Another month has passed in Milan. It’s been a busy one, and autumn has arrived here too. The month began with a cold and some rest. I watched many of my old favorite Finnish movies and TV shows. Astrid Lindgren’s films bring comfort and a sense of home whenever I feel weak. I love how she creates such an authentic atmosphere, and childhood memories come alive again.

I’ve also spent a lot of time outside in parks, eating soups, and taking care of my health.

Last month I got the idea to cut my hair short here in Milan, but I couldn’t seem to find the right place. One day after work, as Thais and I were walking past a hair salon, she asked if I wanted to go in and ask about getting the haircut. I almost didn’t go, but decided to step inside anyway. The entrance reminded me of grandmother’s living room sofa. Red roses bloomed across the carpet, wallpaper, and even the ceiling at the doorway.

After talking with the receptionist for a while, she asked if I wanted to speak with the salon’s stylist to make sure the hairstyle would suit me. The stylist was a very polite, charming man who shared his ideas and eventually offered to cut my hair for free if I agreed to be their Instagram model. Now I have a new short pixie cut that feels truly me. It’s funny how opportunities open up when you keep your mind open.

Little by little, I’m realizing all the things I forgot to pack with me. Autumn somehow caught me by surprise, and I’ve been buying warm clothes to survive Milan’s chilly fall. In a way, I’ve accidentally started creating a new identity here. My appearance is slowly changing but it feels lovely.

Otherwise, my daily life has settled nicely. I go to kickboxing at 7 a.m. every week, my office work varies from day to day, and studying Italian is still challenging. I’ve been trying to find my own ways of learning, and that has worked better for me than traditional classes. I’m aware that I’m a creative learner, and I need alternative ways to absorb things.

This month we also got to go to Rome for training and to network with other volunteers from around Italy. I didn’t have any expectations but even if I had, they would have all been exceeded. I was surprised by how meaningful it felt to connect with other volunteers. I even met another Finn, and it was wonderful to share my heart in my mother tongue. I had wished for connection and deep understanding, and that’s exactly what I received. I had beautiful, meaningful conversations where I could be fully present. I laughed a lot and, most memorably, I got to go to the sauna! That’s something special here. I came back from Rome with new friends and more knowledge about future volunteering opportunities. I’m grateful for that.

Back in Milan, everyday life continues. I might have lost my bus card and then found it again. I was stopped at a metro station and asked if I’d be interested in modeling, so I gave them my contact info, though I accidentally left out the country code. I suffered from a migraine for several days, went to a wonderful brunch, got sick again (a bit more seriously this time), and rested a lot.

And the best part, my mom and sister came to Milan and took great care of me. When I started feeling better, I showed them around Milan, and we took a day trip to Lake Como. It feels so important to see loved ones. Family and friends are truly close to my heart, and I love staying in touch with them through letters and photos. I feel so lucky to have such wonderful people around me. It’s a gift to care and to be cared for.

See you again next month.

With love,
Emmi