My first day in Italy was truly a dream come true. This would be the only night in Europe I'm staying in a hotel. The rest of the nights I am staying in hostels. I just wanted to treat myself and catch up after the jet lag, shower without flip flops and enjoy Milan in style.

I arrived at the Doubletree Hotel a few miles from the City Center. The hotel lobby was very posh and blew away my expectations. They handed me a warm cookie which I love so saved it in my room to enjoy with a little caffé. My room reminded me a lot of my hotel in London a few years ago. It was very modern and compact but beautiful. My window overlooked a courtyard with blue couches and umbrellas. I tried to turn on the lights in my room but every switch I clicked was unsuccessful. I grew frustrated so called down to the front desk. I could tell in the tone of their voice that they were beginning to think I was a dumb American. They told me to hit the switch. I told them I had hit every switch and no luck. They then asked if I put the room key in the slot by the front door. Ah, of course. Something I would never think to do! I slid my room key in the slot and boom- problem solved.

I jumped in the shower since my flight was a red eye, threw on some clothes and got out the door as soon as possible. I only had one day in Milan and had a lot to see. I took the woman at the front desks instructions to the tram. A left, right and right. Did I get lost? Of course. Now I'm roaming the streets of Milan looking for this tram that appears to be non-existent. I saw two girls about my age so asked them if they know where the tram was. They point in the direction I was headed and say they are going the same place. While waiting for the tram, I learned their names were Eva and Bianca. They were from Germany and this was their first day in Milan as well. They too were staying at my very same hotel. I was so extremely lucky to run into them. They were very sweet and I spent the entire day with them. It truly is funny how things work out this way. I was planning on heading down to the tram a half an hour before, but my parents called me on Skype so that held me up. If I had gone down when I originally had planned, I would have never met Eva and Bianca.

The girls and I rode the tram into the City Centre, went shopping, saw the Duomo Cathedral and had my very first Gelato. We wandered around the city, looked at beautiful buildings and I was in awe. We stopped at a little Italian eatery nestled between historic buildings on a old brick road and had my very first Italian Margarita Pizza and a glass of vino. We talked about a lot over lunch. They had a lot of questions about the U.S. They had heard most Americans had many credit cards and they have only one. Their perception, and it was not intended to be rude, but they explained that what their country believes. Germans perceive Americans as people who work several jobs to support themselves and have lots of credit. We talked about the differences in both our countries from health care to jobs, fitness and opportunity. One thing they didn't have on us is opportunity. They were moved by the fact that we are considered the Land of Opportunity. In Germany, if you're born poor, you remain poor. You don't get the opportunity to create your life. Your left with the hand you were dealt. After we wrapped up lunch we explored the streets longer and got coffees and took the tram back to our hotel.

We stopped in the lobby and got spritzers. This was also a first for me. They couldn't believe that I had not had a spritzer either. We sat in the courtyard and drank our cocktails and talked about California and Germany. They pulled out their iPhone and showed me pictures from where they are from in Germany. It was the most amazing city I've seen. It looked like something in a fairytale. They had beautiful quaint houses in the countryside. They grew up there and went away to college and moved back. We talked until I could barely keep my eyes open. I had been traveling since Friday and have not laid down in a bed since. Sleeping sitting up in a plane doesn't exactly qualify as a good nights rest.

My first day in Italy exceeded all of my expectations. I traveled here alone and met two amazing women that have truly moved me. How lucky I was to find two girls my age and who are intelligent, and inspired me. I could have been left to wander around the streets of Milan alone and instead I had an delicious first meal and an experience I'll hold on to forever.