Lady Elvis.

So, I'm writing a research paper on Elvis' portrayal in the media as a religious icon, specifically in art. I'm reading/listening/watching everything Elvis, which you all know for me is not a chore at all. I did come across the most incredible piece of audio though. I've never heard Elvis cuss like this before, but man, the guy was badass.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmLIBL4xgJ0&feature=related

Wouldn't want to get on his bad side! Either way, I want his '68 special in full. When he sings 'Lawdy Miss Clawdy' I die.

Things to do in NY:

• Go to a freaking diner for every meal. Fin is constantly making fun of me because he says that every conversation we have I mention a diner at some point. I can't help it. Thick french toast smothered in syrup, or a huge burger with fries and a pickle, or grilled cheese, or a BLT on a toasted bagel with a thin layer of mayo (and a pickle o'course). Oh gosh, I'm hungry.

• THRIFT STORES!!!!!!! You don't understand. There are quite a few vintage shops here, but the Italians can't figure out that used crap should be 5€ per bag, just like at the Salvation Army where you can stuff a bag to the bursting point and pay 5 bucks. Heaven. Also, I need a new wardrobe, new bags, new shoes, new accessories, and there is nothing quite like getting clothes that are already broken in for you while paying nothing as well. I'm sick of spending so much money on everything!

• Bleeker Street. Must take a nice long walk down one of my most favorite streets in all of NYC, stop at the record shop and buy nothing, and head over to Tea Spot while I'm in the area.

• The Met and MoMa NEED to be visited, considering that my last trip to the states was severely lacking in art. I'm such a spoiled biotch and I'm getting tired of seeing the Vatican Museum collection all the time... I need something to spice it up.

• Payless. With Rome being a graveyard for shoes (curse you, san pietrini!) every single pair I own is either completely worn down or not made for the monsoon weather we get here every once in a while. Time for some good, cheap shoes to last me the winter.

• Basso 56. I am telling you, if you are reading this and have never been to this restaurant in NYC, please go. It's on 56th and 8th ave, serves really incredible Italian fusion food (the chef Paolo is from Rome) and the co-owner Alex (from Albania) is absolutely wonderful (and super attractive). This is the only restaurant I actually want to eat in... every other time I just wanna go to a diner.

• Bryant/Central Parks. Must stroll, must experience kissing in both parks, because when I was actually living in NYC I never got to. Or did I? Don't remember, so it obviously wasn't that great. Either way, this time around I get to do all of the wonderful romantic things I've always wanted to do in NYC. Hooray!

• Alice's Tea Cup. This is a day for the girlies... high tea with my cousins, including my little Julia. Can't wait to see that curly head.

• Fireplace! I'm dying for a fireplace, with the Christmas tree being the only other light in the room, a Wayne Watson Christmas album playing, and homemade cocoa from scratch. Also, I am really excited for roast beast on Christmas day. I'm really hungry. Oh gosh.

That's all I can think of right now. I'll add on, or you all can help me plan my 3 weeks there. Love!

BIRTHDAY!

You all will not believe how perfect my birthday was. Turning 21 in Italy is probably better than it ever would've been in the states... there wasn't that whole 'ooooo, you can drink now!' thing hanging over my head. I've been able to drink in Italy since I've got here, and in the states for that matter. Apparently I look older than I am.

Well, I had a tour Saturday morning, and since I let everyone in on the fact that they were on a special birthday tour (and because I'm a pretty damn good guide) I got about 55€ in tips. SWEET! Then, Fin came over and he bought me the classical guitar I had been eyeing :) Then we went to go meet Rita for a drink in Trastevere, than we headed of to San Lorenzo for some dinner.

Okay. Best part. We went to go see some live music, and it just so happened to be rockabilly night!!!!! So I got to dance to the music I always dream of dancing to! It was perfect! And all of my favorite people were there (well, most of my favorite people!) and we danced and had a fabulous time.

I have no clue what time we got home. Who cares? Birthday! Now I'm an oldie.

Things to look foward to: coming home in December! I'm so excited! Can't wait to get into NYC. Okay. no more time on the computer in the internet point love you all byebye!

List of things:

• I'm leaving for Nice tomorrow, staying until Sunday night, and I don't speak a word of French except for the bad ones. Freya and I plan on living on a diet of baguettes, brie, and vin to keep our spending to a minimum. Also because we have to pay to get into all of the museums. Matisse, Picasso, Chagall, Miro'... sono emozionata!
• I have so much work to do it's disgusting. Why am I going away for the weekend?
• Excited for Christmas and food. People need to feed me and love me.
• Tired of Rome, so Nice will be a nice change.

kisses.

Crazy Asians.

I was gathering at the Vatican this morning, and this Asian guys starts filming me. Before I knew it, I'm being swarmed by about 15 other people that wanted to take their picture with me. They all kept taking turns making peace signs and thumbs up, and I'm being pushed every which way to get in between these people so they can all get a picture. All of my friends were just pointing and laughing.

They probably thought I was someone famous.

Either way, by far the most bizarre experience in Piazza San Pietro.

Fat Americans.

Mommy sent me this and I died laughing in the computer lab at school.


After a two year visit to the United States , Michelangelo's 'David' is returning to Italy ...








His Proud Sponsors were:





Not that far off, no?

Impegnata.

After really learning how much work it'll take for me to become a restorer, I've made a new decision as far as my art historical career goes. Giving tours has sparked something in me, just as teaching bellydance lessons did about 3 years ago.

I want to teach! Picture me, in NYC, being a professor at one of the billions of universities and giving tours at the Met. Fabulous, no? I'll buy a vespa as well... a shiny red one with camel-colored seats. Mmmm.

Yes, I come up with new things everyday, but I actually follow through, no? I moved to Italy when everyone thought it was just a pipedream. After dreaming of becoming a tour guide and wearing cute outfits while telling people about Michelangelo, I landed a job. I'm driven when I need to be.

I have plans... graduate in December 2009, stay in Italy until May working, and then find out the cheapest way for me to get to grad school, whether it be in the EU or in the states. Then we'll see about settling down somewhere I can land a job. PhD? Lovely idea. I'll be only 22 when I graduate, so I can be nice and young when I finish my schooling.

I decided all of this within the past hour or so, while sitting through my Restoration class. Nothing can stop me now!

It'll be a boyfriendless two weeks... I'll fill up my time with some nice research about the rest of my life.

Happy! Rome is beautiful, and getting colder, but things are lovely. I wont be playing at the open mic this Thursday, because Rita's daddy and sister are here, so we're having dinner. Excited! Then I might head out to Big Mama's to watch this female jazz guitarist.

Picasso exhibit is starting on the 11th here in Rome, which is another exciting thing for me. Also, I'm going to Nice for 4 days starting the 23rd to visit some Picasso and Magritte museums with my Picasso class. Printmaking is tomorrow, so I get to get my hands all lovely and dirty in black inks and lanoleum shavings. Then there is a weekend of tours and reading to do, while preparing some assignments for classes and sitting in the park. Possibly some guitar in there as well... I promised I would learn 'Landslide'.

Happy October! Miss you Mommy! (and Aunt Maggie... considering that you two are the only ones that read this hehe!)