of the people smoke in Milan... so I had to crack the window 4 times over a 3 hour trip so I could endure Tamasso & Marie-Giovanna's smoking. And for my listening pleasure: Frank Sinetra! Honestly, I actually, have a new appreciation for his music after listening to all of his greatest hits!

So, we get there, and from the moment we are there it is a party! We celebrated someones birthday when we arrived with a champagne toast and the partying never really stopped! Bormio is located on the Italian side of the Alps and it is amazing. The weather was perfect, the snow conditions were okay... a little too icy. We stayed in a very Swiss style hotel. But the key to the weekend was the fact that one of the guy's dad is the Mayor of Bormio. So we got discounts on everything. The hotel was only 72€ / person for the weekend, we got discounts on our 2-day ski pass & equipment, as well as Terme (The Hot Springs Spa there). And after we came back from Terme, we had our very on dinner party at this restuarant. It was a 4-course meal with unlimited house wine. We only paid 25€ each!

What's amazing is the level of partying my International friends can do! After a late night arrival, with celebration, waking up to ski in the morning until 4 pm, a trip to Hot Springs, dinner party that did not conclude until 1 am, you would think that would be the end of the night! Oh no, after that THEY went out to a club, I went back to hotel and went to bed. The next day we skied all day and then packed up and headed back to Milan.

Oh yeah, as for my skiing experience. We'll I've never skiied here before and I actually had not been skiing in 4 years... so that 1st day, was rough! The biggest mistake I made was letting the Ski Club president convinced me and his Girlfriend that we could ski back down to the town versus using the lift. To put this in perspective, we were about 3000 ft up and the run was about 1.2 miles. It was considered a Black. The mistake he made is he thought it was a Blue. And a Black in the Alps is much more difficult than any Black I've been on! So we get to this point where I am overlooking the entire town and I think "wow, this is it, I'm going to dye in the Alps!" So, here you have 2 mid-beginner skiers and Tamasso. I started to cry and in my tears skied down, boom I fell, ski's off and just in complete fear! I litterally had to step my way down until we got to area where there was a lift to take us down. We'll obviously I survived and continued to enjoy the rest of the evening. I actually think that experience was good for me, because the next day, I actually did very well on the slopes I did ski. Mind you, I only did the Blues, but hey, who know, next year I may be ready for the Black in Bormio!

We'll I don't have any major plans until the end of February.

Remember all pictures can be found by clicking on the link "Rochelle's Pictures"

Ciào!

Dieci giorni in Milano!

So, today, I've been in Milan for exactly 10 days and it has been quite an adventure! After enduring a 6 hour long process, today, I received my foreigner's stay permit! Yesterday, I slept in my apartment for the 1st time. Up until then, I had to stay in the house of the lady's mother until the mother returned from Chicago visiting the lady. This was my 1st week of classes and even that has been an interesting process, because I am a "Bocconi" exchange student who needs to take course at "Bocconi SDA" to give meaning, it is like being a student at visiting graduate student at Emory and taking classes at the Goizueta Business School at Emory. The difference is, at Emory the process is a little more seemless, where as here, umm...let's just say that's not the case. Anyway, the cool thing, I am going to be a much more patient person at the end of the six months!! Okay, but seriously, it's not been all bad here at all, just different. I've meet some really cool people and am learning Italian! My classmates are great and the classes are terrific! I'm completing my Bocconi SDA requirements and the 2 classes I am taking are: International Trade and European Intergration. I think the most amazing aspect of the class setting is the nationalities represented. There are about 25 students in the class, yet 18 countries represented! It's truly amazing!

As for my new place, Via Sannio 24, in general I like it. It's convenient to the Tram and the metro and there are several little shops around that I will find useful (nail shop up the street, bar next door, cafe at the corner, etc..). I have a lot of work to do, i need a super Target, but for now, I will settle for Ipercoop! It is one of the most American things here. Essentially, Ipercoop goes against the Italian shoping model (neighborhood markets and shops). Ipercoop is the italian version of Super Walmart. Key difference, Walmart 24 hours vs. Ipercoop 9pm (which is LATE for Italian shops which usually close around 7:30 - 8). The cool thing is that it is a around the corner from my place. I went there yesterday and stayed for 2 hours. The 1st hour, I just walked around in amazment. The layout was like a Walmart, but I recognized very few brands, and the product choices truly reflects the preferences of the Italians. I needed the 2nd hour to figure out what things were in Italian... I don't eat certain foods, here in addition to Beef, ham, and Chicken, they eat horse! So, I'm paranoid I am going to accidently some "cavallo" meat! And as for the seafood, Polipo (octopus), Squid, stingrays, eel, etc.. are common, so I seek out Salmone & Tonno (Salmon & Tuna). Next, I MISS CHEDDAR CHEESE!!! All the cheeses here are white cheeses, Provolone, Parmagianno, Munster, Gouda, Asiago, Mozzerella, Swiss, etc.. and the milk, well you can buy it in box that is unrefrigerated... it's the common way, the selection of "fresh" (refrigerated) milk is small. Another key difference is the absence of prepared foods. We have it good in the U.S.! Here, to cook, you've got to know what to do for real in the kitchen! So, I love that, it is giving me a chance to truly cook. ...of course my experience would not be complete without an true appreciation of the wine culture. It is common to have a few glasses of wine! I have a list of all the wines I've had here and plan to bring a case of mixed wines back with me.

Last, interesting apartment quarks: Is it me, or is the shower curtain an American innovation! As like the last place, I have a shower and no shower rod & curtain. However, at least I have a modern flushing toilette! (The things we take for grant it!). Oh, & Laundry... I have a washer & no dryer!! People hang their clothes outside... I have a clothesline outside on the balcony!! Or what I learned from the house keeper at the other place... hang the clothes on the furnaces in the house!! So, there is actually a laundry mat 2 or 3 blocks down, I think I'll opt to use the dryers there... By the way, no Tide, Cheer, Gain, All, etc...

But, seriously, despite me sharing this reality check, I really am happy to be here... I just have to get more adjusted!

Ciào!

P.S.

Go to the link section and click on the link "Rochelle's Pictures" to view my Blog Photo's!

Week 1 in Milan

So, I've been in Milan for just about a week and it has been quite an experience. It's 3 am here and I'll still getting adjusted to the time difference. I will write more detail later. But for now, I just wanted to note that I am very appreciative of the Italians. Their kindness is tremendous! I've been out to dinner twice, I have new friends at the bar (La Comieda Divine) next to the bldg. I'm staying in temporarily. I went to my first stadium soccer game, and to a "discoteque!" afterward. Tomorrow, my friends from the bar, are taking me out to have dinner with them! Though, I miss my friends in the states and the comfort of being able to communicate freely, the Milanese, are wonderful and make being 5,000 miles away, feel like home!