Live Deep

Ciao Firenze. There is much love.

2008-12-02T05:22:00.000-08:00

Things I will not miss about Florence:

Having no power or water in our apartment....MULTIPLE times.
The rain that seems to settle on the city for days at a time in the fall
Sad water pressure
Croissants made with oil instead of butter. That is just. so. wrong.
Unsalted bread (a tuscan thing)
Vodaphone

Things that I will deeply miss about Florence:

Martin tossing off a pithy comment or witty remark to me on his way to the bathroom in the morning. Always nice to laugh when you start you day.
Pear, Peccorino and Honey.
The people. All of them!
The sun. When it was out.
The Arno...pretty much all the time.
Turning a corner and seeing the Duomo looming majestically in the background.
Gelato. GELATO. Gellllaattttooooooo!
When asked: "How long are you visiting?" by locals, being able to say off-handedly "Oh, I live here" and seeing the shock on their faces. :)
The lifestyle. Italians, they know what is important in life.
Hosting 10 people that we met in Florence for Thanksgiving, and really being able to see that we made a life there.

So, I am writing this last blog posting from my couch in DC. I made it home last night after 18 + hours of travel on Monday (not counting the travel on Sunday from Florence to Milan). I think we would have found it harder to leave if not for the weather (deep rain the last three days), the fact that our apartment became unlivable again on Saturday while were trying to pack up before our last night in the city, and just general overall chill from the lack of heat. Spending our last few days in Italy homeless made the transition from Italy to DC less difficult, I think that we both missed central heating and a place to put our things. However, we did go out with style, and we both agreed that Thanksgiving night was probably our high water mark. When we first arrived I told Martin that my secret dream was to host a thanksgiving party for people that we would meet over the course of the next few months, because that would show that we really had made friends and built a life in Florence. However, we were not entirely sure we would succeed because of our short stay and all the travel we were planning. So, to have 10 people come over and say that they were honored, well....that was truly amazing.

So, a big final thank you to everyone we met, and everyone who came and visited and made our time in Florence magical, and everyone who followed me on this blog (Save Tall Dave!). Your comments meant the world!! And finally, a huge thank you to the city--I think I am in love with Firenze.

Ciao. And hopefully, until we meet again.
Christie

Monaco = Sighs of Happiness

2008-11-25T07:42:00.001-08:00

If Genova is clearly purgatory, then Monaco is definitely heaven. It makes so much sense! I mean, isn't heaven is sunny and warm, with lots of gardens?

And roses that bloom in the winter?

And men communing with nature. And seagulls.

And stairs that most definitely lead into the light....

Ahhhhh.....Monaco is perfect!!! We think that their police force exists solely to look good and escort small children across the streets.

But I digress. We arrived in Monaco (post painful stop in Genova) after an all-day train ride that featured several people getting issued tickets for the same seats (ours). Tired and somewhat confused, we fell into the welcoming arms of our hotel and were warmly embraced in a cocoon of great service, friendly concierges, and soft welcoming white cotton. Also, there was electricity and hot water! Martin and I celebrated by taking 3 showers a day and reveling in the hot water/fuzzy bathrobes. (Me: "Oh, I forgot to ask the concierge about the restaurant." Martin: "You have to put on something besides a bathrobe before you leave the room. You PROMISED.") We, in what we felt was a stoke of fabulousness, rendezvoused with Sarah and Ross in our hotel bar, and toasted all of our success in making it that far (to the hotel bar). The weekend was amazing and featured:
1. Swanky cocktails at the most expensive restaurant in town (cocktails were all we could afford...but they came with plates of chocolates! AWESOME)
2. Great french food at several restaurants (ahh French bread, how I have missed you. Oh, and the sauce. Ohhhhh the sauce....)
3. Gambling at Le Grand Casino, and WINNING money (Martin and Ross only, Sarah and I stood around and urged them on. Sarah: "Just lean in like a floozy while they bet! That is how I show my support!" Me: "I'm going to sit over there and wave!")
4. Almost driving a ferrari on the grand prix circuit (Martin: "Please don't. I don't want to send you back home in pieces. How can I explain that to your mom?")
5. An overwhelming sense of peace and beauty brought on by one of the most peaceful and beautiful places on earth.
6. Wondering which of us was going to reach for French and come up with Italian. Surprisingly, it was Martin, not me! I know, we were shocked too.
7. Oh, and did I mention the dressing up and taking of silly photos outside the Grand Casino?

This has been an amazing trip, but I think that Monaco might have been the best part. So as we gear up to say Ciao to Firenze, I must first say, Merci Beaucoup Monaco, Je t'adore!!!

Tuscan Sun and Random Commentary

2008-11-17T06:44:00.000-08:00

I mean, everyone says that the Tuscan sun is warm. That is why they made a whole movie about being under it. But when it is cold? And grey? NOT SO MUCH. Or maybe that is because we don't have heating in our apartment so I've started wearing my (italian!) coat as a bathrobe and doing my work under all of my blankets in bed. I know, tiniest violin right now. But I'm just saying.

In other news, my ipod has almost completely died, and seems to only want to play Frank Sinatra. Sometimes. Which is not so helpful when running. Because, to be entirely truthful, I'm not so much of a runner as a "random slacker occasional jogger" and I NEED every motivation to keep my speed above a slow amble. The ipod and 80's music does help with this....when it is working. But come on, I live in the land of gelato and carbs, I NEED HELP. So, my plan to get in shape for my cocktail dress attire in Monaco was to step up my running, but that plan has gone to pot (thanks Apple! I mean, maybe I dropped the ipod in water and it is several years old but STILL). Which led to this random conversation with Martin:

Me: "I mean, I might need you to wrestle the 5th pain au chocolat away from my greedy hands so that I end up still being able to fit into my pants. We don't want a no pants situation--I feel that is not the classy image we want to present."

Martin: "Understood. But, you could just put the butter directly on your legs and slide your pants on that way. You'll end up being attractive to dogs and hungry men, but at least you will be wearing pants!"

Ahhh....good times.

In other news, random comments I've heard while being in Florence:

(while watching a rugby game) "We should start a website showing off men's necks! We can get advertisers!! And make money that way!

"Doesn't America export anything besides bad music?"

"Why are italians all so small? (shifty look) What do they know that we don't????"

"Prosecco Emergencia!" (Ok, I could have said that one. But I think it was Martin)

"Happy Honeymoon!" (said to me and Martin as we strolled through the leather market one afternoon)

And so, while Michelle and Kathleen where here I let Michelle borrow Martin to be her fake husband for awhile since I've had him all to myself so far. They are a cute (fake!) couple!!

What day is it again?

2008-11-14T04:37:00.000-08:00

They all sort of blur together. But in a fabulous way, so I suppose it is ok! These pictures are all from a week or two ago when Martin and I dressed up and roamed the city, trying hard not to look touristy, and instead be insanely (silly?) fashionable and Italiano.

Post fun glamour shots, we have had fun friends in town recently. Highlights from the last week:
1. Amanda and Irina and....remembering crimes of passion!
2. Kathleen and Michelle....and rediscovering Rose Prosecco!
3. A guided shopping tour of....the Prada Outlet! And the Gucci Outlet! And (wait for it) FERRAGAMO! There are pictures of us touching stuff that we can never ever ever afford.
4. Gelato! Leather! (but I suppose that is everyday! I LOVE ITALY!)

Things I've learned via Italian shopping excursions: Michelle really really loves purses. And Truffles. And Kathleen (secretly) really really loves fur! And Martin can find the Smith family plaid in really odd locations. But also, it comes in an umbrella format.

Things they have learned about me: I need a LOT of gelato and sunlight to keep going. And, I should never ever ever be left alone with a pair of Prada shoes.

Anyway, this is the end of the friend invasion parts 2 and 3. Tonight we say goodbye to KBibs and Michelle Vallar, and prepare to travel and say hello to Sarah and Ross in...MONACO. As I have mentioned before, Martin and I are furiously prepping for the Monaco trip by touching fur and wearing heels....or wait, maybe that is just me?

Anyway--as I prepare to leave the land of carbs and head to the land of butter, I feel that the only victim here is my waistline. Andiammo!! Vas-y!!!

Save Tall Dave!!

2008-11-11T04:26:00.000-08:00

A long time ago, far far away, three college girls broke up with their boyfriends during exam time (i.e. no sleep) and were commiserating with each other. During their (admittedly random) discourse, when, after trying to burn some of their papers and consequently getting smoked out of their apartment due to a an ill-advised non opening of the chimney flue, they decided that were so few good men around, and that perhaps, just perhaps, they should be proactive in saving the ones that were left. Keeping in mind exams and lack of sleep, they decided that the best way to save one of the best men that they knew (Tall Dave) would be to make signs and chalk the street between his apartment and the main exam hall, and put flyers around the more populous places on the rest their college grounds with inspiring slogans like: "For only 23 cents a day, you too can Save Tall Dave!" and "Remember the Alamo! Save Tall Dave!"

At 2 am, this idea did in fact seem brilliant, and it wasn't as if they could re-enter their apartment until the smoke disappated anyway. So thus, on one cold December night, Save Tall Dave (STD!) was born. Also, realizing that the acronym for Save Tall Dave was indeed STD provided hours of entertainment, and more slogans along the lines of: "It's not just an STD! Save Tall Dave!"

And here we are today! While there has often been talk of a newsletter or a formal campaign, Save Tall Dave has been more of a grassroots movement of the people. So far, he's been saved on 5 continents and numerous locales.

So to Tall Dave--we, and the Uffizi Bathroom, say Thank You for being awesome! And for letting us save you all these years.

Bravo!!!

Inbound. Also, TD. You know what I mean!

2008-11-07T02:27:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of posting, but the friend cavalcade has pulled into the station. I have 2 here now, with 2 more to follow the same day these two depart, followed by the german invasion possibly next weekend, and then departure for monaco shortly thereafter in order to rendezvous with yet more (awesome!) people. Martin has fled to Rome to escape all of the visitors with a firm: "Stay out of trouble and call me if you need bail money" issued before he left. I think he thinks that he cannot trust me. He is right! :)

I feel honored to have people visiting from London, Belgium, Germany, NYC and DC on this trip....all of my friends rule! You guys are awesome, and I would like to express my thanks in the Fraternity Speak that Martin taught me last week: "Bro (pronounced "Braa"), Dude. DUDE!"

In the interim, I leave you with these questions:
1. Where will we save tall dave?
2. WHEN will we save tall dave?
3. Who is this "tall dave" person anyway, and why on earth would he NEED saving?

Ciao Ciao!!
PS: More random photos to be posted soon. Martin and I were very silly recently!

Americans are really committed....

2008-11-03T04:14:00.000-08:00

to Halloween!
Scene: 2 girls walk into a bar. One is wearing wings and some bandages, the other is in a full on chef's costume. They sit and look around.

Chef: "I told you the Italians weren't committed!"

Angel: "What do you mean?"

Chef: "I mean, you can't put on a witches hat or a little face paint and call yourself in costume! This is what is wrong with this country--no commitment!!"

Angel (resettles wings, tapes bandage): "Ummm....you are totally right. We are clearly the normal ones here."

:)

Anyway--fortunately for us, some people (americans) in even more committed costumes involving wings, masks, and in one disturbing case, a diaper, showed up and then we did look more normal!

But it was fun nonetheless to see, and in a small way, I felt I was doing my part for my country. Someone has to dress up, and if not us, then who? (patriotic music) If not now, then when? (drum crescendo) If not random and disturbing, then how can you face yourself in the mirror? (10 gun salute) Bravo America! Way to show Italy what we are made of! :)

**Blurring is designed to make me look more angelic!

Photo Post and Random Thoughts

2008-10-29T05:43:00.000-07:00

It's been raining in Florence recently, so our big plans of looking nice and doing stuff have sort of disintegrated into eating stuff and sitting around. But, I do have some quality photos, as you can see by the lead above. That one is what I like to call: "Martin's thoughts on the price of the jacket." Actually, it could have been me just taking a bad photo, but I like to supply the fun inner monologue nonetheless!! :) Though, the below dialogue did happen:

Me: I don't know, I thought it flattered you.

Martin: Did he really think I was going to buy a member's only jacket? Please!!

On the last really warm and sunny day (sunday) I took some of pictures of the Arno. Which is SO beautiful. I have been lucky to see a lot of beautiful things in my life, including places like Cape Town and Machu Picchu, but there is something special about the Arno.

And then, there is the power of leather and fur, united into one jacket! And yes, it does inspire some silliness!!

Finally, I have a few thoughts on carbs. As Martin and I start planning our trip to Monaco (!!) we realize that we need to look good. And we also realize that we live in carb land. Yet, YET, most of the Italians we see are TINY. The overweight people seems to be mostly american (shocking I know). How do they do it? What secret are the Italians hiding from us? How are we going to fit into our crazy Monaco gear (bling and fur)??? These are the deep questions on my mind, and rest assured, I am on the case!

Risotto: Breakfast of Champions!

2008-10-27T05:01:00.000-07:00

Anyway-
Martin and I have this habit. He will be looking to buy something (a shirt, a jacket...something fairly basic) and then, while on the way to look at said clothing items, we will end up buying stuff for me. I'm not always sure how it happens, and I mostly appreciate it when it does because Martin has a great eye and awesome sense of accessories, but yesterday, in the leather market I think that the smell of Italian leather went to my head as I ended up with yet another leather jacket! I mean, an awesome leather jacket (Me: Would you buy this? Martin: "Honey, if it were me I'd have already paid and walked out of the store wearing it!") which will truly help sell our fake Italian over the top Monaco look that we are planning, and one that I bargained HEARTILY for and is warmer than my other coat but still. Is it because I'm becoming more Italian that I feel the need to swath myself in yet more mis-matched shades of brown? I mean, if my inner Italian demands more leather goods, I should just roll with it, right? And why am I rambling on like this? Because we are trying to be fiscally responsible and so cooking for ourselves, hence risotto for breakfast!

And while I am on risotto, let me mention that I LOVE RISOTTO. And now Martin, after feebly fighting it, has given in and started cooking different kinds for every meal and it is AWESOME. So far we have had red wine and honey risotto, shrimp and prosecco and melon (!! awesome!) risotto, pear and peccorino, and now there is talk of some sort of sausage risotto (me, hopefully: "with honey?" Martin: "sigh. of course!") and life is awesome! And I even know how to make it! But as Martin said, it really is only on step up from soup and scarily easy. But the best part? We are now getting recipes from our favorite restaurant! We are one step closer to having them teach us to cook!! Our evil plans are slowly coming to fruition. Our code names finally MAKE SENSE!

In other news, we actually ran into people we know (that we met here, not that find me internationally--Pius you rule!) at our local pub, so are starting to feel like we belong. Our bartender even knows our regular schedule (Him: "you guys are late tonight!" Us: "What time is it? We are? Risotto!") and we are taking Italian lessons. We had two last week, and they blew my mind. Normally, in a 101 type of foreign language course, you start with present tense verbs and maybe some vocabulary. Not for us in Italiano it seems. Nope--we got Present, Imperfect, Past Perfect, and Simple Past in HOUR NUMBER 3. I'm not sure which way I'm coming or going, but apparently I'm going to do it in the present or the past. I'm terrified!! We like our teacher however, she was recommended by our landlady and is fun. And, Italian is much more forgiving than French, so there is hope for me maybe?

Finally, besides knowing people, taking lessons, and dressing well (cough, better), we feel that we are totally caught up on one of Italy's major past-times, which is aimless strolling. Our first week here we would walk around at night, and wonder where everyone was going. Why weren't we going there? How should we figure out how to get there? Where was there again? But now, we are in the know--Italians aren't going anywhere! So last night, after dinner at our local pizza joint (taking a break from risotto) we went for a stroll and felt quite Italian. We felt our wandering was properly aimless (well, to a point. I mean, we did head in the direction of gelato because this is me) and we even walked past a church! And a library! Hi Mom and Dad!

So overall--we are slowly becoming more and more Italian. And I know pictures have been requested--Martin and I are working on it, more photos (of us!) to come soon!

The picture I posted above is of another mask in Venice. But I can also get my hair to look like that if it is really humid out....

Venezia!!

2008-10-22T06:26:00.000-07:00

Voiceover: 2 weary travelers slowly edge out into the light of the piazza in Florence, bound for Venice, ready for-

Martin: Who are you talking too? And I think it is "One weary traveler, and one rugged guide."

Me: Really?

Martin: You still have pillow marks on your cheek.

___________________________________________________________

Ok:
1. Apologies for being MIA and generally out of touch with everyone for the last week. Our apartment situation had me pretty cranky, and also yahoo stopped delivering some emails for awhile as well. So, if I haven't responded, hit me again! *Also, a picture ban was in effect of ourselves, what with our shower situation. Pic above is our nod to requests for pictures from parents. See--Martin drew us in in the lower left! He is awesome!

2. We are back in our original apartment, WITH lighting! Electricity! AND (drumroll) water! Ahh, to be clean. We are back to living the dream!

3. Enough of that, let's talk Venice! For those of you who have met me before, many of you know that Venice is one of my favorite cities in the world. Mysterious, beautiful, unique, and full of small but surprisingly aggressive people. Martin and I both noticed that people were all for plowing through you on the narrow and packed streets of the city located between the Rialto bridge and San Marco, and for someone with as poor depth perception as I have, it was almost a recipe for disaster. Uneven pavement, crazy stairs, water everywhere, AND small people knocking into you? How are you expected to stay upright? (I mean, I did. But it was a challenge!)

We arrived on Saturday afternoon and due to a dire laundry situation, immediately commenced clothes shopping on the way to San Marco. Martin has discovered that besides being my rugged guide, traveling companion, sherpa, and compass, he is also now my stylist! Fun for him!! I ended up in a shop with an awesome but somewhat aggressive sales lady who had no problems fixing the clothes while I was putting them on, or visiting me in the dressing room regardless of my state of undress. Fun for me!! Regardless, after my AmEx card started flaming from use, Martin did tell me that I had just: "edged my way up the style ladder by a rung or two." Eventually we did indeed make it to San Marco, bags aplenty! Evidenced by a photo of the same building that Martin sketched above.

We ended up trying to do the insiders tour of the Doge's Palace (secret hallways! A chance to pretend to be on Alias!) but were brutally rebuffed twice. Down but not out, Martin discovered a whole crazy international architect exhibit, that he was like: "we are going to this! You owe me one for the shopping!" and I was like: "Hey, if they let us in I'm there! I can totally make snap judgements about international architechture!" So off we went. It was amazing! Pictures below of a few of the exhibits. I stayed less time than Martin, b/c my simple mind is easily blown, but definitely worth the visit.

And then, out of nowhere was...PIUS! Who found me wandering on the streets near San Marco. He is in Italy on a whirlwind tour, and is now in...FLORENCE. Sitting next to me actually. Friends, Pius has set a high bar. Not only did he find me in Florence where I have an address, but he found me in Venice where I was often confused. Who wants to step up to this challenge? Who? (shout out in the comments! they keep me entertained!)

Finally, following our plan of asking random people stuff, we got a restaurant recommendation from a nice shopkeeper (Us: "Where is the best place to eat in Venice?" Him: "My house." Us: "Ummm....2nd best?") and ended up eating historic Venetian cusine. It was terrifying but also awesome, and our waiter was hilarious. He choose our food for us, took pictures, and gave us his facebook address! :) Now THAT my friends, is service!

We spent our last morning doing different things, me off to Murano to buy glass, and Martin back to the exhibit. We both emerged happy but tired, and were excited to get off the train in Florence and head back to our temporary apartment. Below are pictures of a canal, Church, gondola, and some really outstanding venetian masks. My favorite quote of the night, after I told Martin I was off to bed, was his response-

Martin: "I'm going to go and slip into a beer, and maybe some fries. You know, something a little bit more comfortable...."

True Greatness

2008-10-17T05:43:00.000-07:00

Admittedly, Italy is great at many things: Pasta for instance. Rose Prosecco. Really expensive shoes. Expansive hand gestures. Wearing 40 different pieces of non-matching leather and still managing to look stylish. Being shaped like a boot, AND selling boots.

See--I am a fan!

But, every now and then an Expat knows that you hit that wall. They call it the U-curve. First, you are on a high ("I love everyone!!") and then, reality starts to sink in ("Most people are cool I guess") until finally, you bottom (hee!) out at the bottom of the U ("What don't these people get about CUSTOMER SERVICE??? (brussels only really) And WHY ARE THEIR SHOES SO SMALL!!") We have all been there. Eventually, you do go back up ("I want to marry this country and have pasta shaped babies with it!!") and all is well.

But oh, the bottom. Oh yes. That, my friends, is where you start to appreciate the things about your native land, and become a little teary-eyed when the local foriegn pub somehow starts playing Kenny Loggins on the loudspeaker. That is when, while sitting on your cafe stool, hanging out because your apartment has, in steady succession, lost hot water, power, and then all attempts at functioning plumbing, you realize the greatness of your home. And in the case of the US of A, there are many things that we do well. But above all, as god as my witness, WE HAVE GREAT PLUMBING! Toilets that flush, loudly and with power. Showers that not only give you water (hot! steaming even!!) but also water pressure!! Electricity that works, ALL the time. Lights that flip on and stay on. Meaning that you spend a large majority of your time clean and happy, seeing everything in your apartment, and LIVING THE DREAM!

To Americans and America everywhere, let me just say a heartfelt Bravo.

We thank you.

That is all.

c.

PS: And now we are off to Venice since our experience this week is more "13th Century" Tuscany than "Mondern Times." When you do not have water where better to go than a city BUILT on water we say! In the interim, we are shortly being moved into a temporary apartment, and look forward to seeing our palazzo (in the light of electric light) when it is repaired and we return. Showered and clean. Ahh, the good life. And a shout out to Sarah--we HAVE found our version of the Stick and Weasel, and it is EVEN BETTER.

Mission: Pasta Storm

2008-10-15T05:33:00.000-07:00

Scene: 2 Americans shiftily approach a small, but outstanding, Italian restaurant.

Restaurant Owner: Ehhh...Bonjourno! Waait. You are...Martino?

American 1 (Call Sign: "Cheeks MD"): Yes, Yes! Hello! Ca Va! Er....Umm, Hello!

American 2 (Call Sign: "Boots McFee"): ?

RO: Come in--here is good? (Points at table)

Cheeks: Wonderful. Grazie! (They sit)

Boots (stares suspiciously over menu): Are they onto us yet?

Cheeks: They will be if you keep staring at them like that.

Boots: But our idea is GENIUS! It's crazy to pay for cooking lessons when you can just stalk a restaurant until they adopt you and teach you to cook for free!

Cheeks: Let's just stick to the plan tonight Boots. We'll wait till they close, buy them a round, and broach the idea.

Boots: Ok, well then: Prosecco Emergency! (Points to empty glass)

Cheeks: [Deep sigh].

(2 hours later)

RO: And how was everything?

Cheeks: Amazing! Thank you!

Boots: (darts shifty glances at other restaurant patrons who appear to be sticking around past close) ...

RO: Well, have a limoncello on the house! For you!

Boots: ! !!!! (whispers excitedly) We're in!

Cheeks: Slow down there tiger.

(20 minutes later)

Boots: (Confusedly) Is he coming back?

(10 minutes later)

Cheeks: Hmmmm. I think we have a long road ahead. Let's just say goodbye, and come back again soon.

(they walk out towards owner)

RO: Ahh, well, come again! Martino, yes? And....your name is?

Boots: Christie.

RO: Chrisss-tie!

Cheeks: Well, thanks for a great evening...Paulo (?)

RO: Umm....Paulo? (confused look) My name is Nickolai.

(walks away)

Boots/Cheeks (Stare at each other and start giggling): Damn. Well, there goes that in!

(End scene)

We did however, get friended by our favorite bartender on facebook at our favorite non-local pub. so it's not all 15 steps back!

Voiceover: Next up on the Adventures of Boots McFee and Cheeks MD
1. What happened with the 6 Hawaiians?
2. Who found the Rose Prosecco?
3. Who, exactly, swing-danced with whom at the Ferragamo Palazzo? And why was someone wearing flip flops?
4. Will Batman be able to reach his bat utility belt in time?

Tune in next time! And Follow me! (see posting below!)

Follow Me?

2008-10-14T05:05:00.000-07:00

I know.

Famous Last Words.

But, somehow Martin became a follower of my blog without me knowing how? or what? But then I signed on anyway, because blogger told me it would be fun. And, I'm not willing to fight blogger. Europeans who repeatedly try and run me over? Maybe. People who wear lots of acid washed denim? Most likely. But blogger--definitely not!

So, become a follower! I'm not really sure how it all works, but because I have evil plans involving blogs in my future anyway, I figured it would be good to check out. So that note, if you enjoy the blog, or find it interesting and worthy of more than one read, then show the love and follow me!* The link is on the upper right hand corner. Whoo! (Whuuu!)

*I'm not saying I will be personally offended if you don't choose to follow me, but I may stop responding to emails. Or answering your calls. And start referring to you as that person I used to know. What was your name again? :)

Becoming Italian: Part 2

2008-10-10T06:02:00.001-07:00

So ok-
Prior to posting I wanted to thank everyone who has commented so far. I love the comments! You are all hilarious! Keep commenting! Whoooo! Yay!!

Photo is one Martin took of me doing my best to appear (in the dark, from far away, if you squint and have been drinking) as an Italian woman. We have decided, after a solid week of careful and intensive observation, that it takes a few things to successfully make the transition from American to Italian (besides speaking the language or carrying the passport) and they are the following:
1. Swathing yourself in leather
2. Mixing your browns! All shades can go together here! And black too!
3. Wearing heels. Always. And stomping them fiercely a la America's Next Top Model on the stones of Florence as you walk by.

So, the transition begins! We also had some fun taking photos around the Ponte Vecchio both day and night, and so the remainder of this post will be mostly photos, unless genius strikes me.

A small soliliquoy (sp?) on running in Florence: Yes, few do it. Most point and stare confusedly as you run past (running? expansive gesture--in Firenze? expansive gesture--but why? Prego??), though one enterprising young gentlemen did high-five me and that I appreciated! But, you do take your life in your hands; though, as someone who faced the dash of death in India, I feel that I'm up to the challenge. And more importantly, Martin is also up to the challenge of keeping me alive. Which, as we've discovered, is pretty much a 24/7 job. Thanks Martin!!

Ok: The Duomo as seen from an Alley:

A close up of a cool door I saw

Our cheese lady's cart in the local market. We have a cheese lady!

The Arno where I run, also some taken of/from bridges near the Ponte Vecchio

The Italian Language, or Not Just Adding an "O!"

2008-10-08T06:31:00.000-07:00

The picture is of special agent Fredericko, or, as I sometimes like to call him, Irwin (Taken at our favorite pizza restaurant. Anyone who comes to visit will be eating here!).

So, more pictures of both of us to come soon as requested from Mom, and Martin has taken some WONDERFUL ones of the city and accidentally of me that are on his flicker site. One day I hope to have that link and when I do, as god as my witness, I will forward it on. Probably. After some editing.

But ok, so Martin and I have been struggling to pick up some Italian, any Italian, of any sort. We both keep reverting to terrible TERRIBLE French. We are working on convincing some poor local of some sort to teach us something. Help us out. PLEASE HELP US. But so far, nothing in the works. And our back up plan of becoming friends with Italians and learning the language that way has failed, in that there aren't any Italians actually in Florence. So, last night, after a truly awesome pizza we...just....gave up and spent some quality time planning our trip to Monaco. Martin has decided that he is going to buy a linen suit and some gold chains, while I myself will be unveiling a variety of cocktail dresses and possibly a fake southern accent. And, we will be inflicting our terrible French on the french people--long may they prosper! Bonjour! Ca Va! Oui! Way to be a language taught in the US Public School System! Whooo! (Or "Whuuuu!" if I was saying it in my fake French accent). We are super excited.

So tonight (wed) we are meeting our first friend! A Hungarian woman most recently from DC (she loves americans! we love people who love americans! adopt us!), we met her in the Piazza St. Croce after meeting her friends (random Irish and German students) in one of our local bars. We now talk to anyone near us who speaks any sort of English whether they want to meet us or not, and so we were invited by the aforementioned EU conglomorate to meet up with some more of their friends. And now we have a friend! It's all very exciting.

Anyway, below are some more random shots that may or may not be:
1. Taken from the window of my room
2. Of the Arno from the Ponte Vecchio
3. Martin

Ciao!

Becoming Italian: Part 1

2008-10-06T05:20:00.000-07:00

Actually-
There is no becoming Italian so far. Florence is full of---foreigners! We are just but a few. The real Italians seem to have sensibly gone into hiding to avoid the pressing weight of tourists. But we are onto them! They cannot hide forever!

Our plan:
1. Talk to anyone sitting near us, in the hope that they will adopt us (has worked once so far!)
2. Take a cooking class, hopefully given by a local
3. Gesture expansively whenever trying to speak Italian (it helps!)
4. Purchase new shoes (not actually relevant, but fun!)
5. Address Martin as "Frederikco" in an attempt to sound local. (Note: This is only fun for me).

Pictures so far!
Sometimes you run around Arlington County Library on your morning job...sometimes, you around the Duomo!!

Then there are the frescos on your living room ceiling:

We have landed! And I have a phone number!

2008-10-03T07:47:00.000-07:00

Business First: To reach me via phone you can call 393473847803, just add a 011 from the states in front of that.

Ok, quick statisticsò:
1. Number of gelato consumed today: 2
2. Number of gelato expected to consume today: 4
3. Number of Frescos on our ceiling: 1
4. Number of people I have accidentally run into or hit with an expansive gesture: 3
5. Level of awesomeness of Florence on a 1-10 scale: 11

After an amazing first class trip over for both myself and Dr. Irwin Fengelder (The name the flight attendant asked Martin to call himself when he was upgraded to 1st class after Irwin turned it down to stay in coach with his wife-thank you Delta!) we landed in Milan and ran for the train to Florence. We ended up paying for a eurostar train to Florence but got tickets for another train? Leaving at a different time? and were highly confused. Cue Martin leaving me with the bags (I could not actually lift my luggage and Martin had to strap me into everything and then prop me upright, I almost took out a few people while stumbling around) and racing back to the office 7 minutes before the eurostar left. Except there were two eurostar leaving at the same time to cities that were also not florence, but we asssumed florence was on the way. Long story short, we ended up running for the train, with both the conductor AND martin leveraging myself and my luggage up the stairs. After all of that, we took the first seats we saw and fell asleep...in first class. Which was great, except our tickets were for coach, as the conductor enlightened us later. We decided to pay for the upgrade, but did not have cash so....the conductor wandered off and forgot about us while searching for a credit card machine and we got to stay in first! yay!

Now we are here, and settling in. And Italy is amazing! And also, full of Americans. So far, Martin has discovered that I am not so talented at navigating or understanding the obvious. He has also discovered that at times he must act as translator, even when the original language he is translating is English. I have discovered that Martin is awesome, organized, and prepared. So far, a match made in heaven!

Best quotes so far:
"I am going to just sit back and fade into the pleather" -- Martin, as Dr. Irwin, trying to keep a low profile

"Speaking Italian is like doing an interpretive dance with your tongue!" -- Martin, after watching me try and speak Italian but coming out with a new language composed of bad french and even worse english.

On our way....from JFK!

2008-10-01T14:44:00.000-07:00

Look! I rhymed!

I've already been traveling for too long and I haven't even gotten on the international flight yet, much less the train in Italy to get us safely from Milan to Florence. I'll probably only get sillier from here...I should warn Martin (Martin: Watch out!).

Anyway, we are flying Delta, which means standby, and this is Martin's first trip down that rabbit hole. I've already read him the standby code of ethics (My luggage will always be carry on, my bag will always be rolling etc) and he has practiced his first bout of lurking.

Note: Gate lurking is one of the key survival skills in any standby traveler's arsenal. It's right below packing light, and right above being capable of showering in an airport bathroom when standby goes bad.

Anyhoo--pictures posted are of Martin's first lurking. Ahhh....to be so young! (and clean!) We have good chances of making this flight, meaning that the lurking will not be in vain. BUT, we are both here so early that I don't even know where we stand. I will say, however, that the crowd waiting to go to Milan with us is....varied?...and....seasoned?.....and just ever so slightly grim. Though, that could be the fact that they are sitting in JFK.

So--this is Day .5 of our trip. However, it promises to be delightful--Martin handed me a travel guide when I arrived, and when I looked up and said: "We have to--" he finished my sentence with: "Go to the chocolate place that is in our neighborhood. Absolutely!"

Yay Martin! Yay Italy! Please be kind to us Delta!!

2008-09-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

Florence.....here we come!!! (try not to be afraid)

Good Night and Good Luck....

2007-07-01T18:33:00.000-07:00

I'm home! And alive!! Thanks everyone who read this blog, commented, emailed, kept my spirits up, and understood that grammar is not really my thing. Special thanks to Steve, Sridhar, Sarita, Sev, and Sarah for hosting/hanging out with me, and another even more special thanks to LauraK for not being afraid to share my tent or touch my arm when I said: "Touch my arm! It's gross! Should it be like this?"

American Airlines--my thanks is delayed due to a gate change. One day you might get it when I get my luggage.

Anyway--words cannot express this trip, but I will do my best and turn to the greats--

Now I've....had the time of my life....and I've never felt this way beforeeeeee....this I swear, it's the truth!! And I owe it all to youuuuuuuuuu!"

Photos and Stories: Peru

2007-07-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

After setting off, all alive and aglow....

And surviving both Dead Woman's Pass and the surrounding mountains.....

We arrived shortly after sunrise expecting to see the beautiful and amazing Machu Picchu---but instead saw mostly fog...

But we waited it out, and out of the fog emerged....

Yes, the ever-present lama!! Whohoo!! (One comment: "Do you think that this is heaven? But with Lamas?") Anyway, after the fog (finally!) moved, we saw it---one of the most incredible places in the world!!

The pictures don't really do the city justice, but it was unbelievable. As I said before, the Incas were nothing if not hardcore, and also in seriously good shape--they seemed to have a complete love affair with steep stairs. The lack of cathedrals means that the Spanish never found the 'lost city' - but sadly, the Incas only built it to have to leave shortly after they heard of the Spanish arrival. Regardless, I think it should be one of the 7 wonders of the new world--it's incredible! And before I forget, the lovely LauraK deserves a HUGE shout out for planning the entire trip, being awesome, and managing to completely gracefully walk the trail without ever breaking a sweat:

THANK YOU LAURA!!!!!

And, small shout out to my feet, for not giving up the ghost (Me: "How do they look?" LauraK "Umm, you look like you have been shackled.") I will spare everyone the pic I took for posterity!

And lest I forget, there IS a Save Tall Dave pic from Peru. And it was NOT AT ALL doctored. At all. Thanks Mom!!

So if you have a chance--go trek the Inca Trail! Just don't take American Airlines to get there!!

The Inca Trail

2007-06-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

I made it! The Inca Trail was crazy--after 4 days, I got the sense the the Incas were nothing if not hardcore. It was both great and terrible, as the day to day breakdown will show:

Day 1: 5:45 am Departure from Cusco. "Easy" hike for most of the day through some beautiful Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley. Gain 700 meters by the end of the day, mostly in the last hour and a half of the hike. The porters or "chaskies" (Inca term for messenger) do a great job and produce amazing food for us at lunch and a beautiful camp at the end of the day. Day 1 Evening: Feel sick. No dinner.

Day 2: 5:15 wake up. Get ready for the hardest day of the trek, which includes over 5.5 hours of steep uphill hiking, gaining over 1000 meters of altitude in one morning, and climbing through something ominously called "Dead Woman's Pass." All of the hiking today is either straight up or straight down, and it is a very long day. Day 2 Mid-Morning: See dead woman's pass from far far away. Feel like Dead Woman. Day 2 Later Morning: Last one up Dead Woman's Pass! Collapse at top while LauraK takes "entertaining" photos. Altitude Sickness begins. Day 2 Evening: Guides treat my blisters with "home remedy." Severe Altitude Sickness, no sleep.

Day 3: 6:30 wake up. Coldest camping spot, with temps below freezing. Feel 175 years old, look at least 150. Blister home remedy makes things worse, get told I now have "chasky" feet. This is not a compliment. Sick, so no breakfast. Easier trek today, just 6 hours, most of which is steep STEEP downhill and into a jungle, but the beginning is uphill, and I notice that we are ABOVE the clouds. Not doing so good. Lead guide sends me and the 2nd guide on a shortcut to make camp faster. He fails to mention that while shorter, it is HARDER. Begin to feel feverish during shortcut. Make camp after everyone else, raging fever begins. Day 3 evening: Apparently I passed out.

Day 4: 4 am wake up. 2.5 hour trek to Machu Picchu!!! Feel better after fever breaks. Manage to eat! Yay! Trek in complete darkness, group is told to "walk not too slow, and not too fast." I soldier on to keep up, do not want to get lost in the dark. Misty. Wait....is that....wait....yes! Machu Picchu!! YES!! And it is BEAUTIFUL!! Wow!! Fog (eventually) clears and we take our tour in the sun. While group hares off to do "optional" additional mountain hike, I lay down and try not to die. Day hikers walk past and say "ooh, look at her sleeping...she must be on an all-day hike!" I try not to sarcastically scream "4 DAYS my friend, 4 DAYS!!" But it was worth it. Too bad it will now take us approx 7 hours to get back to Cusco....

Anyway--I've been pretty sick the whole trip, and am only just feeling better today. Laura and I have huge hopes that my appetite will be back and we can have a nice dinner. Regardless, I've learned a lot and am glad I did it. I'll do a high and low points post soon!!

American Airlines: Journey into the Heart of Darkness

2007-06-21T11:02:00.000-07:00

1. Friends do not let friends fly American Airlines

I arrived at the airport at 10.30 am thinking that all would be easy. I breeze past the calm and quiet Delta check-in and start looking around for American. Which I discover is hidden behind throngs of angry people. Hordes and masses even. I find LauraK and our descent into despair, AA style, begins.

Highlights:
1. No system for dealing with masses of departing people is in place. Someone said weather caused problems, but no other airlines had lines. The check in people were allowing people to miss their flights
2. A small riot broke out when they called our flight foward (but only a few rows of people). Checkin guy made a mistake when he loudly told angry people from earlier flights thta had they gotten into the airport on time, they would have made their flight
3. Security was called in after aforementioned commment. Tempers flare and things get ugly
4. In high lurker mode, I heard the call to bring people on the 12.10 departure forward. I race back to LauraK, and she sends me into the melee to tr yand break into line ahead of people who have already missed flights and are getting yelled at by AA personnel for wanting to fly. Crazy. WE do not want to be come them.
5. I open up the line barriers, slip in, and try and blend--my years of flying standby pay off!
6. 30 people follow me
7. One of them is LauraK and the guy behind her, who has decided we are a good bet
8. THe crowd starts yelling about people cutting in line
9. We keep a low profile and pray to get checked in. We are international, so cannot do the kiosk
10. Successful checkin! One happy family wiht guy behind us
11. Plane delayed!
12. Plane delayed? Again?
13. Miami...sigh. I hate that airport
14. Gate change
15. Plane delayed because all planes are currently delayed for no apparent reason. Plane delay announcements are the only ones we hear.
16. Plane delayed
17. ANOTHER gate change¿
18. Plane delayed
19. Boarding!
20. Ummm, why are we not moving?
21. BEcause our plane is DELAYED.
22. Arrive in Lima, 5.5 hours late, and definitely bitter

Shockingly, our luggage made it. WE however, only had a few hours before departure to Cusco. I am in Cusco!! 5th continent, acheived!!

2 days here to acclimate, and then we hit the trail. Laura and I are nothing if not hardcore.**

**Definitions of ´hardcore´ may vary
***Shout out to Mike Obalde and Jason Maga for great camping tips and also providing knives (Mike) and a compass (Mike) and the advice to drink lots of water (Jason). If it all goes wrong, I am looking at you two!!

Intermission continued....

2007-06-14T11:59:00.001-07:00

Me at the end of the world

Bristol/Clevedon Beach
Queen Mary's Rose Garden

Sarah and I at 3 City Garden Row, Islington. Our old address. It was much sketchier than we remembered!!

Intermission.....

2007-06-14T11:27:00.001-07:00

India: Which fruits have you never seen before?

India: Sarita and I feeling the silk do-rag

India: Geetika and I after a hard day of pictionary

London: Severine and I in London when she dropped me off
London: Sarah and I--tea at the Savoy!!! I'm still full 3 days later....

Home now after a looong flight that included an unscheduled stop in Philadelphia (thank you weather over Dulles coupled with low fuel) but eventually I made it home and slept for 10 hours straight. Now, a week to regroup before I head out again. I do seem to have a yen to play children's games...just NOT pictionary. Any takers?

The UK: Our Best Friend

2007-06-13T01:58:00.000-07:00

....No matter what Canada says. So, the morning after landing from Bangalore my friend Severine took me rock climbing in Bristol! Only in the UK will you find a rock gym that used to be a church. Despite my poor form, protestations of jet-lag and malaria, and time wasted trash-talking, I did make it up the wall a bunch of times, and even managed to do a wall race. My time was the slowest, but I feel good about finding the ceiling nonetheless. Sev showed me a GREAT time in Bristol--we had a huge amount of fun. Special thanks to her for a great cup of tea, driving me back to London, and just generally being awesome!!

Now I'm in London with one Sarah Plotkin Paul, and we are revisiting our old haunts from back in the day--when we were but two young girls bartending our way around the city for a summer! Somehow we've managed to have high tea every day that we've been here (most recently at the Savoy), see "Dirty Dancing: The Musical!" and just generally enjoy London. We found our old apartment and the sketchy pub above which we lived, and it has been WONDERFUL.

I leave London today for home--where I'm hoping that my parents will be at the airport. I'll be in VA for just under a week, and then off to Peru!

3 continents down, 2 to go!

The Other Side of India

2007-06-12T01:10:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of one of the slums in Bangalore. Migrant construction workers live here, without electricity or running water. Usually both parents work, so their children run the house, cook, and take care of all domestic duties. These are also some of the same children who come to MJ for a few minutes when/if they have the time. Without a place like MJ, they don't really have the option to be kids--most of the time they function like small grown ups.

In the background to the right you can see some of the buildings that they have built. They usually pitch tent cities right next to the construction site that they are currently working on. Most construction workers are actually female, as they are considered both cheaper, and more reliable.

I was lucky in my visit to India because I was in a fairly protected bubble, living with the upper class. But I was also lucky to get to see both sides of the story, and spend time with children who have so little, and yet seem so content.

Regardless, it was an eye opening experience. I am so glad I went.

Save Tall Dave! (India!)

2007-06-09T07:05:00.000-07:00

More India Photos

2007-06-09T06:55:00.001-07:00

The MJ kids during the youth summit

Sridhar's Street
The famed traffic
Me and many many mangos!
The kids I worked with after the youth summit

I'm in Bristol now but I will be posting more India pics before I leave the UK!

India Is AWESOME!

2007-06-09T06:45:00.000-07:00

The Facilitation Team prior to kicking off the AI Youth Leadership Summit. Chitra, Sarita, Keshore and Sridhar. This was taken on my third day!

And then Sridhar and Sarita after spending two weeks with me...

A very VERY special thanks to Sridhar for helping make this trip a possibility, answering all of my random/crazy questions. Taking me out for some of the best food of all time, and just generally being an amazing host!

I'm a Science Project!

2007-06-07T03:08:00.000-07:00

India, Day 42,000:

Scene: MJ Learning Center
Time: Circle Time

Me: (Slowly spacing out b/c some things are being discussed in Kannada, and I can't follow. I suddenly feel a soft poke on my arm. I turn in time to see the little girl next to me reach out and poke me again.) "?"

Girl: "White. Your skin is real?"

Me: "Ummm...yes." (Wave hand around as I respond)

Girl: "Ohhh!!" (Grabs my hand and points at vein. Gestures eagerly at her friend and begins excited conversation in Kannada--the upshot: they can't believe that my veins are 1. Blue and 2. Visible through my skin!)

Me: "See--both hands!"

Girls: "Ohhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

After the skin excitement I took the kids out to play "Red Light/Green Light" in my best effort to reach back to my own childhood. Following some serious Red Light, the kids gathered around to continue the discussion on how white I am, which lead to a debate on what color I turn when I exercise/blush etc: pink or red. Vigorous discussion sparked with expansive hand gestures all around. Suddenly, one of the boys launched himself at me and pinched both of my cheeks REALLY hard. A chorus of "oohhhhs" resulted with a clean settlement: I turn pink. The boy, with an articulate "See, I was right" gesture walked off--point proven.

I cracked up.

My time in Bangalore is almost over and it has been great, wonderful, amazing and powerful. Is that enough adjectives? It's late and I can't tell anymore. So much has happened that I can't even try and capture it, but I feel an overwhelming need to share. High points included Sridhar creating a "spice scale" to rate the spice level in all the food (I was allowed 2 and under, and after a malaria pill incident left me feeling "slightly off" I was reduced to a 0, with Chitra bending over backwards to make me my own dishes with less spice), learning how to cut a mango and tell if it is ripe by smell (there will be a picture of this soon), mango mania involving over 100 types of mango, surviving at least 5 "Dashes of Death" (crossing the street, usually with Sarita prepping me, holding my hand and shouting "Run!" at the appropriate time), swimming under the stars, having the kids tell me that "I will miss you Auntie" (term of respect) on my last day, being everyone's favorite pictionary partner, doing great session designs and Appreciative Inquiry work, and just being in India. India = awesome. Special thanks to Sridhar, Chitra and Sarita for hosting me, keeping me healthy, and showing me a beautiful culture and an amazing time. Also, for wearing the do-rags (there will be pics on this too!) and connecting with their inner Harley Davidson.

It's late at night and I need to be at the airport by 4:30 am so I will close this post here, though I feel like there is so much more to say. Anyway, hopefully the pictures (when I can get my computer on the net) will speak for themselves. Next post will probably be from either Bristol or London UK. Crazy plans are in the works!!

***One day I promise to write a post when I'm not jet lagged/tired/confused/hopped up on sugar

My Gene Pool...

2007-06-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

Special thanks to Mom and Dad for giving me a Stomach of STEEL. So far, illness 0, Me 1.

USA Fruit Failures

2007-06-01T02:23:00.000-07:00

India, Day 10:

I've completely shocked Sridhar's Mother (heretofore "Grandma S").

I hate to admit it, but I now must come out in the open....until yesterday, I had never seen a pomegranate.

A resounding silence occurred after this information was released. As a result, I am now in possession of a fruit chart used to help children so that I can identify all of the other fruits that America has failed me on. New fruit count: 7, including Papaya, Pomegranate, Custard Apple, Chickoo, Loquat, Muskmelon, 4 types of Mangos (only 130 more to try! Also, best fruit EVER) and Malta. There are more that I am forgetting, but I have my work cut out for me. The great fruit search has begun!!

How to Become Popular....

2007-05-31T06:32:00.000-07:00

....When you don't speak the language.

India: Day 9?

1. Play English-only pictionary with teens who don't really speak English. Your mad skills and vocabulary will cause your popularity to skyrocket!

2. Don't shy away from dancing in the rain while letting 8-9 small boys enthusiastically splash you. The fact that you are 4-15 times their size only gives them more to hit! Instant success!

3. Fail to do the correct $ to rupee translation in your head so that you end up spending a (small) fortune on silk! If you spend over a certain amount, they will start giving YOU gifts.

4. Stand around. The fact that you are (on average) half a foot taller and 30 shades whiter than everyone else will provoke people to talk to you! What are they saying? Well--just follow our learnings and DON'T PET THE COBRA.

**Sridhar's mother continues to be fascinated by me. She came over and hung out with me for an hour yesterday and today. So far she has decreed the following:
1. Saris (sp?) "Do not suit me."
2. My hands are too big and my wrists are too small.
;)

Don't Pet the Cobra

2007-05-28T08:24:00.001-07:00

India Day 6:

Scene: Sridhar's car, a random street corner (and by "street" we mean dirt road, and by "corner" we mean ditch)

3 girls with baskets walk by.

Sridhar: Oh look--it must be festival time. They have snakes. Do you want to see?

Me: What? Snakes? In the baskets?

Sridhar: Let's have a look (gets out)

Me: Ok (exits car)

girls run over excitedly

Sridhar: (Gesturing at me and the basket) Have a look--Cobras I think!

Me: Umm....What??!

Cue small mob scene as I am suddenly surrounded by several girls, who begin prodding me insistently.

Sridhar: Don't touch her! No touch!

Girls: (Prod Prod PROD)

Me: Help!!

Girls, in calculated military-style maneuver, cut me off from both the car and Sridhar. Shoving ensues. I end up in a nasty street fight with 3 large women. And by "nasty street fight" we mean "some shoving" and by "3 large women" we mean "maybe one 11 year old girl--but fiesty!"

Sarita: (Who has just pulled up to pick me up from Sridhar) Christie--run to the car!!

Me: (Dodging one final shove in matrix-style movement) Open the door!

Cue Indiana Jones Music as I dive through the car window**

Sarita: Whew! Good, they've moved on to Sridhar now

Me: Drive woman, drive!!

end scene.
**This may not have actually happened as written. However, we dare you to prove it.

Save the Children....Save the World!

2007-05-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

India, Day 5:

Things I know:

I am the tallest woman in the city of Bangalore
If you sit on your left hand, you are less likely to accidentally eat with it
Sridhar is secretly my Grandma--his biggest concern is making sure that I eat
The cows are trained to go home at night

Things I haven't quite figured out yet:

The "Indian Bobble Head"---seems to be some sort of head movement that can mean a variety of things possibly including but not limited to: "Yes" "No" "Maybe" "I'm not sure" "That's crazy talk" "Not on your life" "Hell will freeze over first you mad MAD American"
Why okra tastes good here
If sticking your hand out and doing a dramatic jazz hand is a foul, no-go, no point or some sort of do over
Where the cows go home to

I just finished a three day Appreciative Inquiry Youth Leadership Summit with underprivileged kids from 13-19. It was so SO great!! Most of the summit was conducted in Kannada--the local dialect--with some English involved. As per usual, I was entirely clueless but at least this time I had reason! It was a challenge to have to rely a;most entirely on body language to understand, but also a great learning experience. By the end I was leading parts of the session and also facilitating the session hotwash and design planning. It was exhausting, invigorating, and crazy all at the same time, but I am so glad to be here and participate in this work. The most entertaining part: when one of the girls wanted to know why I wasn't married yet, and then determined that I need to be married by age 30. It really makes you think when an 18 year old hands down a decree like that! I also managed to use my mad skills to introduce "duck duck goose" to India and it was well received. Especially when I failed to run fast enough and ended up as the rotten egg.

So, so far, so good. I've eaten in a variety of "interesting" establishments (think Vienna Inn meets a jail dining hall but not as classy) where the food was, in the trend of sketchy diners, completely awesome!! I've also had Indian Chinese food, random fruits I can't even identify, and the best mango in the world. I've gone from slums to really posh houses, and I've only stuck my toothbrush in tap water twice. I feel good about that. So, all in all, a good beginning. I'm hoping my stomach continues to be made of steel because I suspect that the spice factor is going to go up this week!

So--tomorrow I go and volunteer directly at a children's center. Does anyone have any great children's games that can be communicated almost completely in sign language?**

** (Kbibs--I'm looking at you).

Planes, Trains, Automobiles...and a Camel?

2007-05-24T05:09:00.000-07:00

India--Day 2.

Malaria Tablets: 3
Showers: 4
Bottles of Water: 5
Diet Pepsi: 1, and it was awesome.
Stomach: Healthy

So, I've arrived! And showered! And remembered my Malaria pills which I consider above and beyond! India is....well, I can't even find the words. The roads are a great example--there are no lanes. Well, sometimes there are but no one recognizes them. It's every walker (these people COURT death), biker, car driver, "auto" driver (three wheeled flimsy taxis that look a little bit like an old fashioned carriage from behind) and camel for himself. Yes, I said camel. And I'm sad that I don't have a picture to back it up. B/c it was truly awesome.

Sridhar and his family have been great. Staying with someone you have never met before is always awkward, but staying with someone from an entirely different culture and language who you've never met before really ups the "UN-comfortable" factor. But Sridhar and Chitra (his wife) have been very welcoming to their jet-lagged and clumsy american. After I asked how to hail an auto with an obvious glint of terror in my eye, Sridhar assured me that I would never go anywhere alone or unaccompanied. He's got a team of people working logistics for me, and I'm happy to take advantage of their kindness in this situation.

So, so far mostly good. After I napped yesterday I went to a session design meeting for the AI Youth Leadership Summit happening this weekend. It was so fun to help the Renga Foundation prepare for this summit--they are working with underprivileged youth and this summit marks the end of a 3 module camp. They are trying to teach the next generation some key skills (communication, leadership, values etc) and it is really wonderful work. The session kicks off tomorrow, and I'm to help facilitate/wander around. But it was a great thing to start off my first day--felt like being at home working with my own team at Touchstone!

The bad news is that I was also supposed to help with some other strategy work for an Indian NGO, however, the woman in charge unexpectedly left on Tuesday for the US. So--I may do some individual work at one of the Children's Centers (after-school centers for improverished youth, a way to keep the children out of trouble and help them continue to learn), if I am not too overwhelmed by the kids/my complete inability to communicate with them or most of the staff. That leaves my schedule more open than originally planned, so if anyone wants to come to India for a week....

Hee.

Oops, I'm being called to go to the "retail shop" before dinner. Sridhar's family has come to take a look at me for entertainment I think. His mom is a riot!

More to come soon!!

Bangalore!!

2007-05-22T17:32:00.000-07:00

I made it!! BA delivered me safely, and even upgraded my seat (I was sitting next to a woman and her two children, but she only had two seats....not fun. More on the "screaming children following me" syndrome later), and Sridhar was waiting for me at the airport. I was immediately swarmed by baggage handlers at the baggage claim---single white girl with confused look, I know, easy target, but I managed to find Sridhar (or, he found me) and I'm now at his bungalow.

So, after 26+ hours of travel, I'm off to shower and bed.

More to come soon!!

Save Tall Dave!! (Africa Style!)

2007-05-22T01:35:00.001-07:00

Evil Chuckle...

More Photos!

2007-05-22T01:26:00.001-07:00

My foot, on the other side of the Atlantic!

Steve, his girlfriend Adrienne, and their friend Will prior to our swing dancing extravaganza. We were "dressed to please."

Penguins!!!

The end of the world, Cape Point.

London/Heathrow: Part 2

2007-05-22T00:36:00.000-07:00

My last few days in Cape Town were AMAZING. I need to take a moment and thank Steve (captured in all his glory) for one of the best vacations ever! He bent over backwards to keep me fed, entertained and immersed in S. African culture. Steve, I'm doing my best round of golf clapping in what I think is your general direction (umm, to my left?). I'm so lucky to have such an amazing friend and I'm sending you another one of my patented hugs. You know which one!

Anyway, via Steve I saw:

Springbok

Ostrich

Penguins!

Rainbows!

The most amazing night sky I've ever seen in my entire life

S. Africa v. S. Africa Rugby (S. Africa won!)

S. African Vineyards

And I ate:

Springbok (tastes like sort of like steak! But lighter and more flavorful)

Ostrich

KingKlip (tastes like swordfish meets talipea)

Riesling! (Ironically from Germany, but the best wine I've ever had)

Winter arrived in Cape Town this past weekend, but before it did I managed to spend Friday at the beach all day.....it was tough, but someone had to do it! We also supported some sort of charity by swing dancing, went to another Braii (in honor of the all-S. African Super 14 finale), drove to the end of the world (Cape Point), and saw some really really cute penguins. Africa has penguins!! Jason, you were right! Steve introduced me to about an average of 6-10 new people a day, and they were all amazing. Cape Town is truly a unique and welcoming city, and I am so sad that I had to go. Steve was forced to check my bags to make sure I hadn't made off with any of his friends, and then he gave me a gentle shake to detach me from his leg and sent me on my way.

So now I'm back in Heathrow ready to regroup with only one minor baggage incident under my belt. Positive step foward! I used the $20 Mom slipped me (not to be confused with the 10 Euro Dad gave me) for African water to import to India as instructed and therefore my checked baggage came in over the weight limit--and I was forced to split up my luggage. BA gave me another sad sad sad little bag and I filled it with water and dirty laundry, and sent both bags on their way. This time around I managed not to be stopped in Heathrow itself so I'm living large with my oversized carry-on! Whohoo I say! So the countdown to India continues, and I'm a little bit terrified. I think that this is where the real adventure begins.....

Photos!

2007-05-17T06:05:00.000-07:00

My best breakfast club pose:

Sunrise over Cape Town from the top of Lion's Head

Steve being Steve....

and Table Mountain as seen from Lion's Head!

Cape Town Is.....

2007-05-17T05:09:00.000-07:00

....Amazing! Beautiful, Gorgeous, Awesome. Totally cool. One of the best places I've ever visited. Insert more positive adjectives here. I never want to leave!

So when I arrived Sunday morning Steve met me at the airport and told me that he was having a Braii. Thinking that this was just weird Steve English I rolled with it, only to discover later that a Braii is a HUGE S. African tradition, it's basically a really low tech barbeque minus the tricked out grill, "kiss the cook apron," and any sort of sauce. Instead you have things like the "Braii Master" (King of the Braii and in charge of all the cooking) , the tongs master (or "Tongs a holler"), who is second only to the Braii master, and the random third guy who holds the flashlight to aid poking at the meat. The flashlight can be key because while the Braii may start at 4 pm, you don't actually eat till 10--well after dark. There are also other assorted men who will come up and hold their hands over the grill and make professional sounding comments on the heat of the coals, size of the flames, and other assorted manly S. African stuff. They adopted me as their mascot, but I quickly made a few mistakes--things like suggesting you wrap the meat in bacon (that produced concerned looks and firm shakes of the head), and wondering if you also were able to cook fish during a Braii. I was told that was crazy talk, because that would be a "fish fry" and you never NEVER mix meat and fish at the Braii. Anyway, it was SO MUCH fun and despite no sleep I managed to stay up with Steve and be the last woman standing.

But that was only the beginning!! Since then I have played ultimate frisbee in the pouring rain at night with some crazy S. Africans who I'm not entirely sure were speaking English:

S. African (with urgency): "Christie! Blah Blah Blah Frisbee!!"

Me: ".....?"

S. African: "BLAH BLAH FRISBEE"

Me: "Umm....Steve?"

Hiked up Lion's Head to see the sunrise (Laura-I'm hardcore!), swing danced at a dinner party, and gone horsebackriding on the beach!! Steve is showing me an amazing time (yay Steve!!), and I can't believe how much I've already done and seen. Though I'm starting to get worried because he keeps talking about how the "easy days are over" and things are "really going to pick up from here." I think that is part of his evil plan to keep me too tired to cause mischief! Steve's internet is also down at his house (which, fyi, is only one block from a BEAUTIFUL beach) so I'm writing this at SALT! I've been told to stay away from the telescope.

Anyway--it's all absolutely amazing. The food, the sights, and the people are all incredible, and I'm so glad that I came. Hopefully there will be another post before I leave!! More to come soon.....

Cape Town!

2007-05-13T00:22:00.000-07:00

Cape Town!

I made it!!

2007-05-12T09:09:00.002-07:00

London/Heathrow: Part 1

I made it....to London!! Running free from the Delta dress code and so therefore dressed to impress in my most formal loungewear, I'm in London where I'm busy moving stuff around and causing the occasional international baggage incident. But that is, after all, a fine Mims family tradition. In fact, the last time I remember staying in Heathrow like this was on a trip with my family years ago when we cleverly decided to just leave our bags and wander off for some reason, only to return and find them under police guard and about to be taken off to be exploded. I don't think that the UK was very impressed with us, but after some talk we did get our bags back. I guess they figured terrorists would not be 1. so imcompetent or 2. small children. :)

Anyway, I made the crucial error of having more than one carry on bag--which is verboden when traveling through Heathrow. I knew I'd be stuck for the whole day before flying overnight again to Cape Town, so I wasn't sure if I wanted to stay at Heathrow or go explore some of my old London haunts. After landing and deplaning to some confusion I saw that there were two lines--the line to connect, full of baggage searching and a gung-ho "let's stick to the one bag rule" security detail, or the airport immigration/exit with no detail. I took a run for the exit and fled the scene, only to return later (after a trip to the London Eye!) to an even stricter security officer who took issue with the size of my carry on. After much argument, I was forced to concede that 1. I did, in fact, have two bags, NOT just the one allowed, 2. My main bag would not fit into the size-wise measuring container even if I could alter the laws of physics, and 3. I would not be able to "make a run for it" and get to the plane. Eventually the entire security team made it clear that I was not going to get through with my bag situation as such. They took my carry on, gave me a sad sad sad tiny (sad) plastic bag for my computer and the other stuff that I managed to jam into it, and sent me through to the gate with a shake of the head. And that is where I am now, sans emergency m and m's and cable to connect my camera to the computer. So no pictures yet.

Being in London however, is so great! Except I don't remember how the money works, and I've already been rained on twice. But the man at the tube station called me "ducks" and "love" so I'm feeling the London cheer!

More to come--Fingers crossed my luggage makes it!!

**This posting was written on no sleep. There is no hope for grammer.

2007-05-09T07:46:00.000-07:00

Pre-departure Check:

Weight: 138.5 lbs

Height: 5'8"

Hair Color: (almost natural looking) Dark Auburn

So I'm off on what I hope will be one of those "trips of a lifetime!" that involve old friends, new friends, great stories, and new insight. This blog is meant to be a way to avoid mass emails and let those that worry (parents) keep up to date on my (completely safe!) travels and experiences.

So--my itinerary:

May 11: Depart Dulles
May 12: Heathrow
May 13: Cape Town
May 21: Depart Cape Town
May 22: Heathrow
May 23: Bangalore!
June 13: Heathrow
June 13: Dulles!

(Pause to regroup)

June 20: Lima!
June 21: Cusco
June 23: Off to Macchu Picchu!
June 27: Lima
June 29: Home again!

So please join me, and feel free to send comments, good karma, and lifesaving tips!**

**I've already heard several on monkeys, so I'm good in that area