post christmas detox

I had one of the best Christmas of my life. I was with my parents, brother, niece, cousins, uncles and aunties, cousins' babies, friends and Mr. R. In total, between the two families there were around 40 of us.
I had some of the best food, and some of the best conversations. I managed to sit and listen to family tales, to stories about my family and where we come from, and taste the flavor of those roots.
There was a lot of talking and and lot of eating, and now I need to detox. I am enjoying the silence of my apartment and I am craving bland food (at least for a couple of days).
More pics from the feast here

After Red Pants...Orange coat

More colors, this time in Rome.
I was waiting for a friend by the Spanish steps. This areas is always full of both tacky and beautiful looks, making it perfect for people watching.
The tacky looks mainly come from teenagers who linger around the area as part of a mating dance, and are therefore dressed accordingly (lots of gold, high heels, low jeans).
The beautiful looks come from the older, more poised people who can afford to shop or live in this area.
I believe this man belongs to the latter tribe.

Back in Rome- back at home

And I am enjoying it!
I got back from Paris a few days ago and magically the sun has appeared.

The horrible news about the Tiber river overflowing seems to be obsolete now, that the sun is out and the sky is blue.

These days I am making it a point to walk to work, this way I will re-learn my ways around and enjoy fully the beautiful light of Rome. Not that I forgot my route, but maybe I missed a shop opening, or a new gallery display or the new interior decoration of a bar.

Mostly, I am drinking coffee, cappuccino and marocchinos on a daily basis. I am going back to my fav spots and asking for my solito..in fact, I don't even need to ask, I just go in, stand by the counter and smile. The hot foamy perfect drink comes without saying.

Last day in Paris, last minute shopping

On my last day in Paris I realized I still had do do a bunch of presents. Remembering a friend suggestion, I ran out, threw myself in the crowds of Rue de Rivoli and headed to the Carousel du Louvre. This cunning structure is part of the larger Louvre building and it hosts shops and cafes conveniently open 7 days a week from 8:30AM to 8:15 PM.
Among other shops is the official Musee du Luvre boutique where you can find the usual postcards, catalogues, books and a beutiful selection of copies from the museum collection. Jewelry, tapestry and ceramics that make the perfect little gift for a friend who has almost everything, but doens't have a replica of an ancient Roman bracelet.

After picking up a bunch of beautifully wrapped gifts (what else do you expect from the French?) a couple of macaroons for the flight, and after bundling up again, I headed back home.
Rue de Rivoli was still packed, but I could not help noticing these pictures posted outside the Samaritaine building. This beautiful department store has been closed for quite a while as it is undergoing restoration. In the meantime, the pictures posted on its scaffoliding make passerbys remember that the heart of Parisian shopping is still beating.
Pictures show children photographed few minutes after their birth. I thought they were beautiful and joyful. A message of hope for the future.

Lace- pizzi e merletti

Lace has been everywhere this year.
It started with a fabulous and ridiculously priced Prada skirt (it even got a mention in the NYT), from there it went into other designers boutiques, in H&M, Zara, and all the rest. It took various shapes, colors and forms, from Goth to bridal, from gold to the more traditional black.

In Italy, lace (pizzo) is often associated with clergy, brides and funerals, or underwear..but this year things are changing even in Italy. I have seen plenty of evening gowns, skirts, tights all with some sort of lace applied.

While flipping through a magazine and pondering whether I should indulge in this fashion or not, my mom passed by and looking at the pictures in the magazine said something along these lines: " ah, your grandma had a skirt just like that one (pointing at the 7000 $ Prada infamous skirt).
I almost jumped off my chair, asked her if the skirt was still around and to my surprise she said yes! Apparently, the lovely nonna has made herself this skirt suit for my uncle's wedding 42 years ago. Nonna Virginia (Gina) traded in textiles, so she always had beautiful fabrics available, being an excellent seamstress she could make anything she wanted.

Needless to say, I forced my mom to go find the skirt. We looked around everywhere, and finally here it was: black macrame' lace, perfect seams, made to measure..and to my measure!!!
You cannot see the skirt shape, but you can see the lace work ..you will have to trust me in believing it fits perfectly..

Grazie nonna!

(Almost) 101 dalmatians

After bumping into Mr. colored pants I stumbled upon a jolly group of locals walking their pups.
OK, maybe there were not 101, but it was a good number to see on a crowded street on a random day in Paris.
I got the sense that they were all friends, or at least "dog friends" and maybe they were having a reunion to see how the pups were doing...maybe the dogs were all brothers?

A man and his red pants

This can follow under the category of good fashion, but also of "stolen" pictures, since once again I did not have the guts to go up to the man.
I took this picture while I was waiting for some friends outside the metro. It was Saturday morning, gray and grim like many winter mornings here in Paris. I particularly liked the bright red trousers, it seemed like a statement..a way of saying "I dare to put some color in this city".
I like bold statements like this, and I have been noticing more and more of it here in Paris. Maybe it's a way of defeating the grayness of the city?

political post

I saw this sticker in London. It was on the back of a road sign. It was actually Mr. R who noticed it.
It seems to me that it represents a big chunk of the problem with foreign politics these days.

My dad making history in the 60s

A family friend called us the other day about a documentary that was on TV. The documentary was about the students protests going on in Italy and France during the year 1968.
While watching the show one of my relatives recognized my dad! Luckily we managed to download part of the tv show. Here is a short clip. Can you recognize papa'?

the chocolate tree

I just realized I had a picture of the chocolate tree. Unfortunately I too it from my phone, so it is not the best..but you get the idea.
Both tree and decorations are made of chocolate. I know this one would not last long in my house..

Macaroon and Cheese-your new aperitif snack

Last week I went along one of our Chocolate walks in Paris. During the stroll, discussing the new up and coming trends in chocolate making, our docent Camille mentioned the name of Jean Paul Hevin. She told us about the new adventurous road that this maitre chocolatier was taking, by mixing chocolate with cheese. I was intrigued and disgusted at the same time. I love chocolate and I love cheese, but the idea of mixing the two was not exactly mouthwatering.
A few days went by, I realized I didn't remember the name of this revolutionary chocolate master but Camille was on vacation and I did't want to bother her just to satisfy my curiosity.

Then today, on my way to the accountant I noticed a new (to me) shop. A shop with a beautiful Christmas tree dipped in chocolate on display in the window! Blame it on the rain, or just simply on my curiosity but I went in. Mr R. was with me and he was definitely not holding me back!
Once inside the shop I noticed a section of the display case dedicated to a "special breed" of macaroons. The cheese macaroons! Yes, I accidentally bumped into JPH' s boutique on Rue St. Honore!

Needless to say we bought a mini box of these round delights and had them as aperitif..my verdict? Interesting, some actually very good. I particularly liked the curry-roquefort and the Epoisses - cumin, Mr. R is still uncertain and claims he needs another round :-)

Coffee rant

I was reading the NYT and saw this brilliant post by Christoph Niemann about coffee.
I love his graphics and the way he describes his conflictual relationship with the dark beverage.
Coffee to me is a staple, sometimes I think that I drink it because I have been given the possibility of drinking the best coffee in the world for my whole life, and I cannot give up this privilege. In the end, so many people are deprived of this pleasure, it would not feel right to give it up.

And then I moved to Paris.. and I had to give up the idea of good caffeine.
The coffee here is just simply bad, and overpriced. People do not seem to get the point of making a short, creamy coffee. Instead they prefer a long, watery drink that is normally between 1 and 3 Euro. Outrage! Maybe this is the reason Parisian cafes are failing to fill up with clients(at least this is what appeared on a New York Times article not too long ago).

I laugh every time my parents come visit, we go out to a restaurant or to a cafe' and my dad stands near the counter while we wait for our coffee. Not only he keeps an eye on the person making the coffee but he keeps repeating "tres serre' tres serre'" hoping that that will make a difference on the quality of the drink.

Finally, we have a Gaggia coffee machine here in the apartment. The same one we have in Rome.
I had my normal coffee brough in from Italy, I put all my love in the making..but everymorning I have a disappointment. What can I do? Turn to tea for the joy of Mr. R?

The perfect look

While walking around Paris is easy to bump into the perfect look. A lot of it has to do with skinny girls in high heels and designer clothes.
Parisians are in general very concerned with beauty, looks and making everything that represents them flawless. Even fruit stands at the market look like designer boutiques here.

Last weekend I was walking around Rue du Bac. It was rainy and cold in a typical Parisian winter way, strollers were sporting fur coats and umbrella, high heels boots and skinny jeans.

A and I were sans umbrella, walking fast from one corner to the other when we saw this perfect example of effortless style. The girl in front of us was wearing simil-wellington boots, a not so special trench coat, a scarf and the ageless Chanel purse.

You judge.
P.S. Of course I am no sartorialist, so I didn't have the guts to stop the girl and ask her for a photo. Instead A and I followed her until we were close enough and not in need of a flash before taking a picture

Sonya in the house

Not many people enter and exit the fashion world as smoothly as Sonya Rykiel.
She started by chance, 40 years ago, a young woman married to the owner of a clothing shop. Sonya started creating clothes for herself when she got pregnant, because she was having difficulties finding decent sweaters for her and her newborn. So she started with knitting, and designing knits. 40 years later, she

She is an icon of elegant French women, she represents style and normality and ultimately she demonstrated how people in the fashion world can be intelligent and discreet instead of showy and exaggerated.

Paris is celebrating Sonya's 40 years of activity in every possible way. Les Arts Decoratifs is hosting an exhibition about the designer's work, Rykiel's last fashion show was a true party and finally all windows of Rykiel's boutiques in Paris display fun and blingy items.
Here is a little show

Walking in the cold

A is here! So fun to have friends visiting me.
This morning we went for a great run along the river and Jardin des Plantes. This is by far my favorite park in Paris, not as chic as the Tuileries but with a more authentic feel to it. It's not the place where you meet the people featured in the sartorialist blog, but tt's the perfect park for running, taking a romantic stroll or just simply be. I am looking forward to taking my niece here during the weekend. She is going to go crazy!

After our run- and a generous breakfast- we headed towards the upper Marais. One of our food docents had suggested the area around Rue Charlot and rue Bretagne for fantastic window shopping and supposetly a super chocolatier.
We walked in the cold for about 2 hours, enjoyed this lesser known part of the BoBo neighborhood and actually found some great spots. Among others, we popped into the marche' des Enfants-Rouges. The market takes the name from an Orphan house located nearby where children wore a red uniform.
A and I had just started to be peckish (surprise?) so we took advantage of a lovely Bio stand/ restaurant. We had a gallette made of a weird mix of quinoa, veggies and..something else.
It was cooked on a proper crepes machine and it tasted heavenly..not quite a Thanksgiving meal but definitely delicious..Have a happy Thanksgiving. And thank you to all my friends for being such a special part of my life!

Laotian Food- The Best food

As promised, here are some pictures from out Laotian night. This, along with Laduree is my #1 stop when I come to Paris.
Located in the 13th arr., this Thai-Laotian join is a popular spot for locals, up to the point that arriving after 8PM automatically means standing in line for a while.
I was introduced to this restaurant a few years ago by David Lebowitz , we met there for dinner with some friends. David suggested a bunch of different dishes, but I remember him ordering the crunchy rice salad. This particular dish comes with leaves that range from lettuce to mint served on the side.
Since then, I have been a regular of this restaurant. I have taken my mom and dad, Mr. R, Katie, and anyone else who was in town and up for some good Asian food.

I went back not long ago, and along with the crunchy rice salad, I tried a delicious spicy basil duck dish and a chicken- coconut soup. Everything was delicious!

A. is coming to Paris today..so another guest to share Laotian delish with! Yupppeee


The restaurant is called Lao Lane Xang & Houng Lan
105 Avenue d'Ivry
75013 Paris
No reservations- closed on monday
Metro is Tolbiac

When it's cold outside..

I like to complain. I like to say that I miss the sun and the light of Rome, my mom's delicious food and my friends.
But then, I realize that I cannot complain. Spending six months a year in Paris is a treat, rather than an imposition. Being here for a "short" time allows me to always discover new things and look at the city with the eyes of a new comer. At the same time, living here for long stretches of time is perfect for feeling and home and becoming a "regular"in a restaurant.

Well, for the first time today, after almost 1 year of going to the same boulangerie I had a smile from the woman who works there. She was polite as usual, but also added a genuine smile when Mr. R insisted for a third rose de sable. Life is good when things like this happen.

Another pick me up in rainy cold days, is a cup of tea with Laduree macarons. We are slightly obsessed with these delicious, colorful mini dessert. Maybe because they come in lovely boxes, or maybe because they are gluten free, or simply because they are the perfect size for a dessert, every time we walk past one of the many Laduree spots in Paris we make sure to pick up a little box of 8 macarons.
Favorite fravors are: coffee, caramel, rose and violet.

New Ralph Lauren to open in Paris

In the heart of the most exclusive arrondissement of Paris, Ralph Lauren is opening up what seems to be a massive flagship store.
The opening date for the boutique is Blvd. St. Germain is 2009. So far, only a huge blue cover up hides the facade of what will be the RL headquarter in Paris.

It's snowing in Paris

I made the flake using http://snowflakes.barkleyus.com/
I will venture outside to try and get some pictures..brrr

A Circus in Paris

Last summer I bought a dress from Paraphernalia , one of my fav shops in Rome. Paraphernalia is of those shops where you wish you could fit into everything, and be able to afford everything.
The dress was extremely colorful, strangely shaped and a bit clown like, but I absolutely loved it. I wore it with heels, flats, jeans,leggings or solo. It came with me to NY, Pakistan, London, Paris and my beach trips. It was that kind of strangely perfect dress you can glam up or just wear it as it is, and it still looks great.The dress is from a French label called Circus & Co.

Considering the price of the dress, and the uncommon brand, I was resigned to wait until the next sales at Paraphernalia before buying another one, but instead...The Circus came to me!
I was walking around the 4th arr the other day, and as I turned the corner in one of the streets by my apartment what did I see? The showroom for Circus & Co. ! I walked in like a drunk in a liquor store, or a kid in a candy store and I tried on everything. Dresses were 65 Euro, Sweaters and tops from 25 to 45, coats 85..It was a dream come true!

I am happy, with two new dresses and a couple of sweaters..my wallet? Not so happy:-)

If you are in Paris
Circus &Co
12 Rue Beautreillis- Paris 4eme
(metro St. Paul)

How much is that doggie in the window?

So the songs goes..but I have never heard this song before, so I have to go on trust.

Every time I leave the apartment in Paris I pass this small upholstery shop. It's tiny but very well kept, I take it that they fix and do most of the sofas and armchairs in my lovely neighborhood.
Apart from being an interesting joint per se, the upholster shop is also home to this Jackrussell.
I haven't familiarized with him yet, as he is mostly sitting on an armchair behind a glass. But this time he came close to the window, almost willing to "chat" while I tried to take a picture.

If you look closely you can see me and part of Mr. R trying to sweet talk doggie, singing "how much is that doggie in the window...

Fashion and Art- grown ups or kids?

Paris is a great place for art, fashion and kids. You can find fabulous contemporary art, great boutiques and parks where children can play and run safely. All of this is particularly concentrated in certain neighborhoods, like the 6th arr. Here, we find stylish moms with their last YSL purchase strolling child in hand, towards the Jardin du Luxemburg and popping into an art gallery on the way.
Well, exactly in this neighborhood, I took these 2 pictures. They are two windows very close to each other. One in the shop where I hope I will buy clothes for my future children, the other is an up and coming contemporary art gallery. Which is which??
P.S.Notice how appealing contemporary art (shaped in the form of bright dogs) it is to kids!

Sunday food

I love waking up late on a cold sunday morning and slowly starting the day with breakfast and the FT.
This weekend K is visiting, she is as much of a food lover as Mr. R and I..so following the lazy breakfast and the FT reading, we all headed to the Bastille market for a little shopping and a bit of food. We walked back and forth the lovely market, plenty of people planning for their sunday meal and buying accordingly.
We got three different kinds of cheese (one goat, one cow and one sheep), meat roulades (with dried figs and bacon), fruit vegetables, and potatoes for the roast.
As we strolled back, we noticed a small stand selling churros (or chichis).
The seller had an ingenious system figured out of mixing the dough, making into churros, frying the churros (about 14 at a time), picking them up, dipping them into the sugar and selling them.
He ran the shop by himself, in the neatest possible way. Not a drop of oil spilled, not a lump of dough fell on the floor. Nothing looked oily or greasy. Rather crunchy and sugary and churros should be.
Well, we could not resist. We had to get them. 6 chichis for 2 euros was the deal.

Curry and Thai

My friend K asked me what was the best thing I had since I moved to Paris. I had to think for a few minutes..
Being gluten intolerant prevents me from trying most of the delicious food in Paris (no croissants, no baguettes, no religiouse for me).
That said, the city of lights and buttery food still has a lot to offer.
Macaroons to name one, are entirely gluten free. And then there are snails, there is the meat, the cheese and so much more. All things that I make sure I have before going back to Rome.
This time around, I haven't yet had my favorite food, so to answer Katie's question I had to say, the best food since I got here last week has been Indian food in London.
We went to Rasa, a very pink, very good South Indian restaurant in Fitzrovia. Rasa was founded by Das Sreedharan in 1994 and is quickly became one of the top Indian restaurants in London developing into a small chain (9 locations in London) with a School of Home cooking and hospitality in Kerala.
Mr. R and I ordered each a feast. He opted for a Fish Feast and I went for the Vegetarian feast. Everything was delicious, spicy and served in a very pleasing manner.
My soup, appetizers and main dish were incredibly fresh and the flavors very vivid. The Uzhunappam was incredible. The best I have ever had.

So now it is time for Paris to step up and give me some real food. Where are we going tonight?
Laotian food in the 13th- I love it!

London days

I was gone for a few days:business trip to London.

Winter and Summer, Fall and Spring a day in London can have rain, sun, wind and fog. I feel like in 3 days I have experienced it all. We arrived on Monday morning and were welcomed by heavy showers and strong wind. 

By the time we left the sun had come out and we were almost sad to go back to Paris.

Mr. R and I had a great time, notwithstanding the constant struggle with London public transportation. We bought our favorite tea from Fortnum and Mason, did some Christmas shopping, had curry and walked in St. James Park. What else can you ask from a three day trip in London? Oh yes, we met our friends. It was lovely!

Christmas window at F&M

Minnesota and eating fruit

When I am in Paris, I try to eat as much fruit and veg as possible. Maybe it is the gray of the city or the fact that everyone seems to have a cold, but I feel the need to have my daily intake of Vitamin C. Luckily the Rue D'Aligre Market is just a few blocks from here, so I can refill the fruit bowl daily with French delicacies as well as North African ones. The market is famous for being a perfect mixture of French tradition with strong influences from Maghreb.
Yesterday I bought lots of grapefruits, and as I started eating my first half I had a Marcel Proust moment. I realized that the first time I had grapefruit like that (cut in half, with some sugar sprinkled on the juice and the pulp scooped up with a spoon) when I was in Minnesota. My American Mom introduced me to this lovely dessert 15 years ago. Crazy! This reminded me of all sorts of thing, including all the other discoveries I made during that one year in America ( I could have green hair, see snow in May, learn another language perfectly, feel at home in another country, etc )
These days we hear so much about the U.S. and it makes me realize how determinant the time between '93 and '94 was for me . It changed my life for ever (and made me love grapefruit!)

Fashion and Food

While my friend J is at the Fendi outlet doing some shopping (I hope you get some good stuff) I am perusing the windows of boutiques in Paris, looking for a new pair of shoes. I want them with a medium- high heel, black, not sure about patent leather or not, but no laces.
They have to be classy yet fun..I have poked into my usual stores, and even ventured to Martin Margiela but haven't found anything appealing yet.
What is a girl to do? Find refuge in some chocolate? And what if the chocolate comes in the shape of shoes??
These right here are 100% edible shoes, made of pure chocolate by one of the artisian chocolatier in the Marais..to eat or not to eat??

Paris Paris

I am back in Paris, this time for quite a while. I will be working a bit from our French office, eating delicious food and shopping more than I should, but hey, this is Paris to me.
I find this city strangely welcoming, even during the winter. I love the shops and the well dressed people. I feel at home, maybe because I can reinvent myself.
This morning I woke up (later than planned) and went to the market on Rue D'Aligre. The stands were colorful and inviting as always, notwithstanding the gray sky.
There were all sorts of grapes, cabbage (chou- I love the name) and mushrooms including a type called Trompette de la Mort ..when I saw them, I realized I had them with my pave' de beuf. Very yummy. I will try to take pics and keep you updated with my November discoveries...

Happy and hopeful

I have never seen such a big headline on the NYT. There is excitement everywhere and you can tell, the change is happening. A new energy is in the air.
I cannot say much, but I am happy, extremely happy and hopeful for the future and thankful for being a witness to this wonderful event.

Useful and Fun

Yesterday I saw an old friend I had not seen for at least 2 years. He and I have been in the same circles of English speaking Romans for a very long time (he is in fact half American half Italian) but for some reasons had lost touch.
It turns out GB has started a website/ newsletter aimed at all Italo-philes .
The site is called Italian Notebook and it is a collection of smart daily "notes" suggesting things to do, places to see, books to read.
In general, contributors are expats living in Italy and sharing their passions with others.

If you want to take a look: http://italiannotebook.com/

The Barney Crane

This should be filed under: weird things you see in the city.
I was walking to the metro this morning and I saw this crane. What does it remind you of?
Aren't these the colors of the beloved dinosaur ? Maybe they wanted to make sure no one would steal this crane, but then again, do people steal cranes?

Isola Tiberina- Nov 2

Sorry for the poor quality of the picture. I only had my phone- camera (or cameraphone) to take pictures with..

Every year, on Nov 2 the Isola Tiberina becomes a magical place, candle lit, full of mysticism.

On this date, the followers of the confraternity of the Sacconi Rossi (red capes) gather to celebrate and remember all people who died in the Tiber river. 

The confraternity was founded in the XVII cent., its role was that of "fishing" the bodies of people who had drowned in the river, or had been thrown in the river. The red capes (this is the name they were given because of their uniform) were also in charge of the burial of the bodies.

I attended this ceremony for the first time when I worked with National Geographic. I had not been back since, but today I decided to go. After a few days of rain today was perfect, the sky was clear and the light beautiful. My mom came along. I was beautiful, just like I remembered.

To read the article about Underground Rome: National Geographic

Halloween

I have no shame:-) So I am wearing this crazy wig.
Happy Halloween everyone!

sweet memories

these are delicious marshmellow sweets made by my darling. I hope there will be more to come this winter. In fact, tomorrow is Halloween and I will be baking treats for my friend's party.
Martha Stewart give me some ideas!

queen B

I just have to say it. Most of the time, I am very happy about the people I meet. Three hundred and sixty-four days a year I feel lucky because the people surrounding me are smart, polite, interesting or just simply nice.

And then that day comes when you meet an irritating person, someone who doesn't even know the basic rules of society like shaking hands when you meet...

Well, I just hope these people learn, with time and practice, to be more amenable. 

good night.

Funghi, mele e zucche..

Last night I had dinner at my parents house. They had just returned froma daytrip in Segni.
They had gorged on amazing food (chestnuts, meat, mushrooms etc etc) and kindly decided to bring some of the goodies back home.
Among other delicious things, their shopping comprised of porcini and ovolo mashrooms. The king and prince of mushrooms.
They were AMAZING. So smooth, pretty, large, the color of gold.
My dad cut the ovoli and served them raw, with just olive oil and shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.
My mom cut the porcini , added slices of potatoes, salt, pepper, olive oil and cooked everything in the oven for 20 minutes.
Both results were divine.

We finished out meal with chestnuts. I was in heaven.

Running again, and for a good cause

Yes!
I am really doing the things I had planned on doing..among other positive and constructive things I started running again. This time, I was inspired by two women: my friend Imogen who ran a half-marathon to raise money for the charity LAM Action (you can donate at http://www.justgiving.com/imogenaylen), and Ms. Malik who runs a non profit called Behbud
Behbud allows women in rural parts of Pakistan to have a job and earn an honest living.
Behbud's mission is to empower women by providing health, education, income-generation and vocational training regardless of color, cast or creed.

Last April, during a trip to Pakistan I had the opportunity to meet some of these women and I was so impressed by their high spirit and desire to work. It was a lesson.

So here I am, training for the Rome half marathon (March 1, 2009). Amina and I will be running for Behbud, and hopefully we'll be able to raise a good sum.
If you are interested, you can donate to both charities, LAM action and Behbud online.

The Rome Marathon is called Roma Ostia. Info here: Roma Ostia

Thanks Imo, Shukran Ms. Malik

Rome is no North East..but we still have beautiful colors

All my American friends tell me they miss the colors of the foliage in the North East. But I like the colors of the Fall in Rome



People in America are a little obsessed with the whole change of color of leaves issue. Just by doing a quick search I found the following..Look at this:
http://www.foliagenetwork.net/
http://www.yankeefoliage.com
http://www.foliage-vermont.com
http://www.maine.gov/doc/foliage/

il giornalino

In elementary school I was the capo delle femmine.
At the age of 6, I went into a new school (http://www.istitutopurificato.com/), joined a class of super children, some of the smartest people I ever met in my life. Among them, Luca Persiani e Matteo Alviti.
Luca and I had an intellectual connection, we both loved books and dreamed about being writers, so at one point we published our own magazine, from Luca's living room.
Of course I had completely forgotten about all of this, partially even about Luca, until the advent of the wonderful/ evil of Facebook brought us back together.
I met Luca, we had drinks, we chatted about good old times and Luca reminded me about the giornalino. Since then, we have kept in touch and I have pestered him to find the original copy of our magazine. He did...and here it is:

fix your own bike, and you'll go further in life

We did it, we finally manage to go into the Ciclo Officina in via Baccina (I know, it rhymes).
the place is great, you can walk in the magic elevator on street level, load your bike in the elevator and in a few minutes you are transported in a world of breaks, pedals, chains and tires.
two friendly chaps welcome you and ask if you need help, then you learn how to fix you bike, you can use the tools available on site, chat with other cyclists about the challenge of being on two wheels in a world of cars, or about being a cool person on a bike, etc etc

For more info: http://www.ciclonauti.org

Age inappropriate?

I love reading Vogue, watching fashion shows, keeping updated with the lovely photos by the Sartorialist, and I never miss my weekly appointment with the witty Bill Cunningham from the NYT. They are all arbiter mores of good taste.
But who is the arbiter of bad taste? Who keeps an eye of what you should not be wearing?

Italy, especially from Rome South, is full of people that take fashion to the next level. They wear every possible logo they have in their closet, and they were them all at the same time. They tan a bit too much, color their hair a bit too blond or too black..I feel authorized to criticize this part of the country because it is where I come from (even though I was born in Piemonte) and where I live.

After discussing with my boyfriend, who strongly opposed my project, I decided to create an AGE INAPPROPRIATE section of this blog. Here I will report cases of bad fashion, or simply things I hope my friends, my relatives and/or myself will never be caught wearing.

In this particular case, a gold - red and silver outfit that would possibly be ok around Christmas is definitely not cool in October..what do you think?

there is a werewolf looking down at me

This is the way I feel every time I come home late from work. I know it is a bit scary to imagine, but I find it funny, almost reassuring.
On my way home from the metro, I pass the house of an older lady. I have never actually talked to her, or officially met her. I just got a glimpse of her once.
But on the other hand, I know her wolf-man very well.
Every night, he looks out the window, almost waiting for me to come by. He looks down, sometimes I even think he grins..and once I pass he keeps a vigil eye on the street, as if he wanted to look out for me and make sure no weirdos were following me.
Don't know his name, but I secretly wish one day he could jump out of the window and come home with me...but then again, I cannot steal him from the old lady.

My talent for photography...

..Is obviously not noticeable.
My father has always been a fantastic photographer, and I have personally worked with some of the best photojournalists out there, from David Cicconi, to Susie Cushner
Nevertheless, the talent did not rub off. I am pretty crappy, use a digital camera without special tools, and often use most of my memory stick on food and dogs.
But there is hope. My friend Jessica has a great camera and every once in a while she lets me use it.
At our last picnic I took this picture of Megan- the new Kate Moss (this is my idea of Meg).
Look at it! You can see Jess reading, me taking the picture and Megan has the perfect light behind her..hey! I deserve a prize for this!!