amiche e sorelle

amiche e sorelle!

2008-07-11T12:24:00.003+02:00

Here we are! 23 years later! Still friends, and still very pretty!!

Flying...

2008-06-24T15:06:00.002+02:00

Tomorrow at this time I'll flying over the big blue ocean heading towards Montreal

and then to Toronto!

I have to write it :

1 day to go!!

2

2008-06-23T12:33:00.003+02:00

Can you imagine??? It took almost 2 years to come back and now Canada it's only 2 days away!

These last 2 days are going to be a rush against time! I don't know if actually I will make to do all the things I still need to do...but one thing is sure in 2 days I'll see my family & friends!

And that's what counts!!

Smile!

2008-06-15T16:24:00.004+02:00

Here the smiley girl!

Tooth

2008-06-14T20:38:00.003+02:00

Meggie lost her first tooth! My little bambina lost un dentino! Gosh I don't believe it! She is getting so big! I honestly feel little strange...Meggie is totally thrilled about this experience and she keeps on looking at herself in the mirrow and feeling like a big girl! I had also to take a picture ...and I will post it very soon! So now it's bed time, I still have to read a chapter or two and then I can relax on the couch! 11 days to go!

Paris/Hamilton

2008-06-12T12:25:00.003+02:00

Weather in Hamilton, Canada

Cloudly :humidity : 67 %jeu.12 °C 25 °Cven.18 °C 31 °Csam.14 °C 26 °C dim.14 °C 26 °C

Weather in Paris, France
16 °C
Cloudly : humidity : 72 %jeu.10 °C 18 °C ven.7 °C 17 °C sam.7 °C 18 °C dim.7 °C 19 °C

Cloudy...it's raining here! We had nice weather for about 2 days and we are back to this!!!

13 days to GO!

Petite Anglaise

2008-06-10T10:10:00.004+02:00

Petite alias Catherine inspired me in many ways

first of them all was the fact that I came back to Paris

and secondly the birth of this blog!!

Her life was definitely a rollercoaster:

dooced, dumped

but then

a book deal

and love

and like all fairy tales with a

happy ending!

Catherine's wedding

Cause of divorce

2008-06-09T16:46:00.003+02:00

If I don't divorce tonight ....

If you are not into Euro2008 you should know that tonight Holland is playing against Italy!!

And Wouter says they will distroy us...

Reply :

AHAHHAHAHAHAH!!!

Happy b-day GEMINI!!

2008-06-08T17:00:00.003+02:00

How many we are?

Well quite a bunch considering that

I'm the first one on the list with b-day on May 26th

Joseph on June 2nd

Maddy on June 6th

and last but not least

Gigino on June 8th!!
HAPPY B-DAY TO ALL THE GEMINI!

One last wish...

2008-06-06T16:01:00.005+02:00

There is one last wish on my list, and if we don't make it, it doesn't matter, but I have for long time in mind to go with all you guys to the Inn on the Twenty in the village of Jordan! Sandra tells me that it's such a great place...! So if you have a free moment on Sunday 29th of June we could go there for a lovely brunch! Shall we make a reservation...??

Meggie's list!

2008-06-06T15:55:00.003+02:00

Here the little one's list : going on the bike, to the swimmingpool and playing the "princess" and sure coloring & coloring! Easy isn't it??

Wouter's wishes!

2008-06-06T12:01:00.004+02:00

Wouter is a simple guy!

He will be happy with nice barbecues and some fresh beer

and maybe one evening at Hess Village!

Do you think Jerry, John and Steve can take care of that??

Girls stuff!

2008-06-06T11:48:00.003+02:00

My dear Sandra, Nancy & Norma!

In something like 19 days I'll be in Hamilton again

and even if I know that you are very very busy

I was wondering if the 3 of you could find the time

to spend one "girls night out"!

Not loo long, couple of hours, drinking a couple of Frozen Daiquiri (isn't it Nancy??)

an Apple Martini or two for Sandra and some

Tequila shots for Norma

and chat, chat and chat !

Then our men, if they are nice and wish to join, they are welcome!

So let's pick up a day!

Canada here I come

2008-06-01T19:37:00.002+02:00

24 days to go! In just over 3 weeks I'll be back to Canada! The excitement is growing every day and I can't wait to be in Hamilton again to celebrate with Sandra and all the family our 40th b-days! This time is even more special for me because till the last moment I did not know if we could make it but then how could I miss such an important event in our "story"?? So when I actually booked the flights my legs were shaking from relief, joy and little stress! So many years went by since the very first time Sandra and I met in 1985, so many laughter and so many tears, but winters could not froze, and summers could not dry the feelings we always felt for each other and even if we are an ocean away our heart are more close than we can say...So cara amica e sorella...I'm on your way to hug you again!

b-day shots!

2008-05-26T19:48:00.000+02:00

Greetings from Prague

2008-05-25T19:41:00.000+02:00

My birthday is tomorrow!

I will turn 40 and a new phase of my life will start!

I'm looking forward to this!

I'm don't worry about my wrinkles and about the effects of gravity on my body

I'm 40 and happy

and

I just look faboulous!

Canada on my mind...!

2008-05-20T20:52:00.001+02:00

News from Paris!

2008-03-16T16:06:00.010+01:00

So many things to do so little time!!What's new?? Months are passing by at a scary pace and we are already in March. Tuesady March 18th Meggie is turning 6! That cannot be?? I was pregnant not far ago...or at least so it seems but I have the sweet living proof that 6 years went by! In couple of months it will be my turn to be the b-day girl....that's really scary! I never thought that I would wake up and find myself being 40!! I'm not really sure how I will handle this new 'age'...but as Sandra said 'ages happens'...so let it be!! Apart from my philosophical thoughts about aging and time I have been really busy lately and this is why I have been sort of 'missing'on this blog ...!! I had to organize, finally (just small delay of six years!!) Meggie's baptism that will take place in Villarbasse on April 26th. Just for the record I had to get a permission from the French church to do this cerimony in Italy, then attend some night courses with Wouter and also dealing with the priest in Italy who was trying to be difficult but in the end all mellowed down and things seem good so far. My brother Gio is going to be the Godfather and my friend Claudia will be the Godmother. Then I'm also trying to buy out my mortgage (I had a variable mortgage and it raised like crazy in the last year) over Bineau just to keep busy with some paperwork! In short it's running to the bank, make photocopies, fill papers, run again to the bank and it will take at least a month before things are settled! And all this in addition with my work and all the travelling to bring Meggie up and down to Italy! But Wouter and I had the chance to spend 3 days alone in London while Meggie was at my parents!! It was great...we had good weather (for British standard!) went twice to theatre to see first'We will Rock You' and then'Billy Elliot' and then simly enjoying walking around without worrying about anything and doing everything our way!! Great!! Then Meggie and my parents flew back to Paris and we spent a nice long week end and had a great time together walking around the city and finding a new great brasserie in the 6th!! So what's next on the agenda?? Well, I have a trip to Madrid scheduled on April 7th and one to Barcelona on the 17th and then we are off to Italy but before this a girls week end will take place in Lyon on Saturday 29th : 7 ex high school friends out in town with no men and no kids...should be fun and you will know all about it when I'll come back! So I'm done here in Paris, now to you Hamilton!!

Un anno fa...

2008-03-14T17:33:00.001+01:00

Well I think I finally did it!!!

2008-03-13T04:14:00.002+01:00

So, Thursday March 6th I get a phone call from my realtor Tony to go and view a house..so my thoughts were.."here we go again"..I ended up meeting Tony at a house on East 21st street at around 5:15 that evening. Steve wasn't with me because he was working til 6 that night. My first thought of the house was "aahhh no!!!". I didn't even see the inside and yet I already didn't like it. Tony then takes me through the house and I just couldn't believe how much I actually did like the house. The layout of the house is exactly like Sandra's old house on Camelot but a little smaller and the kitchen is a bit different but all in all..it's the same look. After seeing that house Tony wanted me to see another house on East 25th just to compare the difference so we ended up driving over to view it. That was a house from HELL!!! I couldn't believe my eyes. I didn't like it at all. So I said to Tony "I like the other place more". He asked if I wanted to show my parents and so I agreed. I called them up to meet me there and so we were off once again to view the house. This time it was with my parents. As we were going through the house again..I can tell that my parents really liked it. So in the end..my parents told me that if I really liked the house to put an offer. So that evening after seeing the house two times already, I followed Tony to his office to put an offer on that house. As we were there making up the papers, Steve called and said he was on his way. Steve was coming with me to see other houses prior to this one but like I said, he was working that day so he couldn't make it. He ended up meeting me at Tony's office just as we were finishing up the paper work. Tony asked if we wanted to see the house one more time and with no hesitation, Steve said "let's go". So for the third time that night we went to see the house. Steve really liked it so I was more excited to have his input on it. Tony then told me he'll keep me posted on what's going to happen the following day with the offer. There were already 3 offers pending for the same house. So I was excited and nervous at the same time due to the fact that I thought I might be losing another bidding war for a house. I had to work the following day and all I kept thinking about was that darn house and my offer...Finally at 3:45 that day Friday March 7th, I got a phone call that pretty much would change my life..."CONGRATULATIONS NORMA YOU GOT THE HOUSE!!!". I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I was in shock and shaking at the same time that one of the nurses had to sit me down. I just couldn't believe what was happening at that moment. The nurses station was full of nurses and doctor's no one had a clue at what had happened. I finally got off the phone and in a state of shock I yelled out..."I GOT THE HOUSE!!!" Everyone couldn't believe it because I was looking for so long that this day has actually arrived. Everyone congratulated me over and over I still couldn't believe it. I finally caught my breath and started calling Steve and my family. They were all excited and they couldn't even believe what was happening. That phone call pretty much now is going to change my life and finally open up a new chapter in my life. Now I'm in the process of organizing the financial part and making a lot of phone calls to get the ball rolling and all. This is exciting but right now I'm in the very stressing part of it all. This is too big to mess up. Everyone around me are being very supportive through this whole thing but I'm still quite nervous and stressed about things. This is what I have wanted for many years and now that it's actually happening to me...it's easier said then done. But my realtor and mortgage broker are fantastic and they are taking care of pretty much everything. My parents are great and supporting me with this I really can't ask for anything more. And yes I'm still hearing from my parents not to move out because they don't want to see there baby go..but it's time to finally cut that umbilical cord and have my own responsibilities and life. Mind you what they don't know is that I'm going to be there almost every night for dinner...lol...I still gotta eat!!! I take possession of the house on April 11th. So until then I really can't do much as far as painting or anything. So as soon as I get the key we gotta paint and fix a few things. Like I said..I'm pretty nervous right now because I don't want to mess anything up but I know when I get myself settled in and make it mine..I know everything will be ok. So that is what's happening in my life right now so I'm kinda busy with all that. Steve and I are still together and doing really well so life is pretty busy but I'm happy.
So I'll leave you with that, I'll keep you posted of what's going on. So I'll talk to you all soon!!! Have a good night!!!

Circolo del Ramino

2008-02-26T12:06:00.000+01:00

Hometown!

2008-02-23T21:20:00.004+01:00

I leave with Meggie for Torino, tomorrow morning. Here in Paris kids have two weeks vacation and Meggie will spend her break at my parents. My mom has been wiating for this moment since Christmas and she is counting the minutes to hug her beloved grand child again. I will take the chance to stay couple of days, working (I have some key accounts in Torino) and enjoying my parents and maybe finding the time to see couple of girlfriends! Maybe Torino is not famous or thrilling like Paris BUT I do love going back to my hometown, and when I'm there it's like I never left!

Waiting....

2008-02-15T12:19:00.010+01:00

Just few months later, here I am, again. Sitting and waiting. Waiting, again, for a doctor to come and call out my name. I'm sitting and waiting and trying to keep my mind busy by looking around, checking out other's women shoes, clothes, hair style and posture. How many of them said "Good Morning" when they entered the waiting room? One, if you exclud me! We are all here sitting and waiting for the same reason. Women of all ages, from the teenager to the granny are here waiting. Waiting for a doctor to come and call their name. Waiting for a response. Waiting and wishing to know that everything is fine with our breasts. Or not. Time seems to slow down in this waiting room. In all waiting rooms. And then some bad thoughts come to my mind. What if they tell me that something is wrong?? Could it be something nasty, this thing, I feel?? Am I going to die??? I shake my head trying to sweep these ill-omened thoughts and flip through a magazine trying to read the first interview of Mrs Sarkozy Bruni. When finally my turn comes my legs are suddenly heavy and reclutant to walk. A friendly nurse shows me a small room where I have to undress my upper body and then she welcomes me on the other side of the room, still waiting for the doctor to come. I feel odd and little funny sitting on the little bed with only pants on and having my boobs in the air...(and I don't feel like a Minoan Goddess!!) Still waiting. Then the doctor comes in and tries to look me in the eyes instead of gazing at my disproportionated breasts. Few questions and then I tell him that yesterday I felt a big, hard lump in my left boobie. It's so big that the doctor decides to vaccum-cleaned it immediately. The nurse goes to get all the necessary and when the niddle approches I simply close my eyes. I hear my heart beating. It's done. The doctor smile at me and says " You will receive the results in two weeks but I can already tell you that everything is fine". I dress up again and go in the waiting room. The doctors comes back 10 minutes later with my photos and walks me to the exit. I open the door. Breathe heavily and then cry : thank God all is well!

Happy Saint Valentine my friends!

2008-02-14T16:34:00.001+01:00

Because I try to be on a diet...

2008-02-12T16:39:00.000+01:00

Chocolate,

the very word

Melts in the mind

Slips off the tongue,

sweet Chocolate Chocolate,

the very thought

Brings a smile,

Delicate, dark, milk to light

Chocolate

Chocolate,

the very notion

Heightens our devotion

Taste buds tingle for

Chocolate, chocolate, Chocolate!

Hello from Veghel, The Netherlands

2008-02-10T13:22:00.000+01:00

Today we are in Veghel with Joppe, Roos and Babs!!! While Meggie and Roos are playing with Playmobile, Joppe and I are playing with Blogger to create a blog. So after some click here and click there a new blog is born! If you can read Dutch, or if you are curious...check out The Lupos is Beautiful from my nephew Joppe! Joppe, welcome in the blog's world!!

Flying with....

2008-01-28T11:54:00.000+01:00

It's always nice to come across to famous peole. See singers and actors in real life. But actually flying with one of my favorite Italian singer was quite a blast!! Yes I flew with Paolo Conte!!

Via con me
Paolo Conte
P. Conte
(1981)
Via, via, vieni via di qui,niente più ti lega a questi luoghi,neanche questi fiori azzurri...via, via, neanche questo tempo grigiopieno di musichee di uomini che ti sono piaciuti...It's wonderful, it's wonderful, it's wonderful,good luck my babe,it's wonderful, it's wonderful, it's wonderful,I dream of you...chips, chips, du-du-du-du-duVia, via, vieni via con me,entra in questo amore buio,non perderti per niente al mondo...via, via, non perderti per niente al mondolo spettacolo d'arte variadi uno innamorato di te...It's wonderful, it's wonderful, it's wonderful...Via, via, vieni via con me,entra in questo amore buio,pieno di uomini...via, entra e fatti un bagno caldo,c'è un accappatoio azzurro,fuori piove un mondo freddo...
It's wonderful, it's wonderful, it's wonderful...

Auguri Mamma!!

2008-01-25T16:32:00.000+01:00

Little week end in Italy to celebrate my mom's b-day!! Lovely weather, great shopping, excellent food we had a super time!! All the best to this very special woman to whom I owe everything! Buon Compleanno Mamma!!

Extra thing!

2008-01-24T10:19:00.001+01:00

Well I'm not sure if I am allowed to add and extra thing to the 8 I have already listed but because this is "our" blog we can do the hell we want! So I have a 9th thing I want to do before I die and it's to organize a big party on a beautiful island (it could be in the Caribbean or in a small Italian island like Lampedusa!) and invite all my family and friends!

8 things

2008-01-23T17:37:00.000+01:00

I want to do before I die....(well this was not really my idea -just copied from another blog but thought it was interesting so here I am!)

Become a photographer
Make a joke in Dutch (meaning speaking fluent Dutch)
Go on a ballon with my mom and Meggie over the savana
Go to Niagara on the Lake with Sandra, Nancy & Norma
Go back to Mexico and see Rocio and Yessika once again
Write the story of my life
Visit Jerusalem and Petra
Hold my grandchild in my arm

Number 8 is my biggest wish! Now I'm curious to know what are the things YOU want to do. Well, now is your turn!

Triangle...and more!

2008-01-22T14:39:00.000+01:00

Carla Bruni. Another cover. Again her name in the headlines. Who hasn't heard of Carla Bruni?? Who doesn't know the edgy face of the ex top model, then singer and now girlfriend of the French President?? Here in France, and especially in Italy we are all in overdose of Carla. Yes because Carla lives here in Paris since she is five years old but she comes from my hometown Torino. Two markets in one shot, well done Ms Bruni! But Ms Bruni is also famous for having stolen couple of husbands here and there. One of these husbands, Raphael Enthoven, left his wife for Carla. But the story gets more complicated. In fact Carla was dating Raphael's father. Yes, in one week end Carla was able to sleep with Enthoven senior and junior! Well done Ms Bruni! The results of this betrayal was the realese of a raw book "Nothing Serious" written by the cheated upon wife Justine Levy! Carla is described like a "witch" who has been completely "redone" by the plastic surgeon! Even her cheekbones are fake! After 6 years, and one child, Carla left also Mr Enthoven junior. Well done Ms Bruni! On the other hand Justine, the ex devasted wife, found love again in Patrick Mille. Probably this name doesn't ring any bell in your head but he was the actor I met in Mauritius, in another life. Little world after all. So everything is well which ends well, Ms Bruni is now the "unofficial" First Lady of France. Well done Ms Bruni, well done!

Fashion Ladies

2008-01-21T15:41:00.001+01:00

Olga, here I am!!!!!

2008-01-19T06:47:00.000+01:00

Hello there...yes it is I, Norma!! I have not disappeared. I am still here and enjoying the blog. Yes I have put facebook to rest. I just couldn't deal with all the e-mails and postings people send me. So I have decided to delete my profile. But I am still here on our blog and I enjoy reading it. Well I guess your probably wondering what I have been doing lately. Well, nothing exciting to tell you the truth. I work and work and work...We just booked for our Collingwood weekend (Elvis festival) for July and that's pretty much what we have planned so far. Steve and I are till together and going strong. He is a terrific guy. He's going to be around for a long time..lol..love him to death. We spend a lot of time together and he's just fun to be with. So we shall see what the future brings. Other than that, there isn't much more to say. I have got to get to bed soon because I am working in the morning..(lucky me)...So on that note...I will be back soon and see what's going on here on the blog. By the way Olga...where did you get that picture with my name on the rocks??? LOL...it's soooo cool!!! Talk to you soon!!!! Ciao for now!!!!

Where are you??

2008-01-18T17:11:00.000+01:00

When I told you, in my previous post, that Norma had put Facebook to a rest I did not know yet that her profile had completely disappeared from it. With my surprise when I checked, the othe day, she was simply gone! Where are you Norma?? Yes you know, I'm making up all type of stories in my head so before I come up with the wirdest conclusions I think it's better, for your own sake, to tell us what you are doing, NOW, with your free time ;-)?? An urgent post from you is required!

London Shots!!

2008-01-10T16:12:00.000+01:00

News!!

2008-01-10T12:18:00.002+01:00

The new year starts with a baby girl! My good friend Kathleen gave birth to Oceane on January 4th. Alex, her hubs, informed me via Facebook! I had news from Kath yesterday :

"Hi Olga,
Thanks for your messages...I'm a bit behind in writing. It's nearly 1 am right now and Oceane is snuggled on a pillow on my lap. Sometimes she sleeps in her crib and sometimes she doesn't want to. C'est la vie. I try to sleep when I can.
She's adorable. WE love her so much. I will evenutally write about the whole labour--maybe even on my blog.
Here are a couple of pictures. You can show Meggie.
Love Kath
PS I should probably be in Paris sometime in March.
Can't wait to see you then.
Bisous"
I like the fact that this new year starts with a baby. With life. A new life into this wonderful, crazy world! I have also other girlfriends who are expecting and this 2008 will be a year full of new babies. Great! I wish I had the gutts to have another child too but for the moment it remains only a thought. We had a great start of the year in London. New projects are taking form and I shall very soon share them with you. My dear friend Sandra is coming to Paris this summer, she will be here mid August for couple of days. This means that I shall see Sandra twice this year! Renzo is also coming to Europe from South Africa! So this 2008 will be a year full of friends visiting! A great year! My friend Miky is finally starting a procedure to divorce the scambag of her husband but so far it looks quite complicated. I now that this looks like a sad news but this is a great news. Finally, after 15 years of misery, Miky wants to have her life back and I shall celebrate with her!! My parents are fine, dad is stressing a little because he had to go to a forced retirement but my mom is doing a great job supporting him! What we would do without this woman??? My brother Gio is also good and looking forward in finding a companion this year!! And this is would be a great news too! Norma decided to put Facebook to a rest...this could mean that she is seriously in love and she has better things to do!! So this looks like a promising year... Let's hope that everybody will have a wonderful year!

Happy New 2008 from London!!

2008-01-04T10:22:00.000+01:00

Finally is Christmas!!

2007-12-27T16:16:00.000+01:00

Christmas : Day 4

2007-12-27T15:22:00.000+01:00

I'm sleeping and I hear some noise. Steps. I presume. Is it Meggie?? Maybe she can't sleep and she is looking for me?? I decide to wake up and go check the source of the noise. When I exit Meggie's room (well it's Roos' room) I step into Joppe who is also walking around the house. He was not expecting me and gets really scared. Babs is also awake because she has a bad cold and cannot breath...so the 3 of us decide to go downstairs and have a little party with hot chocolate and cookies! At 5am we decide that it's time to go back to sleep! I wake up around 10am, no one is around. Wouter, Babs and the kids are in the living room watching "Ratatouille" (the Dutch version!!)! But we have ro rush again...still some shopping to do! So Wouter and I are off to AH, Blokker and Hema! Then we have to get ready for our Christmas dinner! Bart is finally arrived and we are all invited at Marlous!! Babs makes a meringue chocolate dessert and as usual I eat too much!!! Our time in Holland is over...we have to drive back to Paris...tomorrow is Christmas!

Christmas : Day 3

2007-12-27T12:47:00.000+01:00

It's already Sunday! We have to check out early from the hotel because we have to be at Evelien's around 10h30am! Not easy task to fit all the presents in the luggages! When we all succed we drive to Veghel and pay a visit to Eveline, Bjorn, Sela & Jesse! It's always so nice to see friends! Then we are off again to Marlous's! And big surprise : Wouter's grandmother is there too! Oma Louise, is one of my favorite people, probably the only one who accepteded me when I first came in the Deuss-Looten family! We spend some time translating from Dutch to Italian or English to French : is caotic but warm caotic! Marlous prepares a wonderful meal and we all sitting and eating together! Time goes fast and it's already 2pm and my parents and Giovanni have to drive back to Dusseldorf! It's sad to see them leave but I'm happy that we had such a great time...Wouter drives them to the highway...Ciao mamma & papà al prossimo anno!

Christmas : Day 2

2007-12-26T19:20:00.001+01:00

Our second day started slowly with a late wake up and a nice breakfast at the French café just around the corner! Then a nice stroll through the cute streets of Den Bosch for some late Christmas shopping (here in Holland there are already the sales!!) then a nice late lunch at Café Hart before going to meet my inlaws in Veghel. My mother in law is famous for her magnificent Christmas set up and you should have seen her house....lights and candles, little houses, big Christmas tree! A real Christmas treat!! Just little after Barbara (Wouter's sister) and her kids Joppe and Roos joined we started the the tradition of exchanging presents! Golden papers and pinky feathers were floating around and excited titters from the children were filling the air of the room! How nice to be all together!!
This warm afternoon ended with a panekoek in Zeeland! Gnammy!! Then back to Den Bosch, in our cute hotel where we take still the time to drink a thé before going to bed....!!

Christmas diary : day 1

2007-12-26T15:06:00.000+01:00

The family Christmas week end is already over! Seems just yesterday when I was planning the last details of this mini trip to Germany and Holland and now I'm already back to Paris, back to work for couple of days before leaving on Dec. 28th for London.

The week end was a great success, everything went by the book, everyone had a wonderful time, plus we were blessed with a clement weather and the good mood of the family.

Wouter, Meggie and I, left Paris on Thursday late afternoon and arrived in Bruxelles around 9pm, just in time to watch this amazing lights and music show on the Grand Place, followed by a light dinner before going to bed in our beautiful suite at the Royal Windsor! Next day, Friday 21th, after a delicious breakfast we were off to Dusseldorf to pick up my parents who were arriving from Turin. We got to Dusseldorf Airport half an hour late and finally met with my family. After picking up Gio's car we drove to the center of Dusseldorf and parked in the fancy Konigsallee. Lunch at Barolo's restaurant and stroll throught the beautiful Christmas markets of Dusseldorf! Around 6pm when we started to be frozen and tired we decided to drive towards Holland, where we arrived around 8pm!
Checked in at the Hotel Central in Den Bosch, we finished this intense day with a great dinner at the Brasserie on the Markt Plein, then all very exhausted but very happy we went to bed!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!

2007-12-25T16:30:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone...I just wanted to drop a quick line to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years. I'm here at work and so is Nancy. We were both stuck working on Christmas..It's not too busy considering I have a moment to write on the blog...lol..So my day will probably be very long..lol..Everyone will be coming over to my house for dinner today. In total there will probably be 31 people there celebrating Christmas. Then we're all going to Nancy and John's place for drinks and karaoke...can't wait for that. But then I'm back to work in the morning so I can't really go over board...we'll see...lol.... So everyone have a safe a fun holiday season and I'll see you all again next year....party hardy!!!! Buon Natale!!!!! Ciao!!!!!

Going to Weihnachtsmarkt in Dusseldorf!

2007-12-17T12:11:00.000+01:00

Last Christmas....

2007-12-14T16:22:00.000+01:00

12 days to Christmas!

2007-12-13T16:49:00.000+01:00

How come I could not find 5 minutes to write?? How it is possible that more than a month passed by since my last post?? Maybe because I worked too much, I travelled to Rome and Barcelona "on duty" and to Turin and Lyon for leisure, I took care of the family and of the apartment and I was also sick for almost two weeks! Nevertheless I'm sorry, again, for this long absence from "amiche e sorelle"! Even Norma is posting more than me! By the way it's great that Norma keeps informing us about her life!
12 days to Christmas! Can you believe it??? And for me Christmas this year is going to be couple of days sooner! I explain : every year we have to choose if we are going to spend Christmas in Italy or Holland! Holland is a better choice if you want to enjoy a full Christmas's experience! On the other hand in Italy there is my family! Jeez so difficult to choose! So this year I came up with a new and brilliant solution! I bring my family (meaning parents + brother) to Holland for a pre Christmas! We will celebrating Christmas on Dec 22nd! Yes my mom has to be back in Italy before December 24th because she refuses to leave alone her 88 years old dad on Christmas day, which I can understand! But who cares if Christmas is on Dec 22nd or Dec 25th?
Christmas is about being with the loved ones...and the date is just an option!!

The next day!!!

2007-12-06T18:37:00.001+01:00

Well hello everyone..it's me Norma here. Yes, it's finally the 6th of December and I have survived my birthday yesterday. It was kinda tough considering I am getting older but people just keep on telling me it's only a number. That's bull!!! Many people have wished me happy birthday which was really nice..it kinda makes you feel special on your day! But what I wanted to say was thank you to you Olga, for the messages and the text. I have received all of them and I thank you for remembering me once again over seas. It means a lot!!! Now I have to concentrate on a few more birthdays and finally start Christmas shopping which I truly hate!!! LOL...People this time of year are just miserable and I can't believe how people sometimes forget what Christmas is really all about. It's about family not how much you buy for someone. But that's just my opinion! Anyways, I gotta run...got an appointment. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and I hope you all have a happy and safe one!!!
Talk to you soon!!!

Auguri Norma!!!

2007-12-05T10:23:00.000+01:00

Per Nancy!

2007-11-12T15:49:00.000+01:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR NANCY!!

Vampires!!

2007-10-29T11:56:00.001+01:00

We used to have models walking over our heads. Skinny Russian models with no manners. Living the Parisian life. Which means going out late coming back early in the morning , getting drunk and forgetting to take off the offensive high hills when back home. These nightly creatures were replaced by two little monsters when we moved in the new appartment. One aged 5, the other 7! If the Russian models were making noise on Fridays and Saturdays these two fellows were working full time : 7/7! Then summer came and they moved away. And for a little time it was quite. When we thought that we were settled for peace and quiet our neighbours of downstairs started to make themselves remarked! Loud music, clacking doors in the middle of the night, strange people coming and going at the most odd hours. Couple of nights ago, at 1am the music was so loud that my pillow was wavering in tune...and before going hysterical I asked Wouter to go downstairs to ask these people to stop! I heard him talking and couple of minutes later he was back! He put his head in the bedroom and shouted "Fuc*ing scarry! Our neighbours are vampires!!" I started laughing and asked him " What are you talking about, Vampires??" Many days after we are still wondering if the boys downstairs were getting ready for a Halloween's party or they normally wear black lipstick and gothic shirts...Any how Wouter told me that this was the first and the last time he would go visiting our neighbours...the Vampires!!

Long time no speak!!!

2007-10-28T18:27:00.000+01:00

Hey there..it's me Norma!! It's October 28th and I'm here at work and had a bit of time to come on and say hello. I haven't been here in a while so I thought I would share with you what's been happenening so far in my life!! Today is a very long day, not to busy here at work and I'm quite tired considering I went to bed 3 in the morning. A whole bunch of us went to Canada's Wonderland to celebrate the halloween feast that happens in the month of October til Halloween night. It was a scary and funny night. We all had a fantastic time but it was the most coldest night so far..rain and wind all night long!! But we manage to have a great time walking around and going on rides and through mazes. It did get late..it was from 7pm til 1am. They extended the hours due to the amount of people that where there in the park. I could not believe my eyes. I have never seen Wonderland so busy in my life and yet we were able to enjoy some on the rides and walk though the scary mazes. It was an experience and I'll probably do it again next yr. So today I'm paying for it and I just can't wait to get to my bed as soon as I get home.
Other than that..life has been busy with wedding showers,weddings,birthdays or just going out for a drink. Life has been better these days since Steve and I got together. It's been now 3 months and things are great. Him and I met at a bar he use to work at so I have know him for a few years. Who would have ever thought him and I would get together. We are both so glad that it did happen. So...we'll see what the future holds. Well..that's it for today..I gotta get back to work. I will keep you posted on what the future brings and all that sort of stuff!!! Be back soon!!!

Memoirs ...

2007-10-26T12:14:00.001+02:00

So many days without a word from me. Exactly 25 days. I even thought that this was the end of "amiche e sorelle". Maybe a new blog, in a new language. But then I love this blog too much. So here I am, again. Many things have happened and yet it's still all the same. Family, work, friends. Family is getting bigger. Barbara, Wouter's sister, is pregnant. Micaela filled the papers to go separete ways from Francis and probably, this time, she will go through with it. Meggie is growing too fast and starting to object to all we say. My brother turned 36. Wouter is dreaming of a house in Tuscany. South Africa won the Rugby World Cup. I'm busy busy organizing the first Warwick event in Rome. This is "my" event and it has to be perfect. Then I'm also busy organizing Christmas'trip to Holland (which by the way is just 60 days away!), New Year's Eve in London and the big expedition to Canada, next year. Little time remains for doing all the other things I love...but I still try to steal little time to read my zen book "L'art de la simplicité" and to watch some nice movies...and apart from the boring, pretentious "The good shepard" I have been quite lucky in my choices. Couple have touched my heart "Blood diamont", "Cinderella Man" and the beautiful Memoirs of a Geisha! Before going to buy my lunch I want to end this post with a phrase that tells so much about me : " I don't want things, I want moments".

One day at the beach...

2007-10-01T14:08:00.000+02:00

Like - Don't like

2007-09-26T13:38:00.000+02:00

We are becoming like Parisians, we spend the week end away from Paris! After 5 full days working and running in Paris we love to spend our days off away from the craziness of the city. This time was Geneva, Switzerland. Last Friday, on my montly extra day off, we took of around 4pm and we landed in Geneva exactly 50 minutes later. It took us longer from our place to the airport, actually!! Our good friend Fred was waiting for us and he drove us to Christine and John's house where we styaing. Guys what a lovely house! Meggie was so happy to meet Alicia and Maximilien and not even 1 minute later she was gone with them playing!! Wouter and I were showed the pool villa where we would have slept! Jeez the pool villa!! By 6pm we were having the aperitivo in the garden with John and we waited for Michele to join us for dinner by the lake! Saturday started slowly with a long and nice breakfast, chatting and laughing! Then in John's big car we all drove to Nyon to give a look! Yes, because one of the option we are evaluating if, one day, eventually, we move away from Paris is Switzerland. Yes I am missing Switerland...! Why this country??? For two main reasons : one it's couple of hours drive away from my parents, second we have friends living there! But there are also other reason why we came up with such an idea : Geneva is considered one of the best places in the world where to live, there is almost no pollution, the countryside is beautiful and Switzerland is known for its strong economy worldwide especially in finance and banking. So I decided to give a look around as a potential place where to move...one day! And here what I like and what i dislike! Little city with a very convenient airport, no line at customs, friendly people...the countryside is really pretty but the city....is... misses something! First thing it's not Paris....!! Duh...!! I know that I cannot make comparisons but ...still...! Paris is Paris and I will always be in love with "her" even if, one day, I will be living somewhere else!

Random

2007-09-19T13:49:00.000+02:00

I have so many stories to write and so little time to do it...! Every day I say to myself " Olga you should write about this episode, or that fact of my day, it would be nice to share this with the one of two people who read this blog"...then million of other things come up and I end up without posting a single word on amiche e sorelle. Ok now in totally random order some of my thoughts : Is it just a coincidence that everytime I think of the subject of a post, Petite Anglaise writes a beautiful "piece" with the same ideas I had in mind??? Then she gets at least 75 comments, and I decide not to write the post because it would just a bad copy???? Just a little example....she write a delighful post about her daughter wanting to have red hair like Ariel...well I have been this close to write the exact same story! Meggie since forever wants to have red hair, just like the Little Mermeid! And I jump in horror thinking of those beautiful almost white hair ...being dyed in red!!! I hate being judgemental. I try not to be but sometimes I can't help it! And here it's why. I have told you about my friend Micaela. The one I used to go to school to and that lives just next door here in Paris. I told you also about her marriage problems. Well, she is still, one year after, in the same shit. And she doesn't see that he is the bad guy! But why in the hell she doesn't see it??? So I told her that I try to understand but deep down I don't! I have a diffult time at work. My boss and my colleagues are all very demotivated. I am too. Well I am working a lot, organizing the first workshop in Italy, which I want to be a success but I am really fad up to work like a dog and never get a compliment. Sometimes a simple thank you would be also welcome. And I don't start with the salary....Even donkeys get a little carrot now and then. No carrots here. To be honest I did not start to search for a new job for the simple reason that next year, for my 40, I want to go to Canada and I need my quota of holidays. Very simple like that. Paris. I love Paris. It's a fact. But sometimes this city gets to my nerves. It's so chaotic, dirty, and expensive that I don't see the beauty I came here for. Parisians are what thet are but as you know they are not famous for being friendly and some days I can tell you that this is not a urban myth. Thay can be real jerks. But this "urban rudness" is at home in London or NY too. It's just the problem of big cities. What I am wondering, for some months now, is if this is the right place for my family??? Oh I don't want anybody to think that I regret to have made the decision to come back to Paris! It was the best choice I ever made in my life. It saved me and saved my marriage. But now that things are really good I would like to offer to my family a more confortable place where to live. And here in Paris confortable goes with too many zeros!A nice appartment, in a nice area can cost more than a milion euro! Sometimes I dream of having a nice house, with a lovely kitchen with a view on a little and blossomed garden. And we cannot have this in Paris. And another thought comes to visit my mind, early in the morning and sometimes late at night. To have another child.

We remember

2007-09-11T17:04:00.000+02:00

From Canada...

2007-09-07T10:51:00.000+02:00

Hello from Canada, and a special Cherrio from England. Our vacation was great, now I understand why you love to travel sooo much, there are many incredible things to see in this world, Love ya Nancy

Japanese Story

2007-09-06T14:17:00.000+02:00

I tried to describe "Japanese Story" but my words did not match the impact this film had on me. Faith and fatality scare me and leave me wondering about life's meaning. But because I want to post about this movie, today, I use a review from the Times Magazines thinking that I wish I could write like that.
A man and a woman set out to explore the Australian outback. Sandy (Toni Collette) is a healthy, hearty geologist, bored and impatient in her role as guide. Hiromitsu (Gotaro Tsunashima) is an emotionally closed businessman who is dangerously insistent on taking the less traveled desert roads. They almost die on one when their SUV gets stuck in the sand.
Thereafter, as romantic convention demands, they find themselves sleeping together. So far, so routine. But then Japanese Story takes an unprecedented turn. Reviewers are often chastised for revealing the end of a movie. But in this case, what can't be discussed is the middle, the remarkable turning point. All we dare say is that what begins as a brusquely stated but rather ordinary romance turns into a meditation on mortality that is harsh, potent and unforgiving.
As unforgiving as the landscape in which director Sue Brooks situates it. This is brutal, unlovely country, indifferent to human enterprise or feelings. It is a perfect match for these damaged, rather hostile people. That they can break through their barriers, which are cultural as well as psychological, and find a few moments of happiness is plausibly managed by Alison Tilson's script and played with a kind of offhand realism by Collette and Tsunashima. They have the rough grace to act surprised by this turn of events. When the landscape exacts its revenge for their happiness, when Sandy faces the consequences of her carelessness, we are surprised by the intensity of our feelings. Japanese Story is a simple, austerely told tale. But there is something memorable, even haunting, about it.

Growing a belly....!

2007-09-05T13:14:00.000+02:00

Kathleen is a new friend. We met in Paris in April last year during the first blogging event organized by Petite Anglaise. I liked her immediately. In first istance because she was Canadian. Secondly because of her peculiar "sour" humor and third because of her funny face covered with flecks! Kath has lived in Japan, Middle East, Algeria. We talked and we made plans to go to movies and do girlish things together...and actually we met couple of times. Then Kath moved to Vietnam. Jeez that's far!! Her French "Hubs" signed for a 3 year project in the middle of nowhere in this far East. Since Kath moved out, keeping though her Parisian home, we met several times here in Paris. In our, between working hours "encounters", we spoke about everything...shared many thoughts. Then I guess it was in June when I got an email from her announcing me that she was pregnant! This was such a great news...but living in one of the most secluted areas of Vietnam, couple of hours drive from so called "civilisation" is not the best location to live when you are "growing a belly" so for this reason Kath and Hubs decided that it would be better if Kath would go back home in Canada. This baby will be born in December 2007 but has already travelled the world including a "jet-setter" week end in Budapest!!! Kath has been here for some weeks, first in the south of France, with Hubs and the in-laws, then some days here in Paris doing the famous girlish things with her friends. Pizza Pino last Thursday at lunch and a movie and bolognose pasta at my place this Monday! Great time, lots of laughters and the promise to keep in touch through our blogs and emails! Kath is going back, today, to Regina to be with her parents and to wait for this baby to come to the world! Have a safe flight Kath and take care of yourself!!

In the mood for cooking...

2007-09-03T12:35:00.000+02:00

You don't need to be a child to go and see Ratatouille. It's really sooooooooooo cute!! Meggie and I just loved it...we had such a great time ...we felt so light-hearted and I was almost in the mood for cooking.....!!! Yes me, cooking!!! RATATOUILLE is the story of a little rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a great chef despite his family’s wishes and the obvious problem of being a rat in a decidedly rodent-phobic profession. When fate places Remy in the city of Paris, he finds himself ideally situated beneath a restaurant made famous by his culinary hero, Auguste Gusteau...NOT TO BE MISSED!!!

The Ghetto

2007-08-31T17:25:00.000+02:00

The week end in Venise was great. Every thing went by the script, with few exception though. My mom did not scream hysterically when she walked through Piazza San Marco, she even added that "I don't give a damned thing about these stupid pigeons!!". Well done mom, you are finally over some erratic behavior! Caroline, the baby-sitter, actually spoke. Every one was in real good mood and even that complainer of my dad enjoyed his time in Venise! Weather was great, food excellent and Meggie was such a sweetheart! I don't know how to describe the joy of hugging her after 3 long weeks! Venise is a overwhelming city : it's just so beautiful but one place in particular touched my heart : the Ghetto. On a wall a headstone says : "Men. Women. Children. Masses for the gas chambers. Advancing toward horror beneath the whip of the executioner. Your sad holocaust is ingraved in history. And nothing shall purge your deaths from our memories. For our memories are your only grave." It's a silent scream what you feel in your ears and you can't walk away without feeling ashamed for what has been done.
On a lighter note Italian are always the same : noisy, neurotic and well dressed...that's why I love them!

Venetian shots!

2007-08-30T14:37:00.000+02:00

Venezia

2007-08-24T10:53:00.000+02:00

I have been counting the days to our Venise's mini-break since I came back to Paris! After 3 long, long weeks, tomorrow I finally see my bambina again! My parents too, and zio Gio!! 3 full days in Venise to celebrate my parents 40th wedding anniversary and Wouter's belated 40th birthday! I'm really excited about this family reunion, I have been busy organizing it for many months now and I hope that very one will enjoy it! I am so happy to leave Paris, this time, it has been raining, every day, since we got back! 3 weeks of rain, added to a rainy July and a spittig June! A sunny and warm Venise is waiting for us and I can't wait to stroll along the narrow "calle" of this mystical place, eat at some osterie like La Zucca and Al nuovo Galeon", jump on the traghetti when are feet hurt too much from walking and then chase the peageons away while my mom screams hysterically that there is one specific peageon that is staring at her..., try to reason my dad and zio Gio (my brother) to stop fighting for absolutely nothing, and ask Caroline, the babysitter, to mercifully say a word...ohhh it's gonna be fun!!

Gooische Vrouwen

2007-08-23T15:15:00.000+02:00

Would you ever think that I could watch and get addicted to a Dutch soap?? Well yes! And I also watch it in Dutch, no subtitles! I watch it and understand just half of it! Damned my Ducht is still so louzy but it doesn't discourage me! It's about four friends in Gooi, a Dutch region where rich people live. One of these four friends, Cheryl, is married to a Dutch singer Martin Morero. She just moved from Utrecht to Gooi. Anouk is an artist. She makes mostly erotic art. Willemijn is a wife and a mother. Her marriage is reserved and sexless. She eats because her frustrations about marriage. Claire is a lawyer and married to Anton. They have a 15 year old daughter: Merel. Anouk, Willemijn and Claire are born in Gooi, Cheryl is a newcomer. These four friends have to deal with the problems of well-being and richness. And many secrets lie behind those "golden" doors! It's a Dutch "Desperate Housewives" but much more funny!!

Few lines for Nancy

2007-08-19T16:04:00.000+02:00

Dear Nancy,

you have been waiting so long for this day to come and now it's actually here. Unfortunately your plans have changed at the last moment and Licia and Gigino cannot make to Liverpool with you and consequently you had to cancel your trip to Abruzzi. I know that you are upset about this but I hope you will still enjoy your stay in England. What's important is that Gigino will be fine and that you are with John and the kids and you will be celebrating your in-laws 40th wedding anniversary!

Cheers!

Long live the King!

2007-08-16T10:14:00.000+02:00

On August 16th 1977, a tragedy struck the music world. It has been 30 years since Elvis died, and still he is the KING. Fans all over the world are remembering Elvis and his legacy to the world at this time. I know one of this fan...NORMA this is for YOU!

GUESS WHO’S TURNING 40???

2007-08-14T15:24:00.000+02:00

In biblical terms the numerical number 40 has significant meaning. Think of the 40 days and 40 nights of rain floods. It took the Israelites 40 years to find the Promised Land, and Jesus spent 40 days in the dessert before his crucifixion. You are about to enter the most amazing time in your life. The past 40 years were all about preparation. Now you are both credible and incredible. 40 is the pivotal power age and here is why:
·You can become a doctor or lawyer and still have time left to practice;
·You can fall in love like a teenager and still have the time to grow up;
·You can have your first wedding anniversary;
·You can have children and still have the time to raise them
·You can move to another country and still have the time to make it your home;
·You can take up a new sport without worrying about arthritis;
·You lived long enough to be sure about some things;
·You can say what you want and others will listen;
·You can still have fun without being medicated;
·You can do something that you have never done in your life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WOUTER!!

Ricordi di Viaggio...

2007-08-08T14:44:00.000+02:00

Two days in Paris...or more!!

2007-08-08T10:31:00.000+02:00

Guys I am back to Paris!! Vacations are over and I am plunged, again, into normal life. Early wake up calls, office/work, home/sleep etc. Well I guess you know what I am talking about. This time it's not easy to be back. I mean, it's never easy but this time it's just little more difficult. Maybe because we had a marvellous time in Italy, maybe because Meggie is still in Italy and maybe because Wouter is in Holland busy with his new job, I find myself little lonely these days. Weather has been "just" awful here in Paris, it was raining when I left, and it's still raining now! Summer has simply forgotten about Paris!
So what the best thing to do?? Go and see a movie with a friend (the girlfriend in question is Micaela) : Two days in Paris was defenitely the right choice to cheer me up and have a good laugh! The movie is a funny comedy about the culture clash when an American discovers the French. The film is a treat because, for once, the joke is on both sides. Julie Delpy, the Parisian actress, wrote, directed and stars in the film. She uses her knowledge from 15 years living in the US to nail the clichés and mock the misunderstandings between French and Americans. You could apply these chichés to all mix-couples and that's why I heard myself laughing pretty loud couple of time...! Long list of ex-boyfriends apart!! Well... I have a little list!!!!

Vedi Napoli...

2007-07-12T23:24:00.000+02:00

Apparently I'm on vacation. Since a couple of hours now. But I don't feel it yet. Probably because I'm so tired that my mind actually doesn't realize it yet. It will take couple of days before the stress, of these last weeks, is gone and a new, fresh and beautifully suntanned Olga will replace this one! Tomorrow we are off to Napoli. My old friend Agostino will come pick us up at Capodichino airport and some new adventures will start. So dear friends you will have to be patient and in some weeks you will have all the details about this vacation in beautiful Napoli, Ventotene and Positano! Arrivederci ....!

One year!

2007-07-10T20:38:00.000+02:00

Almost 1 year passed by....1 year ago I was still organizing my "surprise" trip to Hamilton with Norma & Nancy. 1 year ago Sandra still had to say "I do" to Jerry! 1 year ago "amiche e sorelle" did not exist yet. In few days many we will celebrate one important event! On July 22nd Sandra & Jerry will celebrate their 1st wedding anniversary!! Later, on August 16th this blog will also salute his first year of life! Sandra and my little "sisters" Nancy and Norma were the first reason to start this blog. My way to share fragments of my life with them, my way to fool distance...but as I said once "kilometers don't count if hearts lie close". In this hectic life of mine there isn't a day where I don't spent a thought for you girls! So let's celebrate Sandra & Jerry, let's celebrate friendship, let's celebrate the beauty of life!

Weeds

2007-06-30T22:10:00.000+02:00

While I'm waiting for Spooks' season n.4 I decided to give a try to this new serie called "Weeds" and bought myself the first two seasons. On the cover it says that it's highly addictive and it couldn't be more true. I'm never been too much into "joints" when I was young, well sure I tried and smoked some herbs but the side effects of being sleepy and hungry were not so exciting for me...and now that I'm grown up I don't even smoke "normal" cigarettes and I became one of those intollerant ex smokers but nevertheless I found "Weeds" a real treat! I always liked Marie Louise Parker since she played in 1991 "Fried Green Tomatos" and her interpretaion of a widow selling "weeds" to support her family is just great! Despite being billed as a comedy, the perceptively written show is actually a credible look at lives stuck in neutral and people almost trapped by their addiction to a certain level of upper-middle class comfort. The dialogues are irriverent and I just love it. So if you haven'tdone it yet....why don't you give it a try too???

Dinner in the boma

2007-06-30T10:18:00.000+02:00

Casalinga

2007-06-30T08:53:00.000+02:00

Between the many things we did with Renzo & C., like going to the African flea market in Joburg, or gambling in Sun City, the superb lunch at Casalinga obliges an extra mention here. I love to point out some good address I come across during my travels and "Casalinga" is certainly one of those. The setting is beautiful and the food is really tasteful and portion are extremely generous, especially for an European. My "melanzane al forno" tasted like Italy, Renzo's "fegatini di pollo" smelled like heaven, Wouter had his treat with "Fegato di Vitello", Danie's "Lasagne al pesto" were "cosi' buone" and Jana's finished the biggest portion of "Penne al salmone" I ever seen! We ate so much and we were still so full many hours later that we apologized and refused the meals on the flight back!!! So if you are travelling around Muldersdrift don't miss this stop!

To Renzo & Danie!

2007-06-30T00:36:00.000+02:00

Late tonight I receive a text message from Renzo.
The message was so sweet that I decided to publish it, hoping that Renzo wouldn't mind. But why would he?? These are private words dedicated in public.

"Today Danie and I celebrate our 5th year anniversary! Hard to believe! It has been the best 5 years of my life. Not many people can say that they have met their soulmate. I am one of the lucky few. Here's to the next 5 years! xxx Renzo"

Just good bye

2007-06-28T23:13:00.000+02:00

One week wasn't enough. Probably not even a month would had been enough to visit this immense land called South Africa. Land of severe contrasts and bold beauty, where the current cultural melting pot has its roots in years of struggle and where history has left a healed wound. The African soil speaks to the ears of people who want to hear his stories. Once you listened to them you will not be the same again. I have a strong relation with this continent, something ancient. Africa is the only place in the world where I can be myself, where I don't need to prove but just be and where I leave a piece of me everytime I leave. There are many pictures in my mind of this journey...sunset in the bush, the leopard chasing, in the dark, impalas, a huge hyena running towards our jeep...but was has made these days so special are people. This would have been just a "trip" if we wouldn't have spent some time with Renzo, Danie & Jana. These people welcomed us in their homes and shared with us a brief moment of their lives and it was for us a privilege to be part of it. On the plane back to Paris Wouter told me "It's great, we have friends in South Africa"...and while from the plane's porthole Joburg's landscape started to become smaller and smaller ...I smiled and knew that this was just an "arrivederci".

Out of Africa

2007-06-28T17:29:00.000+02:00

African Diaspora

In the diaspora
he sat down;
And there he wept;
Remembering Africa;
Mouth open, unable to a song.
Eyes full of the ocean;
Mouth imploded with praises;
Thought stacked full of memories,
Memories of Motherland Africa.
In bits he uttered;
Africa, my cherised home;
In the diaspora unable to a song;
I want to come to thee.
Chief Charles O. Okereke

Dedicated to our new friends : Renzo, Danie & Jana and to Motherland Africa!

The day is here!

2007-06-15T09:33:00.000+02:00

Ok today is the day! I decided yesterday to take all day off, today, in order to do the last few things in a more relaxed way! Idon't want to be rushing also today!I'm still busy with the luggage..people who know me they remember that I travel overloaded because I never know what to bring. So I'm still wondering if I should take also that shirt that matches those pants. And the luggage becomes heavier because in the end I cannot make a decision and I will bring everything anyway. Since early this morning I have this nasty "caccarella" problem that I hope to solve before getting on a 12h flight. I don't know if it's because of stress or I got cold for sure I'm gonna travel "empty"!! So guys I'd better get going with fixing the apartment for my parents stay and finish up this damn luggage!
If I'll find a internet place I will try to send you a message directly from South Africa otherwise it will be next week!! Ranger Olga is on her way to SA!! Baci

Counting the days...!!

2007-06-13T15:02:00.000+02:00

It's unforgivable! I have neglected this blog for so long. But everytime I started a sentence something new came up and I had to put it aside. I feel bad about this. This blog is my way to consecrate little time only to myself, to pick up my thoughts and put them on paper. It's my written therapy not having my shrink here in Paris. Last period has been so hectic that only thinking about it makes over-tired. But instead of talking about what I did I will tell you about what I will do. In 2 days. In exactly 2 days I will be sitting on a night flight direct to Johannesburg in South Africa. Wouter and I are off for a week vacation. The excitement's level is growing by the hour! I cant wait to be on the Arathusa Lodge and go on the safari to see the big 5(The Big Five is a group of animals including the lion, the leopard, the rhino, the elephant and the buffalo who earned their reputations as the most dangerous animals to be hunted on foot. The phrase "Big Five" was coined by hunters of yesteryear - before the advent of the photographic safari.) I'm all set : I have walking shoes, the outfit like a ranger and I bought an excellent digital camera (Panasonic DMC LX2) and I will make plenty of pictures trying to capture the soul of this land and share it with you! So plenty of stories will be on "this" way....

2007-06-01T22:19:00.000+02:00

Sister!

2007-06-01T14:22:00.000+02:00

If you could read my heart and

the memories that it holds ~

The days of growing-up

and secrets that we told.

Through all the laughter

and all the tears ~

Our heart grow closer

each and every year.

So please accep this Angel

so yo will always know ~

You're a friend in my heart

and a sister to my soul.

1968 & Today

2007-05-27T09:07:00.000+02:00

Maria Grazie & Olga

Olga & Meggie

B-day!

2007-05-26T07:52:00.000+02:00

My birthday came and go and left me with 39years on my shoulders!
The unfair weather forecast was proven to be wrong and we could enjoy a lovely morning at Jardin de Plantes, a stroll in rue Mouffetar, a frappucino in St Germain des Près and a great dinner at my favorite Italian place "La Trattoria" in Levallois!
People from around the world remembered my day and called me, sent me msgs, sent cards & gifts, sang for me and I felt "loved"! Meggie gave me a beautiful drawing and told me "mi piace la tua festa, mamma"! It was a good day! It's so special to get older when you love and are loved back!! Thank you guys for this special day!

Beach version...

2007-05-22T14:21:00.000+02:00

Friday, early in the morning, I leave Milano with my colleague Nicholas. In less than 4 hours we drive to Cannes. He drops me then in front of the train station. I decided to avoid the Croisette because during the Film Festival is pure crazyness being in Cannes and I ask Wouter to come and pick me up in St Raphael. As usual I am overcharged , my luggage weights a ton, I have my computer with me and some other stuff, I want to pee badly but if I'll do it I'll miss the train...so with almost tears in my eyes I jump on the 12h12 train that in less than 30 minutes stops in St Raphael! A little hour later I'm at the barco beach club! It's so nice to have Meggie running towards me and seeing all my friends! We start we a great lunch and then I drop almost dead on the sunbed and fall asleep! It's quite exhausting eating, suntanning, getting ready for dinner and going to bed again! Jesus what a blast! Next day we are off to St Tropez...! Little shopping and walk in the famous harbour where the fanciest yatchs has been docking since Brigitte Bardot was a young and beautiful promise of French movie stardom! Then back to barco beach in St Maxime for a late lunch...!! Sun and I dare to put a foot in the sea! Same ritual for Sunday! Ooh what a life....!!

Working version....

2007-05-22T12:55:00.001+02:00

Stop now! I hear you are laughing...! I know ...I look like "Business woman of the year" but believe...far from that!! But I have to admit that I look pretty serious with my brown tailleur and nicely brushed hair! I had a nice time in Milano : worked a lot but also did some shopping (there's always something to buy in Italy!!), went with Ilaria to this great wine tasting soirée and had a nice walk in the Navigli's area. Then it was time to go on vacation...!!

It's been a while!!!

2007-05-21T07:44:00.000+02:00

Hey Olga!!! Hope life is treating you all well. Me on the other hand...I'm off for a week and I don't have much planned. This past weekend I went to Niagara Falls for a walk with my friend and it was chilly, very busy but nice. We just walked up and down the cliffton hill. It was pretty busy because of the long weekend plus they had firecrackers going on but we missed them. We were going to go to the drive-in but the line up was tooo crazy so we decided last minute to take a drive.
So that was pretty much my high-lite of my weekend. Nothing special. So I'm hoping I get to relax this week before I head back to work of Saturday. It's been really crazy at work. So I'm kinda glad to take some time off. I'm looking forward for July...(it's just too far away). When we get to go to Collingwood for the Elvis festival. Can't wait to see my baby GINO!!!...My cousin and I already have tickets for his show..and we're right in the front row...I hope he dosen't think we're a bunch of stalkers following him where ever he goes...lol...well after the Baptism he must think we're coo coo...but it's all in good fun...
Well it's time for me to get some sleep...I'm hoping to write on the blog again real soon hopefully with some fun and interesting stories...you all have a great night and I'll see you again hopefully real soon...until then..GOODNIGHT!!!

New and interesting...

2007-05-11T14:54:00.000+02:00

I have absolutely to write a new post or Sarkozy's smiling grin will remain the opening page of this blog!! So what's new and interesting in my life?? Did I tell you about my next trip to Milano and then week end in Saint Maxime?? Yes like every year we will spend 4 days, invited by my friend Michele, in her beautiful house in South of France. John and Cristina and their kids will be there too. We all long for this break away. It's our yearly get together and my occasion to meet with Michele after she moved to Geneva last year, when I moved back to Paris. Worst timing ever! So this is the week end when we suntan, we eat on the beach and we rest!! Beach here we come...!! P.S. I go to Milano for my work and will join Wouter and the bambina in St Maxime after passing by Cannes where there is the Film Festival....!! And if you see a stunning blonde : it's not Sharon Stone it's me!!!

France has a new President!

2007-05-08T19:58:00.000+02:00

After an intense political debate France has a new President!
Conservative candidate Nicolas Sarkozy has won the hotly
contested French presidential election.
The final count gave Mr Sarkozy 53.06%, compared with 46.94% for socialist Segolene Royal, with turnout at 85%. Mr Sarkozy, 52, the son of a Hungarian immigrant, takes over from the 74-year-old Jacques Chirac. France's new president is a man best known for his energy and his will to power: a human dynamo, who left his opponents trailing and exhausted in his wakeThe Socialist Segolene Royal worked hard to beat him, but without the real backing of her own party and without a clear manifesto for France, she failed.
The 52-year-old Nicolas Sarkozy scandalised the Paris elite a few years ago when he admitted to constantly thinking about becoming French president, "not only when I am shaving in the morning". Yet he was never part of that elite. He is the son of a Hungarian immigrant, who abandoned the young Sarkozy and his two brothers when they were young. According to several biographers, this left him with a burning desire to prove himself through sheer hard work and merit. Sarkozy is a deeply divisive figure for the FrenchNor did Mr Sarkozy attend the traditional elite school, ENA, but studied instead as a lawyer. He went almost immediately into politics at the age of 22, becoming mayor of the upmarket Paris suburb of Neuilly at just 28 with the aid of the UMP's predecessor, the RPR - the party of President Jacques Chirac, who took the young Nicolas under his wing. Today, Mr Sarkozy's enemies on the left mockingly call him an American neo-con, who just happens to have a French passport, or deride him as a short, power-hungry man with a Napoleon complex. Mr Sarkozy's former campaign manager, Franck Tapiro has known him for 22 years and says the new president's talents will change the face of France."He's a courageous man who has the guts to act and fulfil his promises. He believes that politics can change lives," he enthuses. "He is very dynamic, and for him life is about movement. He's the locomotive and always one step ahead - you just have to follow him." However, Mr Tapiro acknowledges: "You either love him or you hate him. There is nothing in between."

Finding Norma a man!

2007-05-06T20:57:00.000+02:00

I'm getting too old to party with Norma.....I had to take a minute and explain how CRAZY Friday night was for us. We ended up meeting Patty at a Bar/Resturant called MUSTANGS in Stoney Creek....the food was great. Patty had the Nacho's and I had this incredible Honey Oak Chicken Sandwich....and Norma had the same in a wrap. We were there for a few hours, laughing and catching up on some gossip. After we dropped off Patty I had a knew we weren't going straight home. Yup, I was right, we instead picked up Angelica at 10pm and headed to the Portuguese Club. I didn't want to hang out there all night, and Thank God Norma just had to drop a CD off for a friend. But we didn't leave without having a few drinks.....I had a bottle of water, you know we I'm not much of a beer drinker. So we leave the club and head to John St. thinking to myself..."OK where can we cause some trouble tonight and at the same time pick up guys for Norma???" After circling John St. afew times.....I have to mention WHY we circled John St a few times......we ended up passing a Firestation that had a few GORGEOUS Firefighters standing outside and so Angelica and I thought ....sure why not Norma could date a fireman....lets go check them out. That was fun for about 5 minutes...so off we left and we ended going up the street to TAILGATE CHARLIES. It was probably around 11:30pm and that's when our night began. We go in and see nothing but young kids....19-23yr olds....the music was good but come on , we were on a mission, we needed to find a guy for Norma...after walking around a few times we headed down stairs to the "LIQUID KITTY", it's classified as a Martini Bar in Hamilton, the crowd is much older and live bands play there. So, there we were... Angelica and I didn't have any shame....we are married, we didn't care....we made fools of ourselves, but it was all for Norma. We stopped guys as they walk past us and saw if they are suitable for NORMA. Angelica has a list of questions that she asked them ...#1 How old are you?#2 Are you married?#3 How much $$ do you make ?and the most important question was ......#4 Do you have any kids????? This lasted all night, John showed up around 1:30am just in time to preapprove any choices Angelica and I were making for Norma. Neadless to say we were the last 4 people to leave the bar at 2:30am. Actually Norma was the last to leave the building, she was throw out literally by her BOUNCER friends. Thank god when Norma meets someone, she leaves a lasting impression.....the bouncers all knew her and had a howl throwing her out. I have photos to prove it!!!! Anyways by the time she said her goodbyes and had a last smoke...it was 3am. I was in pretty good shape, John and I decided to pick the kids up from my moms house.....I know it seamed terrible waking them up at 3:15am but it was better for us in the morning. My kids are use to it, they are use to getting disturbed while they sleep, that 's what happens when you need to get to work by 7am. I have to mention John and I woke up the next day around 10am and I don't know about him, but I felt like a bag of Shi---!!! My head was killing me, my voice was rough and it seamed as if I drank all night. I had the worst hang over........to my surprise the only thing I drank all night was a 1/2 bottle of wine cooler.....I'm getting too old to party with Norma. Anyways, our mission wasn't accomplished, Norma didn't meet the man of her dreams that night, but there is always NEXT TIME!!!

Written by Nancy, May 5th 2007

pronto chi parla??

2007-05-06T08:26:00.000+02:00

It's 2h30pm. Meggie is taking a little nap. She has a little cold. I sit on the couch wondering wheter to go and take a nap too. The phone rings. "Pronto chi parla?" I recognized Sandra's voice. "Thought to call you ...for a change". With Sandra it's always the same. We pick up the conversation where we left it. There is no gap. No incertitude. Or silence. It's like we spoke the previous day. We have been talking lately but always briefly because of too many things to do. I know wounds stupid but it's like this. So this time we decide to catch up with some conversations. in 1h35 minutes we talk about everything and everybody. We laugh. We get sad. We make projects. We gossip. We send greetings and we promise to keep in touch. We have been doing this for 22 years! And I just love it...! We have a big project for next year. 2008. When Sandra and I will be 40! So what better occasion to get together and celebrate? Maybe in a vignard close to Niagara on the Lake? And finally have my parents visit Sandra in Canada?? Yes, I would love to be with all my "big" family for once!
And I'm working on it...

Yet you are sooo far away!!!

2007-05-04T21:07:00.000+02:00

I'm taking it easy today......this morning at 8:30am Gabriel and I walked Madeline to school, It's Gabriels Friday off. It's such a nice day here today......I was up at 6:30am along with the sunshine. At 1030am Gabriel and I walked back to the school because they had a Mary Crowing Ceremony with the whole school and Madeline asked if I would attend. That took an hour then on our way home Gabriel wanted to stop at the park near our house.......OK sooo we stopped there for a while. Now I'm starving for some lunch, but Gabriel wantes to go outside and play Hockey. So I compremized with him, he's allowing me to spend some time on the computer and then I will have to go outside with him and hockey....of course I'm the goalie and I have to put the protectiver pads on. This evening John and Enzo have a stag to go to. Patty's brother is getting married ......Norma and I will be going to meet up with Patty in Stoney Creek for some NACHO'S.........It's a cheat night tonight...I have been doing so good and have lost alittle bit of weight. But you need to fall off the wagon sometimes. I have a feeling the nights not going to stop there.....Patty will want to go home because I'm not sure if I mentioned it....they are expecting TWINS....she's about 32 weeks.....she won't want to stay out late after working all day. But Norma on the other hand ...I think she's going to drag me along and go bar hopping near Hess Village. On Augusta St. closer to James St. and the Bus Terminal are a bunch of new little pubs.....The weather today is sooo nice...I think that's where we are heading later on tonight. John will probably meet up with us after the STAG.....he's bartending for them tonight. It's sooo funny that I can explain our plans with you and you know exactly where we are heading......yet you are sooo far away!!!

Written by Nancy, May 4th, 2007

don't touch...!

2007-05-04T15:11:00.000+02:00

I know it! Don't tell me! With all I have to do I should occupy my time with more serious things instead of wasting (!) time with this teen aged Scamarcio's mania! If you like the dark hair and intense look type and you are found of Italian men please take the time to see the interview...so you can understand what I am talking about! I will try to come back with more adults posts soon but for the moment let me linger on the Breil!!!!

Coppa dei Campioni!

2007-05-02T14:18:00.000+02:00

THIS POST IS DEDICATED TO JOHN!

Dear Nancy,

We watched the match last night and we were absolutely excited that Liverpool made it to the finals! What a great match...and what an emotion the penalties!! Tell John that we support LIVERPOOL!!!! Baci!

*****
OMG, John and the kids went crazy after the penalty shoot out. They were terrible to watch the game with.....I couldn't talk, I couldn't ask any questions......They didn't want to eat dinner until it was over.......Our friend Enzo heard John and the kids yelling and screaming with excitment all the way in Stoney Creek. I will tell him that you have been sucked into supporting LIVERPOOL.......tty soon

FORZA LIVERPOOL!

from

the friends of the Liverpool supporters club!!

Welcome back to work!

2007-04-30T13:12:00.000+02:00

Hi Olg, thanks alot for the phone call, sorry, as usual we were out. My first day was great!!! It's like I never left. I totally just started doing my work like normal, of course I got stopped a hundred times everyone welcomed me back and Managers of my department brought me a "welcome back to work" cake. It was really nice and unexpected. I'm a little tired because I didn't sleep very good last night, I guess subconsciously I was worrying about getting up on time and going back to work. I tossed and turned all night, I saw every hour go by....1:30 am, 2:30 am 3:30 am.....finally at 5:00am I got up. Then talking with everyone and explaining to some workers and doctors why I was off was a little hard.....Just having to remember it all over again, you know, it was a little hard. But the day all in all was really good. So, How's Meggie, everything in order in the new place?? Where are you off to next???

Posted by Nancy, April 30th 2007

My feet hurt!

2007-04-29T11:39:00.000+02:00

Here & Now

2007-04-28T18:20:00.000+02:00

Hi Olg,
As usual I am having trouble getting onto the BLOG. But its OK, since I am now hooked on FACEBOOK. I just wanted to tell you that this will be my last weekend as a sane person.YUP, BACK TO WORK MONDAY morning, GOD HELP ME!!!!! Oh I forgot he already did.....I'm going to have to learn to relax and just go with the flow. I think I'm just afraid of going back to the way we use to be, always rushing around. I know think positive. The good weather is on its way, the kids are older now and they are soooo much fun. I knew this weekend would come sooner or later. It would have been the weekend that I wanted to just relax with John and the kid before I started work again, but of course........It's the busiest weekend we have. Saturday we have Sandra and Jerry's aunts 90th birthday party and on Sunday I have a bridal shower in Grimsby. I have a feeling I'm not going to be sleeping much either. No, not because of John (get your mind out of the gutter) simply because of all the things that will be going thru this head of mine before Monday morning. Oh well back to reality. Hope you have a good weekend. Kiss Meggie for me.....

Posted by Nancy, Friday 27th April, 2007

Blogging identity crisis!

2007-04-27T14:26:00.000+02:00

Should I write more about Paris and turn this blog into a travel guide?? Should I write more about my feelings and turn this blog into a personal diary?? Should I write more about my friends and turn this blog into a friendship statement?? All these questions because I think that this blog sucks. Ohhh I have said it! Well let me explain. I love this blog but I think ,it doesn't have a style! A precise style! It's lacks a definite identity. Like me! Or maybe this lack of style it's also a style??? I have been searching for my own style all my life...without success! And then, one day, I just gave up! I am like I am! Like it or not! A mix of many things. Same for this blog! I love telling you about Paris but also writting about my friends and family or about my feelings and sharing some of my fears and even writting some movies critics! In the end I have only changed "amiche e sorelle"'s look but for the rest this blog will keep this multifaced "style"... even if it sucks! Then you have to change a lot to remain your real self! Like it or not!

Family stuff...!!

2007-04-24T22:34:00.000+02:00

Both Nancy and I we have been so busy lately that we did not find a little moment to write in our blog! So we would like to apoligize to our few but loyal readers for this absence! Nancy had to organize Maddeleine's First Communion : quite a big event in the Tarquini's tradition, lot of work, especially lots of food in few words a great day! Talking about me, during Meg's 2 weeks vacation in Italy I went to Frankfurt, fixed the house, did a lot of administartion "bullshit" and then spent this week end with my parents here in Paris. The weather has been so exceptional that we enjoyed long walk in unknown areas of Paris! Family, family for both of us! And a lot of organization before and a lot of cleaning after! And when it's over you are so tired but already looking forward to the next family "reunion"!

Wombat

2007-04-15T13:26:00.000+02:00

Story will follow!

Heat around North Europe

2007-04-14T23:50:00.000+02:00

Dimanche 15 April Paris
12 / 15°
26 / 28°
Journée la plus chaude - nous serons à environ 2° du record de 1949 (où il avait fait 30/31°) - temps sec et ensoleillé - le Marathon de Paris devra donc composer avec la chaleur... risque d'orages isolés en soirée sur l'ouest et le sud de la région.

Weather forecast expects 28° tomorrow in Paris! Summer temperature also in Germany (with a 29° today in Koln), Holland and Scandinavian countries. Meanwhile in Spain it's raining now for 3 weeks in a row; in Torino temperature below average! Maybe it's time to start thinking about this poor "earth" of ours...