Moving Out

Moving Out is a book that I have had the recent pleasure of experiencing. It is a collection of photos and thoughts by Jewish-Swiss photographer Robert Frank. In his collection, you can see a definite progression of Frank's work, thoughts, and experiences. In some way, I feel as though this blog has been that for me.

Tomorrow, I finish moving out of my original housing with two lovely English speaking girls, into a home of solely speaking Italian girls. Through the process of moving, I have reorganized my work (realizing I bought way too much crap that I am not using), had several thoughts (why did I pack this crap; I need to send it home), and can share the following experiences.

1. Have you ever moved without a car?! Yeah, my friends Alessandro and Riccardo helped me, but to keep my items safe, they parked the car at their job. Wow, nice I thought, but you have to go and get the car. Mental Note, if an American asks you, "Do you want to take the bus or walk to get the car?" Say 'walk.' If an Italian says, "Preferici l'autobus o in piedi?" (see above) Say, 'l'autobus!!' In addition, if they add, "un passigate" (a little walk,) DON'T BELIEVE THEM!!! Unfortunately, no one warned me and I said, "si, un passigate, buono!" (yes, a little walk, great!) Little did I know 30-40 minutes later we would arrive at the car. I am glad I had on my Mizunos! In addition, I offered to pay Alessandro, you know 'cause gas is high in the states, but its REAL high here, plus they sale it by the liter! "Excuse mi! No!" Apparently I totally insulted him. My Bad... but it is OK for me to cook dinner for them. Who knew, people around the world are willing to work for food.

2. With my new apartment comes a great old bike (no gears, a non working light, a bell and a basket.) I bought it off the girl who moved out. Well, I am not sure if you have ever cycled before or just rode a bike at the park. I thought walking was crazy in Florence, biking is a whole 'nother level!! Mind you, I cycle at home, so I am use to having my feet "clipped" in. This is literally your foot attached to the pedal. So mentally my body acts like my feet can't move. Further, I usually have a bike shoe and not heels. Finally, have you ever had a guy try to pick you up on your bike, from his bike. *insert riotous laughter here* Yet another thing to add to my Italian Men Post.

So now what...
I need to turn in the old keys.
I have to clean both apartments.
I desperately need to figure what is being mailed home to momma and what is staying.
I need to pack, because I'll be home for Christmas!

Ciao Ragazzi!

A Sentimental Mood

Oh the holidays are now upon us. And as I sit working in my studio Coltrane is playing in the background. Serenading me and sending me soaring towards a Sentimental Mood. (Caveat: If you don't know this track, or worse don't know Coltrane, you need to get out more.)

I just finished preparing my photojournalism story! 10 captured images from the day AFTER the election, with mat, mounted on foam core. My presentation and critique are Tuesday and Thursday. I am very proud of them. It was great fun watching this whole process evolve from a brief conversation, to inspiration, some perspiration and then manifestation.(Sorry, I am having a Jesse Jackson moment; it's the Coltrane).

As for the week, the semester is coming to a close. I can't believe how fast the time has gone! I had a little Christmas party at the house on Friday. About 25 people from Italy, Japan, Canada and the States; of course we had Mexican! It was fun. On Saturday I move into the new place with Simona and Luciana. My friends Ricardo and Alessandro are helping. This is a blessing, because they have cars!!

I will be home (Milwaukee) for Christmas, just a week and then off to Paris. I can't wait to enjoy the top 10 below (Letterman style of course). Where are my ruby slippers? "There's no place like home!"

10. My family. I have to be sure and include them, no hurt feelings. And Turkey and Dressing, because spinach tortellini was cool for Thanksgiving, but THAT'S not Thanksgiving!
9. Desperate Housewives. I haven't seen one episode since being in Italy! They are a season behind, it is in Italian, and I can't watch it online. DANG FCC!
8. Chatting with friends from home (Nashville) at a reduced rate! Did I mention the last phone bill? And yes, I am still accepting contributions, especially if you are one of the people I called! (Am I bitter? No. Seriously, not at all...)
7. That Christmas feeling. Frantically running through the streets of Milwaukee trying to find matching_______ for ______ in the snow. Becoming impatient as ________ decides on ________ for _______. (I am thinking I will get over this pretty quickly.)
6. Snow! I haven't had a white Christmas in a few years. But I don't want so much snow to keep me from getting in or out of the O'Hare Airport.
5. Project Runway, America's Next Top Model, So You Think You Can Dance, well basically just about all of the reality TV shows. Yes, I admit, I am a reality TV junkie! But I am on the way to recovery, first step, done!
4. Diet Coke! In Italy, they have this, stuff, called Coca-Cola Lite. It is NOT Diet Coke friends. It doesn't have that burn, you know. I don't even waste my Euros on it. But I promise, there will be a 2 liter of Diet Coke, with lime in one hand and number 1 in the other. ( I promise to post a picture of that!)
3. Essence Marie Coppins. My sweet angel. Mom has been so good in keeping Essence and of course Essence hasn't always kept her end of the bargain. THANKS MOM!
2. Speaking of mom... her pecan pie for Christmas with chocolate chips! YUMMO and my grandmother's peach cobbler! OMG, my mouth is watering...
1. Whole Foods ALL NATURAL smooth Peanut Butter! You can NOT find Peanut Butter here and when you do it is almost $10!! I know several people who like Nutella, but again, I don't see what all the hype is about!

Yet again, I see a pattern. hummmm.... I think it's dinner time!

Ciao!

The BEST Weekend Ever!!

Can I just say, I have had some really good weekends since I started living in Europe. For example, Venice for the weekend, Fall leaves in Stia, hanging at the Rugby game and dinner with Giovanni's Family. BUT, this weekend tops them all and the great thing, there are more to come.

FRIDAY was a bit glum, only because my camera broke at a photo shoot the day before. Literally, the shutter collapsed upon itself!! Mind you, I was shooting in a mental hospital (no patients) and an abandoned orphanage when it happened. Could it be I am shooting too much? Is 30 rolls of film too much? hummm. Needless to say, there was still more shooting to be completed on Thursday, but it didn't happen for me. *sigh* Nevertheless, Friday was the upswing of the weekend, because my photo teacher, Jacopo, who I love, personally escorted me to a photo shop that should be able to help me out. I was supposed to hear of the results Friday afternoon, it is now Monday afternoon and Jacopo just called. The camera is ready and less then what I budgeted for. GLORY TO GOD! Especially considering that last phone bill... and the shooting to still be done.

That night I had dinner, Mexican, with three other Yankees followed by some awesome Cuban music. Cuban music in Italy, who knew...

SATURDAY was filled with printing in the studio. I am currently working on three separate projects. One of which is my attempt at a photojournalist perspective/story. Fingers Crossed! If you didn't know, after about 4 hours of printing, everything that is white starts to look green. So, I took a break to meet my friend Danielle at an area bar for appretivo and the game. I am a huge football fan, GO! PACK GO! But unfortunately, I am unable to get my weekly fix here in Florence. So I have learned to settle for real football; soccer.

Watching Fiortena, the Florence team play and whip some team from the North was awesome! You see this stuff on TV, but when folks actually start singing the city/team fight songs, you can't help but join in! Great fun... I have to buy some purple so I fit in better next time. After I went back to the studio and worked until midnight, security pretty much put me out!

SUNDAYthe weather was absolutely fabulous! Cold, but sunny and just a few clouds... And in the afternoon I finally found an apartment!! It is located 'out of the center,'(The Duomo, San Lorenzo etc), away from the touristy part of town and the neighborhood is pretty much only Italians. Yes ladies and gentleman, it is now 2 Italians and 1 American! My new housemates are Lucina and Simona. Sweet girls, who pretty much just speak Italian, but want to learn English so let the lessons begin!! (I do hope my accent doesn't rub off.) Of course, last night when I was struggling through my Italian homework I started thinking, what have I done!?!? My only American contact will be at the school and with Danielle. YIKES...

After this euphoric moment, I came back to the studio to look for tickets for my sister and I. We will be spending New Year's Eve in Paris!!! I can't believe how cheap it was to fly there from Italy. We leave from Florence on New Year's Eve, arriving about 4 in the afternoon, returning to Florence on the 3rd. We will be couch surfing while there and I promise to take lots of pictures! I have never been to Times Square for New Year's, and I have nothing to compare it to, but I assume it should be OK.

The day was of course was topped off with great food. My housemate Jen has a new "friend." Francisco. He is from Mexico and made two authentic dishes for us. I LOVE MEXICAN FOOD! (Yes! I am yelling!!) But the highlight of the ENTIRE weekend was a new introduction to the BEST thing in Italy. Chocolto Au fu Gato con Panne... Now this is totally spelled wrong, but don't get stuck there. The important part is this. It is literally Hot Chocolate with 2 scoops of Gelato (I prefer carmello) and REAL whipped Cream!! OMG. It is about 1200 calories, but seriously, who cares. I could literally swim in it. I could wear it like George Costanza wants to wear velvet on Seinfeld. That's how I am about this decadence. YUMMO!! Isn't it funny how when it is all said and done, it comes back to food. hummm... mental note: 'I really need to learn how to cook more.'

I am off to the studio, to complete more printing!