Leaning Can Be Fun

Greetings Family,

The last two Saturdays have been very busy traveling and learning! Last Saturday I stayed close to home and visited Palazzo Vecchio. The palace originally built by the Medici's, it is still used as city hall today. They even had actors portraying the family in the square that afternoon. It was very cool, because the tour I was on was of the secret passages!! We were even able to see Lorzeno's treasure room, where he coordinated the portraits with the items behind the painting. No treasure left mind you... These pictures have of course been added!

Yesterday, I went to Pisa and Lucca for the day. Both places were absolutely beautiful. I was; however, very surprised at how SMALL the the leaning tower is! I don't know, for some reason, I just thought it would be massive, perhaps from all the pictures you see. But, it was not, still a site to see, but small none the less. And of course I took the famous pose, how could I not?!

Now, I must add, I was DOG TIRED on this trip, but it is my own fault!! Several of you know I love to dance and love 'ol school hip hop! Well, after hitting up two other spots for food and beverages, I met a British DJ with my couch surfer host and now friend Danielle. He shared all about his spot where he works, an underground after hours 'OL SCHOOL HIP HOP spot!! What?! How could I not grace this place with my presence. Can I just say WE WERE GETTING OUR DANCE ON! So much fun... and I forgot to add, this is a spot with mostly locals, non parlo ingles, solo parlo italiano!! (I don't speak English, I only speak Italian!) Lots of practice, the owner couldn't believe I had only been here for 3 weeks. Needless to say, if you want to know what a sunrise looks like in Florence, it's nice... you should check it out. But I paid for it the next day around Pisa and Lucca, ergo the leaning and molto dopo cappuccinos (several double cappuccinos)...

So now what...

1. I think I have recovered and finally got some rest today.

2. I am planning my trip to Athens, Greece (not Georgia) for fall break with Jen (my housemate) and Katie (another post bac). Danielle can't go.

3. As you know I have changed my "focus," to photography so here are a few recent shots through my lens. (Don't worry, Hunters Bend I'm still drawing too! Thanks for the encouragement.)

What do you think?

No Pressure...

Ciao Ragazzi!

Yesterday my drawing class went to Academia. You may not know this, but this is the location of the original David, by Michelangelo. (A replica is located in the Uffizi Square.) They moved David indoors to protect him from the elements and he is absolutely beautiful! Dare I say breathtaking. Well, I about lost my breath when John, my British drawing instructor let us know we would be sketching David. WHAT!! Are you kidding me?

Being the good little student that I am, I kindly set my place and began the process. Then I realized, as people were walking by, tourists and such, they were looking at my paper! Looking at the papers of my classmates. Citing for the world to hear or at least those in ear shot, "ahh, art students." Of course each glance offered judgements of approval or not. Great, so now, I not only have the pressure of drawing this GIANT, but also the community, ensuring I get the curl of his hair and curvature of everything else, just right. I won't bore you with my sketches, but let's just say, I am glad I am in the class. I will add; however, once I started using the charcoal, it felt and looked better, trust me, the tourist from Canada told me so!

As far as my other classes, I LOVE my photo professor Jacopo (I know, but we are in Italy). He combines photography with literature. I have been waiting for a teacher like this all my life! Jacopo will also be my advisor through grad seminar. He was so kind to recommend a number of books for me to start, one of which I have to have the first 6 chapters complete by next Tuesday. Glad I love to read!

In Video, my teacher is Bruno (again, but he is French, SACI has quite the international faculty!) I already made my first short. It was about an addicition to running. The first step is to admit you have a problem... This weekend, my partner and I will be working on a "sequence", but we still have to come up with the subject. Let me know if you have ideas...

Finally, what we have all been waiting for... my piece came out today in The Florentine, simply click to follow the link. I also have my next story! I will be completing the Up Close and Personal Section of an artist named Marina Calamai. Her story is unique, her art is of desserts. Question: I wonder if she will bring real samples of the models she uses when we meet? Thanks Steve for the lead on this one, I owe you a cappuccino!

Well, I have to run, my friend Danielle is taking me to an opening tonight. She has been great and helps me with the Italian. I am finally understanding, I just wish I could respond!

Ciao!

Lost in Translation

Ciao Ragazzi! (hello everyone)

Here are two posts in one, life has been so busy with the first week of classes, I am not quite sure where to begin. Nevertheless, here goes...

To explain several inquires about last week's post... SWIM FINS. These lovely items were simply requested to help me from sinking in the abyss of naked people and classes. Heh, give me a break, I haven't carried a full load since '97.


My article for The Florentine comes out on Thursday! I will be sure and make a post with the link. I am waiting for my next assignment, but I am also hunting out the story as well. Watch out Lois Lane!

I decided to drop and add a few classes. I have elected to take photography as my new focus, instead of drawing. Now mind you, I am still being hunted down by the naked people, as alas, I still have figure drawing, but I no longer have to focus there. Along with photography, I will also study video. I think this will be pretty cool. Now the ham will be behind the camera instead just in front of it! I will be sure and keep you posted.

This Saturday I went to Ravenna for the day. It is just past Bologna and the birthplace of Mosaics. This is the latest slide show. Please know, I did my best to capture the splendor... but it still pales in comparison of actually seeing these life size pieces of art. Believe it or not, there was even a wedding going on in one of the basilicas we visited, which brings me to this weeks smile moment.

Since I arrived, I have been keeping a running tab of when Italians have used American phrases, slang, or other comments that were obviously lost in translation. Caveat, before I go into the running tab of Lost in Translation comments, I do want to add, that I am pretty sure there is some cute little Italian girl (she has to be cute, they all are) who has jotted down one of my errors as well, when I was trying to share THEIR language!

• Today, when looking at a photo of trapped baby raccoons in a dumpster, my Grad Seminar professor exclaimed. "Ahhh, they got caught with their hand in the marmalade." Uh, I think he meant cookie jar.
• While in Ravenna, we past a wedding that was playing the graduation march as their pre-music for the ceremony.
• I have been asked where I am from more then I can count. I am sorry to report, almost no one has heard of Tennessee. In fact, they often say, Hennessey when repeating it back to me and then begins a long drawn out discussion. So I think I am just going to say I am from NY and be done with it.
• Here is one about the lovely Italian men... walking through the mercato (market) I am often, what's the word, approached, uh, greeted. Yeah, greeted with varied salutations. On this particular day, a "gentleman" who says some form of hello daily, told me "You're like honey." I believe he meant to say, I was sweet. I hope so... *insert shutter here*

One final thought, I dropped Fresco painting to take video, but I do want to add, I never had a college professor serve me Peach Bellini's after lunch for as I worked. I LOVE ITALY!! Thank you God for the opportunity....

Va Benne! (as well)

Swim Fins...

Ciao Familia...

This is a very quick post as we are on a break. But I have a special request... can someone please send me a pair of swim fins. You know the floaty things you would wear as a kid when you were learning to swim. I might need them this semester!

Today has been the first day of class. I have been listening and doing since 9:00 this morning and still don't get out of class until 7:30. Needless to say, my brain is on overload! I am exhausted and enthralled at the same time. 

Here is the crazy thing... Today I had Drawing Foundations. Well, several people know I took drawing this summer and loved it! But, I only worked in still life, nature, and from photographs. Today, was the first time, I had to work with a nude model. *insert* red face! I have never worked with a nude model before. Fortunately it was a woman, but still. I was like, please someone, anyone, give her back her robe. At least she was thin and had a nice physique (oohhh!) Nevertheless, it is hard try to draw the most intimate parts of a person, without feeling a little, I don't know.. FREAKED!! Did I just throw up in my mouth a bit? I hate to think of the other models we will meet. Apparently, this whole class... the WHOLE CLASS (yes I'm yelling) is filled with naked people each time. FREAKED!

On top of this, it is going to be a lot of work... much more then I realized just looking at the syllabus, but I know the first day of school is often overwhelming. Plus I STILL don't have all of my art supplies, so this is undue stress.  At least tomorrow I only have Italian, so I can process through the rest then. Again, feel free to send the swim fins, not they will really help, but maybe some Krispy Kreme Donuts will...

Random Thought: There aren't any Starbucks here. I know, big surprise. Here is my assumption, they would be laughed out of the country!  I tried a REAL Cafe Maccichoto (sp) today, WOW! STRONG, to say the least...

What I don't want to be when I grow up.... 

please add, nude model!

My Feet HURT!

Salve Familia,
I have so much to share and so little time. The past two days have been BUSY to say the least. SACI has an extensive orientation, one being a guided tour around town. Let me see, oh, and before I go on, I have added a photo box. This one will show different aspects of Firenze and several shots from todays tour!


I interviewed the artist Jules Maidoff yesterday. Google him, he is pretty hot stuff! It was the coolest expereience ever. I LOVED sitting in the Museo Marino Marini (Marino Marini Museum) with him; once I found it. He had so many wonderful stories to share. I was late, because I got lost, again! But stumbled upon the most beautfiul via (street) on earth. I was in the presence of greatness, Gucci, Chanel, Hilfiger, well maybe not Hilfiger, but you get the picture. I had to refocus and get to my job!! During parts of our time together his assistants kept coming over to ask about positioning of certain pieces and groupings, etc. If you get a chance, google Maidoff, look for the piece 'Romeo and Juliet!' POWERFUL and it just draws you in. It is a piece he completed to deal with the grief he felt after his wife passed. With all the distractions, needless to say we needed additional time, so we went across the square to the bar. But it is not like a bar in the US. It was more like a small cafe with quaint tables and chairs, umbrellas and gypsies' begging. YES, gypsies. I didn't have anything. I was too nervous! Mr. Maidoff had a Coca-Cola light, their version of Diet Coke. After finishing with him, he placed a thought in my mind that I will always take with me, "You can't choose where you are born. You make your own world where you are."


Speaking of the food. Shopping has been very interesting to say the least! Can you imagine trying to make purchases by picture and figuring out what you know from spanish and applying that here. Yeah.... so far so good. I thought to myself, is this how illiterate people feel when they shop. In a sense I guess I am illiterate when it comes to Italian. I live across from a wonderful Geltaria. Angelo is our shop keeper or maybe I should say pusher. I had the carmel and chocolote gelato with nuts yesterday. YUMMO! I couldn't even finish it. It was so rich and such.... But I did place it in the freezer for later. lol I also walked to a local bakery for a breakfast treat yesterday. I purchased some sort of pastry that was folded. It was like Creme Brulee in a pastery. The outside was crispy and carmelized and the inside was chewy and creamy, like creme brulee. It was so good, I kept telling my housemate, Jen, "This makes no sense! Nothing like this, for breakfast, should be this good!!" But it was.

Here are the Top TEN things I have learned in Florence after 5 days;

Letterman style!

10. Don't hand them the money! When making a purchase, put it in the tray and they put your change in the tray with the reciept. If you hand it to them, they think you are rude, and did you know they charge you for the Pusa (bag). I think some places in the US are starting this to encourage cloth bags.
9. Quanto Costa? How much? It is always best to ask, but it also good to know your numbers so you know how much they say in return.
8. Air Condition is a good thing and it should NOT be taken for granted. I mean seriously, how much hotter can it get!?! I thought Nashville was hot. This ladies and gentleman is another level!
7. QUESTION: What do you really have to share, at the top of your lungs, at 3am! The people in Florence never sleep. New York is a quiet town compared to this.
6. The Piazza Santa Maria Novella (The square of Saint Mary of the Flower) is beautiful... and shoud be taken in multiple times a day. Which in a sense I have, since I tend to get lost and use this as a marker to find myself.
5. Just keep walking. When the men start, just keep walking, hummm Italian Men... ahhhh that is a post for another day friends.
4. Dov' e`...? Where is? I am not sure how many times I can get lost, but you have to be lost, before you can be found... right? And I use this expression A LOT!
3. Am I really understanding Italian already!? I am shocked at how quickly I am picking it up and actually having conversations with people. I am sure is it is broken dialect, but heh I am still talking to you!
2. Did I just eat that? I think there might be crack in the food! It is way too good. It should be a sin to eat food this good. Did I mention the gelato across from my apt?!
1. MY FEET HURT!! (and yes I am yelling!) I don't know how these Italian Women do it! This must be where Carrie Bradshaw took her inspiration from! After a few days in wedges and flats, I made my first purchase. Very Compfy! And beleive it or not, it was mostly in Italian!

So now what...

1. Sorry for the long post!
2. Danielle, my roommates, and I are going to this bar on Saturday night. Which isn't like a bar in the US, no worries mom. Basically it is an all you can eat place for about 5-7 Euros and you can have beverages too. ALL YOU CAN EAT! A sin...
3. Try to catch the last of the lecture... or not
4. Write my story for the Florentine
5. Rest? Nah.... too much to do!

A Presto...

CIAO de FIRENZE!

Buono Sera Familia,

The time here is a little before 3. The building is quiet, as most people have left for lunch and sieste. So I will use this time to share my thoughts quickly, because I too need to eat lunch! Can you believe I am eating this late!!

On the flight over I met the sweetest Greek woman while standing around; literally standing around. A person can only sit so long, and I was over the plane ride the minute my TV wasn't working and the lady next to me began her grooming processes, etc. She spoke Greek, Turkey, Bulgarian, but not English! When she came out of the rest room, the sign language began. I got the impression she wanted to practice her English. So sure, why not... here is a chance for me to practice my Greek, oh wait, I don't speak Greek! Apparently, her husband works in Chicago.
They have a house there and in Athens` I think it was Athens. *let me pause here, I am on an Italian keyboard, so stuff is moved around and missing and not where it should be. So see the star on the line above, that was supposed to be a open paranthese; not so much. But I am figuring this thing out!) She went on about her family and being split between the two countries. Her name was Lena, like the girl from Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants *great movie!) But she looked nothing like her. From this exchange, Lena taught me two Greek words. Which are given here in phonetics, Kolo, which is nice. She thought that I was very Kolo. And Yashoo, which is hello and good bye. Question, 'Why is it we are the only ones who don't have a dual greeting?'

On the transfer in Munich I met a very nice man. I began to use my Italiano! Non parlo Italiano, parlo Portuguese! So needless to say, the conversation was very short, but he was sweet. *He only spoke Portuguese, I kind of speak Italian)

My first day in Florence when like this and trust me when I say this is the Reader's Digest version! Out of my 3 pieces of luggage only 1 was there at the airport. Driving to the center of town, where my couch surfing host Danielle lived, was a bit scary! These folks drive a bit crazy and I was glad I was riding and just taking in the city. There is quite a bit of graffiti, which I didn't expect. Danielle explained to me that in Florence the suburbs are the bad part of town no one wants to live there. Everyone wants to be in the center of the Piazza. Danielle, with her dog Rosalita, were AWESOME hosts. She was so helpful, considering I was missing so many items. I would insert some pictures, but I don't have my camera... She took me to a festival hosted by the Democratic Party (the other option are the Communist, but apparently they lost, so nothing to celebrate) with food and a concert. She has been living here for 4 years, so she definitely knows her way around. My first REAL ITALIAN MEAL was risotto with asparagus and vanilla gelato with chocolate syrup and hazel nuts for dessert. RICH! To say the least. I know for sure I will be walking, otherwise, I will be rolling home!

Almost done, today 9.3.08 or as they say in Europe, 3.9.08, I had an interview for a freelance writer with an English speaking paper. I GOT THE JOB!! I actually was assigned my first story. Can you believe it!? I am covering an art opening, the artist is the guy who started SACI. I have a private meeting with him domani (tomorrow) as they begin to hang the 70 pieces of his work in the museum. I am turning in a draft on Monday and I go to copy on the 15th. I have one of the main stories!! Not bad for my first time back in the author's chair. I will be sure to add a link in a later post.

So now what...

1. I am going to get some lunch.
2. See about the water in my apartment (there was none when I came over. And did you see I figured out the open parnethese!!) and roll my sole bag back to the place.
3. Begin my research for my story and maybe watch some TV. You should see Friends or Charlie's Angels in Italian voice over.
4. Add to the list of what I am not going to be when I grow up... Pilot or Flight Attendant!
5. Try not to get lost literally going around the corner, trust me, it has happened already!

Ciao...