Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Vado in Italia!!
It's finally here. My departure. I am so looking forward to visiting with everyone as much as possible. It's going to be a great and stress free trip. Non vedo l'ora!! I can't wait. Eccomi Italia! Finalmente sono tornata!!
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Vado in Italia!!
I'm leaving for Italia in a few days. YEAH!! Okay, I'm excited finally. The list is getting shorter. My friend Paolo has sent me a text of his last minute requests of R & B music to get for him at Amoeba. Lucky for him it's only 4 CD's. Naturally it's "old school" R & B to add to his amazing collection. In Italy it appears to be very difficult to find "old school" music. At least the stuff Paolo likes. The days were moving slow but last week was a blur. I'll be on the plane on Thursday. NON VEDO L'ORA!! I'm crossing my fingers for the "business" part of this trip to come together because it would an opportunity to go back to Italy again and work in my profession. Now that would be dream come true. I still believe dreams can come true.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Saturday's here and gone....
Funny how one thinks they have all the time in the world on the weekend. And poof! It's over. I really thought I'd get so much done today for my trip. Well, I got a few things done. I even had time to run another errand and go to the gym for a half hour (half hour is better than nothing). All this before dinner.
Dinner was at a favorite mexican restaurant Tlapazola. Great Oaxacan food at this place but I can't stand the parking. It's located in a little strip mall. Parking is always tricky because there is the 5pm dinner crowd (the senior citizens) which clearly need some time to get to their car and then there is the crowd going for Japanese/Korean or just sushi or the pizza delivery place is there too. We tried to park in the lot but without success and always an adventure. A woman in front of us couldn't figure out where she wanted to park her SUV. She had her signal on for one spot and then she decides she wants to take the other spot we were heading for. As our car is backing up, this elderly man with a patch on his eye and a cane gets out of the car and proceeds to claim the parking spot we're heading for. Can we say subtle? If the spot means that much then I say, "please take it." The irony was after we proceeded to park across the street. This woman driving the SUV, didn't take ANY of the spots. She drives away. NON CREDO! I still don't know what the big deal was. Fortunately, the margarita became way more important than the idiot drivers in L.A. A wonderful evening with an old and dear friend was perfect.
I never realized how much my friend loved Italy as much as I do. His favorite spot is Venice in the winter and he's never been south of Rome. He's not a big fan of Rome because it's "too big." If he hadn't told me about Venice first, then I would've categorized him with many Americans who love Florence and Tuscany. I will also forgive him for never having been South of Roma. Boy is he missing out. Clearly it has taken me yet another week to post this blog. This Saturday is already next Saturday and on to Sunday. Here and gone....
Dinner was at a favorite mexican restaurant Tlapazola. Great Oaxacan food at this place but I can't stand the parking. It's located in a little strip mall. Parking is always tricky because there is the 5pm dinner crowd (the senior citizens) which clearly need some time to get to their car and then there is the crowd going for Japanese/Korean or just sushi or the pizza delivery place is there too. We tried to park in the lot but without success and always an adventure. A woman in front of us couldn't figure out where she wanted to park her SUV. She had her signal on for one spot and then she decides she wants to take the other spot we were heading for. As our car is backing up, this elderly man with a patch on his eye and a cane gets out of the car and proceeds to claim the parking spot we're heading for. Can we say subtle? If the spot means that much then I say, "please take it." The irony was after we proceeded to park across the street. This woman driving the SUV, didn't take ANY of the spots. She drives away. NON CREDO! I still don't know what the big deal was. Fortunately, the margarita became way more important than the idiot drivers in L.A. A wonderful evening with an old and dear friend was perfect.
I never realized how much my friend loved Italy as much as I do. His favorite spot is Venice in the winter and he's never been south of Rome. He's not a big fan of Rome because it's "too big." If he hadn't told me about Venice first, then I would've categorized him with many Americans who love Florence and Tuscany. I will also forgive him for never having been South of Roma. Boy is he missing out. Clearly it has taken me yet another week to post this blog. This Saturday is already next Saturday and on to Sunday. Here and gone....
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Vado in Italia!!
Well my luck is changing because off I go to Italy next month. Non vedo l'ora!! (I can't wait). The best part is that I am going to celebrate the birthday of my Italian mamma. She's going to be 81 yrs old. What an amazing woman.
I have no idea how I'm going to see everyone but right now that's irrelevant. I'm going to Bella Italia! Yahoo!! This is the first time in fact : I realize as I write this that I have even got remotely excited. It hit me today that I'm leaving two weeks from today. I'm going to Milano and over to visit friends in Torino and then down to Roma where I will stay until my return. Mamma Mia ci sono tante cose da fare!! (there are a lot of things to do) I didn't dare get excited before because the trip seemed too far away to think at the time I bought the ticket. Naturally everything seems to come up all at once and I'm sure a job or two will too. My friends tell me to remember how short life is and to live it to the fullest because tomorrow is not promised. Italy here I come!!
I have no idea how I'm going to see everyone but right now that's irrelevant. I'm going to Bella Italia! Yahoo!! This is the first time in fact : I realize as I write this that I have even got remotely excited. It hit me today that I'm leaving two weeks from today. I'm going to Milano and over to visit friends in Torino and then down to Roma where I will stay until my return. Mamma Mia ci sono tante cose da fare!! (there are a lot of things to do) I didn't dare get excited before because the trip seemed too far away to think at the time I bought the ticket. Naturally everything seems to come up all at once and I'm sure a job or two will too. My friends tell me to remember how short life is and to live it to the fullest because tomorrow is not promised. Italy here I come!!
Missing Italy
Boy do I have a "Jones" for Italy. I can't believe I haven't been there in over a year. No wonder I feel empty inside. There's something about this beautiful country that feeds my soul. Not going the usual time in August left me in a bit of a funk. At first I thought, " there is no way I can survive August in L.A." I really felt like an alien in my own country. I can't even remember August for the first time in 4 years. I know I more or less immersed myself in projects that would as least occupy my time with thoughts away from Italy. I would receive txt messages from my Italian friends on the island. They were kind enough to tell me how much they missed me. It was nice of them to keep me in their thoughts. I know they were having a blast! My Italian sister had a good time but left out the details so I wouldn't feel bad. When people asked me about my summer. My response was "What summer?" The sad thing was I didn't even step my toe into the Santa Monica ocean summer. In spite of the distance and the disappointing summer, I do feel connected with my Italian friends from this side of the world. Gotta pull that boot closer or at least create more opportunities to cross the ocean.
Trying to hang again...
I thought I could be a good blogger. NOT!! Haven't written on this since March maybe? Oh my! Maybe it's an insecurity that my life is not worth sharing. Hmmm. Rule number one of writing and comedians I think: Don't judge your own material.
I can see why people write blogs but I haven't decided if it's for me. On one hand, what a great way to express thyself. I have to admit ny/carribean ragazza and soon to be Expat friend has kept me so entertained along with in touch with what's going on with her. What a gift!!
So now that I've awaken from my long winter, spring and summer nap, perhaps I can give this another go. So here's another attempt to see if I can become a better blogger. If at first you don't succeed...etc. Not sure where that came from but I digress.
I can see why people write blogs but I haven't decided if it's for me. On one hand, what a great way to express thyself. I have to admit ny/carribean ragazza and soon to be Expat friend has kept me so entertained along with in touch with what's going on with her. What a gift!!
So now that I've awaken from my long winter, spring and summer nap, perhaps I can give this another go. So here's another attempt to see if I can become a better blogger. If at first you don't succeed...etc. Not sure where that came from but I digress.
Friday, March 2, 2007
Italian Encounters in L.A.
I went back to my Italian conversation class last night and as usual Wednesday nights are the nights for any type of Special Event at the Italian Cultural Center. Lucky for the students because it means...Vino!! :-)
I was on my way up to the class when I saw one of my fellow classmates with a glass of wine in his hand. He told me that our class was mingling at the Special Event. I noticed these books on the table and realized the event was for Isabella Rossellini. There SHE was promoting her book. I arrived close the the end but soon enough to hear her speak. Now if anyone would have told me I would be standing close to Isabella Rossellini, naturally my reply would be, "Not in a million years." One never knows who one will bump into. I also bumped into another Italian friend of mine who is a journalist for Italian films and other Italian events going on in L.A. I haven't seen her since the Italian film festival the year before last. My Italian friend was the one who told me to go up to Isabella and say something before she went off to interview someone. I decided to walk up to Isabella, say hello and tell her that my best friend worked on her project in Rome. It wasn't too crowded and I had the chance if I could just get around the Japanese women with their digital cameras. Finally, I have the chance to say something to Isabella and I say THIS like an idiot, "My friend worked on your even last September or October in Rome. She works for Contrasto...." THAT'S IT!! Nothing else would come to my head or should I say out of my mouth. HA!!! Maybe I got out my friend's name but I honestly don't remember. I was talking to her in English but all my thoughts were in Italian. How strange is that??? I couldn't speak my own language very well. I didn't speak Italian because Her entire speech was just in English. So I thought to myself, "Better speak in English since Isabella is speaking English." It was a mixed group of people mostly Italians, a few Americans and even some Japanese, so I guess that's why Isabella spoke English. ANYWAY, she was very nice and said "OH REALLY...." As if maybe she might've said something more??? Sure if I may have made more sense of what I was trying to say. Luckily for me a group of women jumped in front of me to get a photo of her. I should've thanked them because they probably saved me from looking more like an IDIOT than what I was feeling. I was laughing inside with embarrassment.
I couldn't believe that "I" the woman who can usually find ANYTHING to say around strangers was at a loss for words. Now that's a phone call to Guiness's World of Records..." La donna di Filicudi e` senza parole!! Mamma Mia!! Anyway, I immediately went to the bar and grabbed a nice glass of the Chianti they were serving at the bar. They were serving wine to everyone along with champagne and appetizers. I took my wine to class with me and I talked my head off in italian AFTER the wine. THE LESSON: I should've had the wine BEFORE I spoke to Isabella Rossellini. :-)
It's not as if she is the FIRST famous person I have met. I admit she is the 1st Italian actress I have met who is known worldwide. The other Italian actress I met in Filicudi seems to be only famous in Italy. Needless to say I am kicking myself for not showing off how I do speak Italian to Isabella but at the same time...things happen for a reason. The positive thought makes me feel better. It probabl wasn't as bad as I thought. Saro` fantastica la prossima volta.
Another positive note: The universe heard how much I was missing Italy and two Italian friends called me as well as my encounter with un'attrice italiana famousa. Beata me!!
I was on my way up to the class when I saw one of my fellow classmates with a glass of wine in his hand. He told me that our class was mingling at the Special Event. I noticed these books on the table and realized the event was for Isabella Rossellini. There SHE was promoting her book. I arrived close the the end but soon enough to hear her speak. Now if anyone would have told me I would be standing close to Isabella Rossellini, naturally my reply would be, "Not in a million years." One never knows who one will bump into. I also bumped into another Italian friend of mine who is a journalist for Italian films and other Italian events going on in L.A. I haven't seen her since the Italian film festival the year before last. My Italian friend was the one who told me to go up to Isabella and say something before she went off to interview someone. I decided to walk up to Isabella, say hello and tell her that my best friend worked on her project in Rome. It wasn't too crowded and I had the chance if I could just get around the Japanese women with their digital cameras. Finally, I have the chance to say something to Isabella and I say THIS like an idiot, "My friend worked on your even last September or October in Rome. She works for Contrasto...." THAT'S IT!! Nothing else would come to my head or should I say out of my mouth. HA!!! Maybe I got out my friend's name but I honestly don't remember. I was talking to her in English but all my thoughts were in Italian. How strange is that??? I couldn't speak my own language very well. I didn't speak Italian because Her entire speech was just in English. So I thought to myself, "Better speak in English since Isabella is speaking English." It was a mixed group of people mostly Italians, a few Americans and even some Japanese, so I guess that's why Isabella spoke English. ANYWAY, she was very nice and said "OH REALLY...." As if maybe she might've said something more??? Sure if I may have made more sense of what I was trying to say. Luckily for me a group of women jumped in front of me to get a photo of her. I should've thanked them because they probably saved me from looking more like an IDIOT than what I was feeling. I was laughing inside with embarrassment.
I couldn't believe that "I" the woman who can usually find ANYTHING to say around strangers was at a loss for words. Now that's a phone call to Guiness's World of Records..." La donna di Filicudi e` senza parole!! Mamma Mia!! Anyway, I immediately went to the bar and grabbed a nice glass of the Chianti they were serving at the bar. They were serving wine to everyone along with champagne and appetizers. I took my wine to class with me and I talked my head off in italian AFTER the wine. THE LESSON: I should've had the wine BEFORE I spoke to Isabella Rossellini. :-)
It's not as if she is the FIRST famous person I have met. I admit she is the 1st Italian actress I have met who is known worldwide. The other Italian actress I met in Filicudi seems to be only famous in Italy. Needless to say I am kicking myself for not showing off how I do speak Italian to Isabella but at the same time...things happen for a reason. The positive thought makes me feel better. It probabl wasn't as bad as I thought. Saro` fantastica la prossima volta.
Another positive note: The universe heard how much I was missing Italy and two Italian friends called me as well as my encounter with un'attrice italiana famousa. Beata me!!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
My first Blog
My question has always been. Why do people post blogs?? Does anyone really look at them?? I guess they do after reading my friend nyc/caribbean ragazza. Somehow today, it inspired me to try something different and make an attempt.
Now that I'm attempting, I'm thinking.."Uh..pressure... what in the world do I write about??
My friend nyc/caribbean ragazza is SO LUCKY to be in Italy right now. We both have this love for Roma. Did I say I'm jealous she's there right now?? I love her to death and couldn't be happier. Just wish I could've fit in her suitcase somehow.
After spending the past 4 years in August going to Italy,one would think I would've had enough. NOPE!! I am addicted as I know my friend is. I am just trying to create more opportunites to visit Italy more often. Since she is in Italy, it prompted me to write about everything I miss in Italy. Then I thought...well that could really take all year. So I'll keep it concise. What's the hurry?
After all it is MY BLOG!! I can write whatever and whenever I want to. Am I a real BLOGGER NOW?? :-)
Oh, how I miss the streets of Italy, walking down the street hearing Italian every day. Walking up and down the 6 flights of stairs as I did at my friend's apartment senza un'acensore (without an elevator). Somehow that never bothered me even when I forgot my wallet at the store after getting to counter and the cashier ringing up every thing!! Nice....Luckily I know how to curse politely in Italian and he couldn't have been more understanding.
I miss my walk down the street to the local bar where I ordered il mio te` freddo con limone. Mamma mia, manca davvero tutto in Italia!! I will have to live vicariously through my friend fino al mio ritorno al bello paese di cui tenga il mio cuore.
Now that I'm attempting, I'm thinking.."Uh..pressure... what in the world do I write about??
My friend nyc/caribbean ragazza is SO LUCKY to be in Italy right now. We both have this love for Roma. Did I say I'm jealous she's there right now?? I love her to death and couldn't be happier. Just wish I could've fit in her suitcase somehow.
After spending the past 4 years in August going to Italy,one would think I would've had enough. NOPE!! I am addicted as I know my friend is. I am just trying to create more opportunites to visit Italy more often. Since she is in Italy, it prompted me to write about everything I miss in Italy. Then I thought...well that could really take all year. So I'll keep it concise. What's the hurry?
After all it is MY BLOG!! I can write whatever and whenever I want to. Am I a real BLOGGER NOW?? :-)
Oh, how I miss the streets of Italy, walking down the street hearing Italian every day. Walking up and down the 6 flights of stairs as I did at my friend's apartment senza un'acensore (without an elevator). Somehow that never bothered me even when I forgot my wallet at the store after getting to counter and the cashier ringing up every thing!! Nice....Luckily I know how to curse politely in Italian and he couldn't have been more understanding.
I miss my walk down the street to the local bar where I ordered il mio te` freddo con limone. Mamma mia, manca davvero tutto in Italia!! I will have to live vicariously through my friend fino al mio ritorno al bello paese di cui tenga il mio cuore.
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