Milan, Italy
Legitimately being in one of the fashion capitals of the world elicits so much excitement within my ever-failing body. However, I must say that I’ve been missing Pittsburgh immensely, and Asian food.
The highlight of today was Kristina & I getting to go to Jollibee’s, a well-known Filipino fast-food restaurant. It was genuinely the best meal I’ve had all trip, which sounds odd since we’re in Italy and should be eating Italian food.
Listen, I just like routine and have had my fill of pasta. We’ve eaten Italian food nearly every day, and all I’ve been able to think about is how much I want my mom’s sinigang (that’s a Filipino soup dish).
If I’ve learned anything from this trip, it’s that I do not resonate with my Italian heritage at all—I’m definitely a Filipino-American. It’s sad, but that’s the reality when you’re mixed race; one side takes precedence over the other.
The thing is, even if my Sicilian grandmother who I was close were here still around, I don’t even think I would feel any more Italian because she would always refer to me as Filipino. Still, I can appreciate her culture and how tough it must’ve been emigrating to the U.S. from Italy.
Anyway, I can’t wait to have some free time here because I want to go back to Jollibee’s and shop to my heart’s (and wallet’s) desire. I have yet to buy any material things because I’ve had to budget. And that’s been really challenging, man!
