:: life unscriptd ::

Entries in Italy (7)

Friday

Nov202009

italy unveiled.

Friday, November 20, 2009 at 3:13PM

There were very few things I had on my to-do list this summer as I stepped off the plane, onto Italian territory. I was completely open to the experience that was before me, and made a point to refrain from forming "a plan." However... there were three things that were on my list... and I absolutely stood my ground on them. Number 1: do not be a wine racist. No matter the color, or region... don't discriminate. Number 2: do not turn your nose up at any food... even horse. Number 3: (the most important of them all) do not leave this country without something leather.

I managed to accomplish all three, quite successfully. I even ate horse - which, in hindsight, tasted like steak, but made me quite squeamish at the thought of eating a household pet for the rich and famous. The third goal was the most difficult. Because Italy is world-reknowned for their leather - I could not cross back over the Atlantic without something fabulously unique. I hadn't made up in my mind what that special something was (e.g. boots, a jacket, a belt), I just knew that I would know, when I saw it.

It wasn't long before I was staring at my reflection in the mirror in the dressing room, and knew I had found "IT." It was as if God himself took the time to hand-stitch the intricate weavings on the camel-colored beauty that was this blazer-style jacket. I neglected to look at the price tag prior to falling in love, unfortunately - and found myself in negotiations with a very convincing Italian lady (it didn't hurt that she kept calling me an Italian Queen). With the help of my roommates, I managed to get her down to a little less than a mortgage payment, and apparently, that was a 'steal.' While I had never swiped my debit card for anything that expensive in my life, I had to agree... this was truly a one-of-a-kind purchase.

Herein lies my dilemma. Where in the world do I unveil such a one-of-a-kind purchase? It's not something you just throw on to go to the grocery store! The weather is about right here in Atlanta, and I want this jacket to be seen by the masses. After what I paid for it, the whole damn world needs to take a glimpse... but that's besides the point. There are some holiday parties coming up that may make for the right 'unveiling' environment. Had I known that it would have been so hard to find a time and place to where the darn thing... I may have reconsidered the purchase....

...ha, yea right.

{kris} |

peek-a-boo.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 10:13PM

While taking my photo journalism course in Italy this summer, I was tasked with doing a series on the "Cats of Cagli." Turns out, stray cats are not only commonplace in this small town, but accepted. Should a cat call your porch their home for the evening - there's a good chance they will get fed as well. Must be nice to be an outlaw yet, so accepted.

This particular feline friend of mine was not a fan of my lens in her face during her feasting hour. All she wanted was a peaceful dinner, no interruptions...

Ah well... she'll get over it.

{kris} |

30 days

Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 2:06PM

The view from my apartment window

I would care to venture out and say that I have learned more about myself in the last 30 days, than I have in the last 20 + some odd years. Between emotional traffic jams with truth and desire, and travelling to a far away land solo... I have to say - my mental game is on an all time top speed, with no intentions of slowing down anytime soon. In reading through some of my past post, I have had a rather mealancholy approach to understanding the ways of the world, mine in particular.

Perhaps the confrontation with some old demons, the enlightenment from a kindred spirit, the belief that everything happens for a reason, the faith that I am not alone, and the view from the piazza a block down from my apartment in Italy have given me a refined perspective...

I think I'm ready to grow up. Nothing like 30 days in Roma to open your senses to a fresh start.

{kris} |

1 Comment |

tagged

Cagli,

Italy,

Piazza in

Saturday

May302009

breathe...roma

Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 3:11PM

This is La Piazza de Republica at night. No it's not Getty Images, this is all me and my D90 baby!

I landed in Rome, and realized how terrified I was to be in a country alone, that spoke a language I didn't understand. I realized quickly that my lashes and curly locks wouldn't get me too far with culture, unless of course I was asking for "trade options" - wink wink, nudge nudge... and indeed I was not. The airline crew, aside from the pilot who, Thank God, got me to Italy alive, was rude and brash.

The porter of my residence (t'was similar to a hostel, but had hotel attributes) had a minor crush on me, and made my name sound much cooler than it does in America - "Kristiana," but the front desk manager was a bad word in every language. She wasn't too fond of me either, as she directed me to take the stairs with all 80lbs of suticases that I lugged across the country. By the time I got to the second floor, I had a cramp in my thigh, back and toe (yes my toe), I was sweating bullets and I was pissed. I looked down the hallway for a fountain - and saw the elevator. I was done. I took the elevator up one floor and walked inside to my humble beginnings in Roma. Making a promise to myself not flip out on anyone behind the thick glass that served as the front desk.

Inhale... exhale... ok, I'm good.

I had some authentic pizza, and the most wonderful diet coke... and took a wonderfully long nap. I woke up to a night time Roma, ready to be explored. I am in Roma. I am in Roma...

I am in Roma....

{kris} |

2 Comments |

tagged

Atlanta,

First Day,

Italy,

La Piazza de Republica,

Roma in

Mi Viaje

Friday

May292009

musings from coach

Friday, May 29, 2009 at 10:36AM

On my 9 hour flight to Italy, I was seated by the window - beside a middle aged Italian couple. They spoke no English, so I had no one to communicate with. I figured, for purposes of keepsake only, I would take note of what I would say, had I had an English speaking individual to express my sentiments. These thoughts are as follows:

32A where are you? Please be beside the bathroom... I just drank 24oz of water. Niiiice, by the bathroom. Uh -oh, i'm by the window... my seatmates are going to hate me.
I knew I should not have just eaten half of the sandwich from Panera - God only knows what I will be served at the mile-high cafe. Eating in moderation totally backfired this time.
Roastbeef, and tortelinni, and a ham sandwich... hmmm, ok. When on the way to Rome....
Would I be wrong to give the 2 -year old bambino behind me a dirty look for finding pleasure in kicking my seat back?
God help me, i'm about to get really rude.
67 rows on the plane, and my row is the one row with technical difficulties. No movies? Are you serious...
Man - I bet that dude is enjoying the Pursuit of Happyness. Dammit.
Is this really Diet Coke? OMG, I'm in love.
Sweet, my seat mates are taking a potty break, here's my moment.
And there goes my laptop battery - at least that means i'm 3 hours into my flight.
Mmmmh, more Diet Coke.
[Watching the Skymap] - Casablana, nice. Wonder why I never thought to watch that movie?
Oh wow, someone is stuck in the bathroom. That sucks. I wonder if they know to pull when exiting? Maybe I should tell them.
4 hours and 53 minutes to go, nap time. Hope I wake up for sunrise, I promised to take pictures.
Maybe I should wait for the nap, and go back to studying my Italian... nope... naptime wins.
Odd, something jolted me out of my sleep - but being on a plane with hundreds of people, I suppose that's to be expected. Ahh - sunrise. Hellooooo Bay of Biscay.
56 minutes til touchdown... progress is good.
Hello Rome. Piachere.

{kris} |