The Ghetto

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!

Venezia

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

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

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!

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???

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...

Two days in Paris...or more!!

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!!!!