Hi!  My name is Krista Pulkkinen and I am a graduate of The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and a senior at Penn State University at University Park.  I’m currently majoring in Journalism and Political Science and minoring in international studies.  I, like many others, have begun my countdown.  I will be leaving in one month.  It is only one short month until I will be getting on a plane for the first time in 10 years and arriving in Milan, Italy.  This brings a combination of excitement and nervousness.  Sure, I know what plane I will be taking, I know what country I will be arriving in and I know that I will have somewhere to sleep that night.  But it’s the aspect of not knowing exactly what to expect, not having a clue how I will manage my way around the terminal to ensure I don’t miss my flight and not knowing exactly what the country will be like once I get there or if my basic Italian will suffice. 

In dealing with foreign countries, at least from my perspective, if you haven’t been there, the only view you have is through a lens.  My perception of what Italy looks like and what it will be like is what I have, unfortunately, seen in the media or heard from other accounts.  The idea of these differences in people, places, architecture and overall culture seems unreal because I have only seen them from these perspectives.  I hope to bring a sense of realism to my blog.  I hope to experience Italy and show an aspect of life others will not be able to see this spring; an aspect that differs from what is portrayed in the Italian Job, Under the Tuscan Sun or…..the last Jersey Shore season. 

I know that when I am abroad I, of course, want to act, partially, as a tourist.  I want to travel around Italy with a camera in hand and see The Colosseum, The Duomo Cathedral, The Milan Clock Tower, La Scala Opera, etc.  However, I am most interested in seeing the mundane features of everyday life that one would not have the opportunity to experience if only spending a few days or weeks in the country. 

I can’t wait to finally arrive and I hope to share my many great experiences, new friends ships and, of course, the art and fashion within Milan in my blog starting next month.  Until then, I am brushing up my Italian, learning as much as I can and figuring out how to prepare for six exciting months in a suitcase. 

Location: State College, Pennsylvania