tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56140557501999124392024-02-19T09:37:42.151-06:00Ross' AdventuresFrom I.C.E. to Iceland & everywhere in between!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14698957703507233505noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614055750199912439.post-77577025206697793782015-04-21T00:01:00.002-05:002015-04-23T06:01:38.786-05:00Technology Has Changed The Dating Game!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Technology has changed the Dating Game!</b> No, I don’t mean the infamous south side of Chicago lounge where one can step in the name of love…I mean the instant accessibility via text message, social media, and chat rooms have literally replaced long, late night phone conversations while dozing off but claiming not to be tired and dinner and a movie - dates! The convenience of instantly conveying catch phrases like – I’m running late, call u right back, and maybe even GM, have been manipulated into non-confrontational, impersonal, and often misinterpreted moments. They grant the illusion of getting to know one another without any real experience, created memory, or uncomfortable conversation. I mean you get the ability to retract your comments. Better yet, if I don’t like where the conversation is going, just mute it and the messages instantly reroute to text heaven. I call it accessibility with an option to ignore because you’ve no longer kept my immediate interest, but I’m too chicken to actually say it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh yeah, social media has definitely changed the dating game! At first it seemed like such a great idea - a medium for two people that otherwise would not cross paths, to meet with a common agenda – forever. But over time, that idea has evolved from forever to just lunch to tendering - the process of making an offer, bid or proposal, or expressing interest in response to an invitation or request. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tendering, spelled Tinder is an online dating app that finds your location using GPS, and then finds potential matches near you. When I moved to New York, a colleague gave me the “short list” of all the apps I needed to get acclimated and survive this concrete jungle - MTA to commute, seamless to eat, and Tinder to date. As she put it, I could use this app to meet new people so that colleagues weren’t my only option of friends in this cold, hard city. Initially, I laughed. Did she not know? I am not the online dating type! Or perhaps she was thinking what my 80 year old grandfather had already told me a year or so ago, “Tanisha, you need to try that online dating thing. You know, go on the Internet and find a husband.” Wait, she didn’t even know me. I mean, I’d literally been here one month and she was already telling me to find me forever?! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After contemplating the thought for a whopping 3 months, I realized that she was telling me I needed to find a mate quickly to share in this NYC rent expense! I mean it’s the equivalent of buying a designer handbag or first class trip to France every 5th of the month! Eventually, I figured out that if you're single, you're probably on Tinder. Actually, if you have a Smartphone and the ability to swipe – you probably have a Tinder account. Two swipes to the left, one swipe to the right! This is what modern day dating – actually new age, pretentious, no time to get to know you, no flowers, no candy – straight to the bedroom activity called dating looks like today! It’s hard to escape yet easy to imagine while swiping my next date over lousy conversation and a cappuccino with the <i>date from hell</i>! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But here’s the question, can I really blame you for continuing to seek out the next opportunity when you’re bombarded with endless amounts of pictures and videos of the next wanna be model or the latest hot stripper on Instagram and Facebook? Society has made this showcase a source for men to determine beauty in women, a meat market none-the-less. Follow, follow, and follow – a hunt for an upgrade while performing the least amount of work…no expense involved, no pursuit, just lazy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Dating game has changed, but there are a few things I would prefer stay the same. I still like fresh flowers and frivolous chitchat. Holding hands while strolling through the park merely enjoying each other’s company is definitely a missing art. What’s next? Adding dates to a shopping cart with a checkout feature that alerts me <i>“this man has been removed”</i> because I waited too long to actually message him? Actually, that one doesn’t seem so bad – at least once he’s checked out, I clearly know he’s off the market – no gimmicks, no refunds, no exchanges! Oh wait; there IS an app for that. Its called Coffee Meets Bagel!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRZ5c6MMrGPZJEZbj1R2pX0XcA8HhfuN1UWOeNl6GemwY0IlfylAoDPbY8e0Ibckm1YBkpJTFxIlWA_tA3NCBSoS5xw6IO97u94jv_9X6eau4N-ptQMUfyygEuEQHTzHtInNbjaMBUTOx/s1600/4905.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRZ5c6MMrGPZJEZbj1R2pX0XcA8HhfuN1UWOeNl6GemwY0IlfylAoDPbY8e0Ibckm1YBkpJTFxIlWA_tA3NCBSoS5xw6IO97u94jv_9X6eau4N-ptQMUfyygEuEQHTzHtInNbjaMBUTOx/s1600/4905.jpeg" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14698957703507233505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614055750199912439.post-18210326781519573112014-03-13T00:01:00.000-05:002014-03-31T02:30:38.220-05:00A Part of History<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The
towns were buzzing with anxiousness and excitement as the selection of a new
Pope was underway. We’d been
waiting for what seemed like an eternity and had hoped to see the new Pope last
week while visiting Rome and the Vatican City. Today we were headed to the island of Capri or KAH-pree as
pronounced by Italians! From
Sorrento's port Marina Piccola, a hydrofoil (“jet boat”) or ferry was the two
options of travel and somehow we were stuck on the latter. This ferry held what seemed like hundreds
of people and took approximately 45-minutes to the jet boat’s 20-minute
speed. I was so excited to see the
infamous “Island of Dreams” that I hurried aboard, sat nearest a window and
waited to set sail. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">As
we navigated out into the Tyrrhenian Sea, it began to rain and I quickly felt
the choppiness of the water!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually,
I was pretty sure I saw cats and dogs coming down from the sky. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The waves propelled against our windows and
although I continued to look out, with every thrust, I was sure my window would
soon shatter. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean the ferry
rocked from side to side as if were a 4-wheel truck turning the corner on only two
of its wheels. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To my surprise we never
tipped, but I thought to myself, “did I board the local version of the Titanic?”
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I remembered Steve Harvey’s
standup in the Original Kings of Comedy… "The band was playin' as the ship
went down" - What black band YOU know gon' keep playin...with the darn
ship goin down'? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kool & the
Gang woulda been unpluggin' sh!#..!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Suddenly, I didn’t remember getting that brief safety lesson on how to
fasten the lifejacket in the event of an emergency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I didn’t even know where these lifejackets were
located!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began to panic!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Man overboard is all I could envision! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And just like that, the rain calmed, the
sun shown thru and we were docking at the Marina Grande harbor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0hys491QmFG6NbfhG5rKcJP05zgCTLgCejTSQJkGmHVbypj3S16tvXSZhiz7uADCc7P4WUWXaowMKqUKejjGq5ZrVuJ0V7eUIMhwJ5tp03HSEUZBSXkzJ22ZpNvjj5bMRaVESV6cq9SH/s1600/DSC01247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0hys491QmFG6NbfhG5rKcJP05zgCTLgCejTSQJkGmHVbypj3S16tvXSZhiz7uADCc7P4WUWXaowMKqUKejjGq5ZrVuJ0V7eUIMhwJ5tp03HSEUZBSXkzJ22ZpNvjj5bMRaVESV6cq9SH/s1600/DSC01247.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0YY_lsP5LgObFRvYszkeNeUsECyc9vE1FE8gOegPZtqF8gghvbL1iH0J82mg_KCbfbqkrzT-OoZkTbEezyhXOvuJ5CQ8-AlRGQdC261SQmF5EdVNwwtvZ0VGYjOgVmkprs29ZC-BwDws/s1600/DSC01250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0YY_lsP5LgObFRvYszkeNeUsECyc9vE1FE8gOegPZtqF8gghvbL1iH0J82mg_KCbfbqkrzT-OoZkTbEezyhXOvuJ5CQ8-AlRGQdC261SQmF5EdVNwwtvZ0VGYjOgVmkprs29ZC-BwDws/s1600/DSC01250.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<!--EndFragment--><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">We dashed for the ticket booth to catch the
funicular up to the actual town of Capri.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">The main attraction here is the Blue Grotto, a sea cave with a tiny
opening that only a small rowboat can get through.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">It opens and closes with the tide and is flooded with a
brilliant blue or emerald light.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Since
the entrance is small and the tide was high, we were not able to visit so we transferred
to a bus and headed for the town of Anacapri.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">“Ana” which means “up” is the island’s second town located
at a higher elevation.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">The small
bus to get there seemed only enough to accommodate 3 couples yet there were
easily 30 people smashed together hanging on for dear life as we coiled around
the mountain while trying to sneak a quick peak at the dramatic views behind us.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Finally here, we strolled down the pedestrian-only
streets, peeped in shop after shop and even visited the Church of San Michele.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">This 18</span><sup style="font-family: Georgia;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">-century Neapolitan
style church’s floors were entirely covered with hand painted ceramic tile featuring
a grand scene of the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">It was quite elaborate yet amazing!</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Kudos to the artist that sat there tirelessly
drawing then painting all of these animals with human expressions on a floor that
could be seen best only after climbing a tiny spiral staircase - barely wide
enough to hold only one person! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Dark
clouds reappeared calling off our chairlift up to the highest point - Monte Solaro,
a 1,900-foot summit with a commanding view of Naples so we headed downhill and
on our return Ferry. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">The ride back
to Sorrento was much more calm than before but, the rain was still coming down.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;">Once there, we boarded a tiny shuttle
headed towards Sorrento’s center and rode it around and around the city until
“light” rain subsided!</span> </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Later
that evening, we popped into our favorite pizza & gelato shop and chatted
with our new friend, the owner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Any
sign of smoke yet,” I asked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
was now <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Day 5</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>White smoke in the air meant the
Cardinals had finally elected a successor to Pope Benedict XVI while the prior
4 days of black smoke meant they hadn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Yes, Pope Francis of Argentina, the first Latin American and member of
the Jesuit order (Christian of the Catholic Church) was elected to lead the
Roman Catholic Church,” said the owner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is also the first non-European pope in more than 1,200 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, the leader of the
worldwide Catholic Church was just elected and I was able to experience that
piece of history! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since there wasn’t
enough time to board a train back to Rome and actually see Pope Francis speak,
we hustled back to the hotel to watch him address the people
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">on television</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> f</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">rom the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican only hours
after election into papacy.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">There
were massive crowds and celebratory tears all over Italy as the Pope gave his
first speech.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It was much like any
city celebrating their local sports teams’ win.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Now I was just touring - visiting places I’d always wanted
to see. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I never could have
imagined I would be in the same country at the same time as the Papal Conclave,
115 Cardinal-electors representing </span><i style="font-family: Georgia;">every</i><span style="font-family: Georgia;">
continent in the world and the election of the new Pope.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This was truly a momentous and
historical occasion!</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14698957703507233505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614055750199912439.post-67224648197956740502014-03-07T01:44:00.000-06:002014-03-07T01:44:10.007-06:00It's a classic of course!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">This
year I decided to trade out the routine Auto show for the AutoRama, a custom
car show!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Year after year since I
can remember, I’ve visited the Chicago Auto Show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So this year, I left the boring selection of concept and
electric cars, for a more adventurous option, a World of Wheels. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">As
I entered the showroom floor, I was blown away with amazement: an El Camino,
Coupe Street Rods, and oh yeah… the Deuce and a Quarter!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That infamous Buick Electra 225.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I immediately recognized this model as
my great-grandfather’s Buick classic is still in our family. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I peered from car to car, I could only
imagine myself behind the wheel of one of those jewels!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’d choose that car; it goes with my
outfit,” I thought to myself!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was so much history in the place!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Car collections spanned from as early as the 1930s. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was even a barn find that had been
parked since 1973 – yes, 41 years ago!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And oh, the paint…yes, let’s talk paint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was pristine!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As if each vehicle was covered in fresh coats of Chanel nail paint, trend
defining shades of color with high-shine and definition, class and style of
course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEi4E0ipSZuT6Hnok7x2TTHKP6Ecg1kENdggsPiHWu5Je-5z6GdfPrI_Nrk35iUK4NOLrWYWlVmMzIftx6NknXWCvnSGVCHQ1bb1GR_I-VUFAUt254zJtxbpkPFvive81z83h7m8lxZMG/s1600/DSC09408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ARBN8sQxYldytRgR3msrOocjL0tUfHfmF2qJi5XvCg1nw5T0Ka6Cai4TYzQuf69q-8tWkKWcZFmkO73eq7w3HW_57qqzEEXe0CJHH9d1lF0Zj8N9zEICAPkLcOl8cWnyefyKP2SqqkZV/s1600/DSC09351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ARBN8sQxYldytRgR3msrOocjL0tUfHfmF2qJi5XvCg1nw5T0Ka6Cai4TYzQuf69q-8tWkKWcZFmkO73eq7w3HW_57qqzEEXe0CJHH9d1lF0Zj8N9zEICAPkLcOl8cWnyefyKP2SqqkZV/s1600/DSC09351.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtPTV9ubsCXvjjLGF1GvvP5d4T1WqlHKQofNppDBrrzEYAroJ6cB3uA3I4BW72lDhZl5Xm2ZV362wJ8AM0D87Q1mShbv1P9zXQkl0i3bTOQNr53JhFWmFtMh4i0hevRx52kC8N4wVxBsi/s1600/DSC09389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtPTV9ubsCXvjjLGF1GvvP5d4T1WqlHKQofNppDBrrzEYAroJ6cB3uA3I4BW72lDhZl5Xm2ZV362wJ8AM0D87Q1mShbv1P9zXQkl0i3bTOQNr53JhFWmFtMh4i0hevRx52kC8N4wVxBsi/s1600/DSC09389.JPG" height="169" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk27XhktB2LjRsoZs7-ap6c5hNK_HG3P7c8BR4batn1OJChS6psHoTUn_99_dHWPaKBYbSLpIUVq2eD6keyLxckubwcNoF57bNivod_dgFaxJNEOWG9u8yLu8XY8s8hzGftDC5fIw43dH1/s1600/DSC09433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk27XhktB2LjRsoZs7-ap6c5hNK_HG3P7c8BR4batn1OJChS6psHoTUn_99_dHWPaKBYbSLpIUVq2eD6keyLxckubwcNoF57bNivod_dgFaxJNEOWG9u8yLu8XY8s8hzGftDC5fIw43dH1/s1600/DSC09433.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEi4E0ipSZuT6Hnok7x2TTHKP6Ecg1kENdggsPiHWu5Je-5z6GdfPrI_Nrk35iUK4NOLrWYWlVmMzIftx6NknXWCvnSGVCHQ1bb1GR_I-VUFAUt254zJtxbpkPFvive81z83h7m8lxZMG/s1600/DSC09408.JPG" height="150" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbMKdLeRmvoZDnn7Kq2CHWea-IaVmu-ZneAVO62RRSEix3aT0hIIFO02kYd2B555QqAR4EE4zValLLmzBGTISm2Vbajck7yM2QLcJKg_if6SKgVZGE82GmNutRoCRRtOJcyRJWSIUXPJh/s1600/DSC09356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbMKdLeRmvoZDnn7Kq2CHWea-IaVmu-ZneAVO62RRSEix3aT0hIIFO02kYd2B555QqAR4EE4zValLLmzBGTISm2Vbajck7yM2QLcJKg_if6SKgVZGE82GmNutRoCRRtOJcyRJWSIUXPJh/s1600/DSC09356.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcN8ecHqKO_O5oXBOqRR4JuFiMUU_aEGrbNpjvJ3IIGwOCE3ghRS5lkGKzPXKcgzMo4pGC2mmIT7vrMDJkxVQoVoS44BpO9jWe6CrHC9zO838z8hZZ3PUZPwCBzM83F5SEXNYW4fQmjRH/s1600/DSC09430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcN8ecHqKO_O5oXBOqRR4JuFiMUU_aEGrbNpjvJ3IIGwOCE3ghRS5lkGKzPXKcgzMo4pGC2mmIT7vrMDJkxVQoVoS44BpO9jWe6CrHC9zO838z8hZZ3PUZPwCBzM83F5SEXNYW4fQmjRH/s1600/DSC09430.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i style="font-family: Georgia;">Hot rods</i><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> were the heart of the show! These old, classic American cars were
popular between the 1940s and 60s.
They have large engines modified for linear speed and were built using a
lot of original equipment parts from junkyards or Nitrous Oxide Systems (“NOS”),
which effectively control the power. Next up, </span><i style="font-family: Georgia;">the bobber</i><span style="font-family: Georgia;">,
the earliest motorcycle hand-built by individuals in the 1940s and 50s whose style
influenced manufacturers such as Harley-Davidson. Its front fender has usually been removed; the rear fender
made smaller ("bobbed"), and any extra parts were removed to reduce its
weight. It was often part of the
early biker club’s scene before there was the chopper, although its original intent
was just to keep motorcycles on the road for as cheaply as possible. Owners were onsite, ready to share their
memories and explain the work done and there were even custom chop shops onsite
giving live demonstrations. </span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<br />
As
I wandered along the aisles, couples danced to Rockabilly bands playing rock
and roll music dating to the early 1950s. It was like watching the Fonzarelli and Joanie Cunningham
dance to tunes from Arnold’s jukebox in a scene from Happy Days! The cars were strategically spaced
giving each car in its series breathing room. It was like a fine red wine: room to concentrate, evaluate, and examine from every angle.
I turned the bend and was pleasantly
surprised to see my high school and alma mater showing off their skills at this
prestigious event. Ok, I am
playing coy…I was ecstatic to see the Blue & Gold representing – the color
of Mighty Men & Women! A small
team of 3 juniors and a sophomore from the auto mechanic & body shop at
Dunbar H.S. were onsite displaying their custom work along with their
instructor, Kellen Davis.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Before
I left, I popped upstairs to check out the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tuner
Galleria</i>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This exibition
focused on domestic and imported vehicles with grandiose and showy elements
unique to their owners yet relevant to this generational market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Custom racecars zoomed around at top
speed and I immediately observed some noticeable differences between the two
floors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlike the smooth tunes of
the first floor, this showroom blasted loud, techno music; the seasoned crowd now
appeared young-looking and there were scantily dressed girls dancing near the
popular cars to complete the look. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The generous amounts of viewing space turned into crowds of gridlocked
cars<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- a scene from Freaknik in
Atlanta during Spring Break of my college years and the beer stands were
replaced with premium alcoholic beverages for purchase. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I presume these strategies attempt to
convert dreamers of these cars into actual owners.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span></div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">I thoroughly enjoyed the World of Wheels AutoRama! In fact, I had a brief love affair with
these classic automobiles. Who
knew that I could spend a half-day fantasizing over custom paint jobs, cars and
motorcycles? But after my new
adventure, I now desire one of these timeless, vintage, fashion accessories to
add to my ageless collection!</span><!--EndFragment-->
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14698957703507233505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614055750199912439.post-78526928032561712882014-02-19T21:19:00.001-06:002014-02-20T02:47:42.389-06:00To Coffee or To Kusanya Café<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">It’s Wednesday or hump day as most people call it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather is hot and girls are dressing less and checking out the fellas to tell 'em who's best – err wait!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is February in the Chi!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The land of warm weather today and arctic cold tomorrow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow, Will Smith’s “Summertime” lyrics seem so appropriate as I head out into this gaw’jeous weather in search of a cozy place to sit, think and ah yes…to write, but as I packed my bag to leave the house, in go an umbrella, sunglasses, a thin pair of gloves, my scarf, and a change of shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know what you’re thinking, but hey – it’s the city I live in!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">As I warm up my car, I think to myself “do I just want mainstream coffee, Internet, and a fight for the table near the plug to set the mood and inspire my thoughts?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or "do I desire a neighborhood gem that feels like home like Cheers – where everyone knows your name?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are approximately 77 communities and 200 neighborhoods in Chicago so finding the right place to relax and write <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">with free parking</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">of course</i>, could be a challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I headed to Englewood - a neighborhood with charm and inspiration and whose notable residents include singers such as Chaka Khan and Jennifer Hudson and the Chicago Bull’s player, Derrick Rose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In its heart sits Kusanya Café, the only non-fast-food restaurant in Englewood started by a group of neighborhood residents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This comfortable, inspiring place where 70s soul music is played in the background and the sandwiches are named accordingly is run by Phil Sipka.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its Swahili name means, “amass” or gather and its Afro centric vibe yields power and encouragement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I sit and contemplate on whether to order the Chicken Funkadelic or a Cafe Au Lait, I settled on peppermint tea and a glazed donut. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I observed the décor - reclaimed materials were used as inspiration for design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The laptop coffee bar is made of church pews and the lights of old glass bottles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are painted pictures of Malcolm X and the countertop is made of old wooden doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although this café has only been open a mere 3 months, it boasts employees from the neighborhood and a desire to give Englewood residents an alternative outlet thru a number of programs highlighting the arts such as poetry night by Team Englewood H.S. and Yoga sponsored by I Grow Chicago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">As I got ready to wrap up and leave the cafe, in walk 3 gentlemen.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Since they sat next to me, I decided to spark up a friendly chat.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It turns out they were visiting from Erfurt, Germany with Spirit of Football CIC, a not-for-profit community interest company dedicated to promoting a very special soccer ball as the “star of the beautiful game” in the run–up to each World Cup.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">“The Ball 2014” started traveling in January and will journey from London across 25 countries and hundreds of schools to the World Cup in Brazil this June.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This Football’s Olympic Torch links people and communities around the world together in the spirit of fairness and respect – one signature at a time!</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">One ball: One world!</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I signed this famous ball.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">In fact, my signature was #3,527.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Before I could sign, Andrew, the program director tossed the ball to me to complete a header - a play with the forehead and a ritual completed by every single signer before me!</span><br />
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Kusanya Café is definitely a rare gemstone in Englewood! Its “pay-it-forward” strategy and $1 cup of coffee are also inviting ways to fill the atmosphere with warmth and positive energy! Who knew that when I set out to relax and write, I was nixing the “just coffee” atmosphere for a more appealing and fun yet delectable option better yet adventure? I literally went from writing to semi-playing soccer at this café. I must say, today was a good day!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Big Caslon";">On
a 10-day trip to Morocco, I decided to close out with a journey to Fes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fes is the 3<sup>rd</sup> largest city in
Morocco, located in northwest Africa just above the High Atlas Mountains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is famous for Fes el-Bali, the
oldest walled part of the city and the oldest degree-granting university in the
world, Al-Karaouine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Fes
Medina encloses mosques, fountains, squares, and souqs (open-air market or
bazaar or flee market).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I
was interested in visiting Fes because inside the medina (old city) is a leather
souq, the oldest leather tannery in the world!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Big Caslon";">With
5 new friends in tow, a driver and an English-speaking guide, we set out from
Marrakesh to Fes - in a 4x4 jeep, I might add. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We journeyed thru Berber villages and across the
Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, which literally means difficult path because it has so many
switchbacks; thru the door of the desert - Ouarzazate (Wah-zaz-zatt) and across
the Sahara Desert on a camel…a camel that I had to name!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We drove between the Dadès and Todra
Gorges and thru more sand dunes to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">finally</i>
arrive in Fes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berber Village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMW70cdqGcndYNOu7FKG9mfu4h_Mg4DRHFbU_t_O_Mr7IBO20NY5FanzypEcmumlOb8S01jogRxcfqu7lPUUVNuEHV4prkUxpkD7v3VhZsQHfVR-MRpWAIjumlPh9jYur6_DijLSr1ien/s1600/DSCN1607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPMW70cdqGcndYNOu7FKG9mfu4h_Mg4DRHFbU_t_O_Mr7IBO20NY5FanzypEcmumlOb8S01jogRxcfqu7lPUUVNuEHV4prkUxpkD7v3VhZsQHfVR-MRpWAIjumlPh9jYur6_DijLSr1ien/s1600/DSCN1607.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tizi-n-Tichka pass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaySC7CftOkIUrWLkp-4MOCtyfllufTdHRHlP9iISgQaa_gG4gmjIy0NCYO7nAoVmRjJ0s4vQVl5-8zC59hVp-uB-2vNn7AxPVCDZK2hO0QjFboJLzMonG6kOaRg5JpVjMLw3K08Pfc1xD/s1600/DSCN1655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaySC7CftOkIUrWLkp-4MOCtyfllufTdHRHlP9iISgQaa_gG4gmjIy0NCYO7nAoVmRjJ0s4vQVl5-8zC59hVp-uB-2vNn7AxPVCDZK2hO0QjFboJLzMonG6kOaRg5JpVjMLw3K08Pfc1xD/s1600/DSCN1655.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ouarzazate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk12imIeFMPcRgRKBkUWh06uP-TK342jO_Eid7kFJ7an8DXQI5BqoHtY72QeGFwc0Be2i106dRIcbLpHH0IMYTWraQeLOQuAGE6ojFbjcit_z4_EV1Kbp-FirwB1Fv24j6E2Oie0Ie5Xne/s1600/DSCN1816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk12imIeFMPcRgRKBkUWh06uP-TK342jO_Eid7kFJ7an8DXQI5BqoHtY72QeGFwc0Be2i106dRIcbLpHH0IMYTWraQeLOQuAGE6ojFbjcit_z4_EV1Kbp-FirwB1Fv24j6E2Oie0Ie5Xne/s1600/DSCN1816.JPG" height="150" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet Hanjee!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9vT4jOrKlThC8wC7WJ7OTvs31loVNOxlzk4esODdOGdGiUjzaKqAC1jOxxpSPSouNf9eojyghzrGBHR0GLu2bnfFWZdoxCD-bttULfxFQfI5Xw2dAXwGEC5RfUSTw-1a-kGKe09sJWds/s1600/DSCN1880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9vT4jOrKlThC8wC7WJ7OTvs31loVNOxlzk4esODdOGdGiUjzaKqAC1jOxxpSPSouNf9eojyghzrGBHR0GLu2bnfFWZdoxCD-bttULfxFQfI5Xw2dAXwGEC5RfUSTw-1a-kGKe09sJWds/s1600/DSCN1880.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sahara Desert</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzwG6yzFUvzVnFc43qK5Be8jIKBMyAnl7jpbyBGFCGvdftn6jZjKRcRZEqdP_rOJa70wGNxfYkgiDq0BnbHtveErHL89VC9xLAqi7wn_rXHvb6vf9yGVitKP32ei10bv5gLTu8OBNTjp5/s1600/DSCN1766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzwG6yzFUvzVnFc43qK5Be8jIKBMyAnl7jpbyBGFCGvdftn6jZjKRcRZEqdP_rOJa70wGNxfYkgiDq0BnbHtveErHL89VC9xLAqi7wn_rXHvb6vf9yGVitKP32ei10bv5gLTu8OBNTjp5/s1600/DSCN1766.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Todra Gorges</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';">We
all hugged and promised to stay in touch and my friend and I went on to our
Riad, a traditional Moroccan house.</span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';">
</span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';">Our room was beautiful!</span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';">It was
furnished with antiques and local crafts; it comfortably overlooked a lush
courtyard garden and a pool.</span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';">Our
staff was quite attentive.</span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';">Upon
arrival they served us mint tea as we filled out our hotel documents.</span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';">Mint tea is the national drink of
Morocco. </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';">This green tea is brewed
with lots of mint leaves and loads of sugar and is offered for every occasion –
breakfast, rug shopping, or as an icebreaker to lure you into a shop and have a
look at their goods!</span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';">We quickly
settled in quickly then headed to the Hammam, a steam room where Moroccans go
each week to catch up with friends and follow long rituals for cleansing their
bodies.</span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';">As Moroccan people are
very kind – tolerant to say the least, it was on the way here that we met a
local that would guide us on a quick city tour the next day.</span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Big Caslon";">Fes
is the world's largest car-free urban zone and the city infrastructure is not
necessarily prepared for tourism, especially English speakers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It houses some 1,000 narrow, maze-like,
passageways and dead-end alleys filled with people and donkeys and shops and
more people and scooters and mules transporting goods to the many merchants, as
trucks cannot fit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crowds are
chaotic and each step is on cobblestone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The adventures of walking thru the souq was like maneuvering thru
rush-hour traffic on the busiest and most congested freeway in the United
States – the I-405 in Southern California.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGR3isLV_95ObCtdewLWc0HikRi2QschOSii29pofukTCubmozEpJca82YhCal0KHvEsIMZ3btuYR1cE1X51llwHZ7OUOwf1sXyBkFgayk4m6CKUkTy02JpRVshtO2aAXdRpta-o27pcpx/s1600/DSCN1968.JPG" height="150" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Streets of Fes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_1gB0C0cRskNreG3z49RgFQIN5fO0Ax1LGiHIkB52APICGD7DXt0gmdWiQiywCyPbIxYAhr8YGx3yw73M600NZO3UhGRW5BL7Qido8kbDtXI3bJ59hFlzAMj7upx9Y3vDiw0pmsesjXt/s1600/DSCN1974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_1gB0C0cRskNreG3z49RgFQIN5fO0Ax1LGiHIkB52APICGD7DXt0gmdWiQiywCyPbIxYAhr8YGx3yw73M600NZO3UhGRW5BL7Qido8kbDtXI3bJ59hFlzAMj7upx9Y3vDiw0pmsesjXt/s1600/DSCN1974.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cobblestone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGR3isLV_95ObCtdewLWc0HikRi2QschOSii29pofukTCubmozEpJca82YhCal0KHvEsIMZ3btuYR1cE1X51llwHZ7OUOwf1sXyBkFgayk4m6CKUkTy02JpRVshtO2aAXdRpta-o27pcpx/s1600/DSCN1968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPjHALynqc4iG61CCifklIJ1-upYUcZfRATTOMPMGFHeq83fJMbZYPbKwHxEEQ-OBzEf8zkWrb4hyY1KfWdFwCRwBVViobpnaOCWYy-6pWCqZFPsrjY18UOHX2VgyAj88M84R1o8lhbLT/s1600/DSCN1973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPjHALynqc4iG61CCifklIJ1-upYUcZfRATTOMPMGFHeq83fJMbZYPbKwHxEEQ-OBzEf8zkWrb4hyY1KfWdFwCRwBVViobpnaOCWYy-6pWCqZFPsrjY18UOHX2VgyAj88M84R1o8lhbLT/s1600/DSCN1973.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oops! a dead-end alley! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibNFfYMrszT8rjcFMXd8u9Hq1QDPtSD9LgIFJ8y718mWKIgLeprfbMIs1zesFE2Vxmih5gnFUYbwBeukzWlwBcSniiUClMyyn7Uvc-DOSUGbQIJyLhmHu0a_LlUes1OovNCiRb06uoJ71/s1600/DSCN2019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibNFfYMrszT8rjcFMXd8u9Hq1QDPtSD9LgIFJ8y718mWKIgLeprfbMIs1zesFE2Vxmih5gnFUYbwBeukzWlwBcSniiUClMyyn7Uvc-DOSUGbQIJyLhmHu0a_LlUes1OovNCiRb06uoJ71/s1600/DSCN2019.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking alongside a donkey!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Big Caslon";">Finally, we arrived to the leather tannery!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We walked up step after step and passed
floor after floor of beautiful handmade leather items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were heading to the terrace for a
view of the dyeing process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we
climbed to the top for a look, we were handed handfuls of mint to put off the smell
of the rotting animal’s flesh and skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here we saw numerous stone vessels filled with dyes and odorous
liquids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Men worked in unbearably
hot conditions skinning animal hides and </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Big Caslon"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">standing in the vessels manually soaking the rawhides in diluted
acidic pigeon poop and vinegar then transferring them to other vessels with
vegetable dyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hides are then
dried on the roofs of the Medina and </span><span style="font-family: "Big Caslon";">cut
into patterns and stitched into a final product</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Big Caslon"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Minus
the smell, </span><span style="font-family: "Big Caslon";">I was in heaven!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where does a girl begin?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slippers, bags, clothes, knickknacks…if
you could describe it, they could make it – in any color – with a maximum of 1
day’s timing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzIbp1OkO9uVVT080EOkPMaKQiINPupFg4bvUgA-sABhnYnVPT_5UUKrJcOBsRACjtbQfrFiED58gBKQQH4ql0j0GLxLX6NbhpuhWXaBjRDvpPtjmiPPPuyk8SiJ2Ea6AIZkBvEvCQ0E_/s1600/DSCN1992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzIbp1OkO9uVVT080EOkPMaKQiINPupFg4bvUgA-sABhnYnVPT_5UUKrJcOBsRACjtbQfrFiED58gBKQQH4ql0j0GLxLX6NbhpuhWXaBjRDvpPtjmiPPPuyk8SiJ2Ea6AIZkBvEvCQ0E_/s1600/DSCN1992.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkMb_Ku4HxLIHWQnnA7lYzXIQ0pyXTZgkPf44D3O3RupNWDdg8v_iwpGjxkVhsuvXth2pwk6hyRR5tFoIcTQAXr39oTW5TL0zTOwxbUR6YzXSKXT6i31PmDTOMVoSldfoQaUZOQc2Y09M/s1600/DSCN1991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkMb_Ku4HxLIHWQnnA7lYzXIQ0pyXTZgkPf44D3O3RupNWDdg8v_iwpGjxkVhsuvXth2pwk6hyRR5tFoIcTQAXr39oTW5TL0zTOwxbUR6YzXSKXT6i31PmDTOMVoSldfoQaUZOQc2Y09M/s1600/DSCN1991.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOgdJboQb6eEZqdecJLYoUjnnVcag5SE-nUD9oUV02XEb5qHDxRg2pPUIXx35xHaWaXSO_B0ETQjo-u2szO6u8mNQz0KVZLZ-L6Q8FDOv-1GssKFDZlBhXvH3IGX2YRFW9xKdaITudE9A/s1600/DSCN1992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOgdJboQb6eEZqdecJLYoUjnnVcag5SE-nUD9oUV02XEb5qHDxRg2pPUIXx35xHaWaXSO_B0ETQjo-u2szO6u8mNQz0KVZLZ-L6Q8FDOv-1GssKFDZlBhXvH3IGX2YRFW9xKdaITudE9A/s1600/DSCN1992.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Big Caslon";">After
combing thru each floor, we both decided on a few items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Morocco is predominantly a Muslim
country, women have a more conservative role than Westerners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing this, we set a strategy before
entering the stalls that I would hold the calculator, thus the final say!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the stall owners were not prepared
to negotiate with a woman, I had more time to determine a fair price while
looking at the goods uninterrupted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now comes the fun part – negotiation! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After close to a half hour of punching numbers into my
calculator – converting from the MADirham to the Dollar and even walking
towards the shop’s exit several times in order to get them to my price, we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">finally</i> agreed and shook hands on a
price for the goods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you
consider buying goodies in the souqs of Fes, here are a few market bargaining
tips that have worked for me:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0px;">
</div>
<ol>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; text-indent: -0.25in;">EVERYTHING
is negotiable! Ask for the
discount.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; text-indent: -0.25in;">The
“final offer” is hardly ever the final number; however, be willing to walk away
if necessary.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; text-indent: -0.25in;">Be
patient, but firm! </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; text-indent: -0.25in;">Don’t
rush the process. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; text-indent: -0.25in;">Sometimes
bargaining takes a little more time and effort. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; text-indent: -0.25in;">Cash is
King and minimal cash is Queen!</span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; text-indent: -0.25in;">
It’s tough to persuade shop owners to give a discount when using credit;
there are additional fees for those transactions.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';">Morocco
is the kind of place one could visit a few times and it always seems like the
very first time!</span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';">The equivalent of
a 10-minute chair massage at Brookstone on the sales floor – in the
airport!</span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';">It’s enough to immediately
trick your back into believing the kinks are gone but then realizing on the
next leg of the flight that you’ve got to go buy that chair!</span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon';">As I board my train to the airport, I
can’t help but think, “When will I return?”</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14698957703507233505noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614055750199912439.post-68136743708922935792014-02-05T17:09:00.000-06:002014-02-05T22:31:43.524-06:00From the Bunker to the Greens!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The
winter of 2000 – an adventure I will never forget. I took my first trip off the shores of the contiguous United
States to a beautiful Bahamian resort for the weekend. There were 4 of us in all – two besties
and my aunt to be exact! We had a
ball; I mean those were the days when you left a party at its close then went
to an after party. But this vacation
was more than beaches, parties, and the infamous “Miami Vice” - a mere piña colada & daiquiri mix, it was
the weekend we would get exposed to our first golf tournament. At one of the parties, we saw Michael
Jordan. We were standing so close
I could have accidentally knocked over his drink. It was exciting since I live in Chicago and had never ever
seen him outside of playing ball on game day. As we chatted around the party, news of his golf tournament
surfaced and before long, we had secured tickets to attend!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As
the taxi pulled up to the golf course, we were hanging out of the window trying
to snap pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can’t believe
it, there’s Charles Barkley,” I shouted!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Oh my goodness, Richard Dent, the 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl Champ
is here too” yelled my aunt!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was at that moment someone yelled, “shush” from the golf course down to our
taxi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To think, we hadn’t even
paid the taxi driver and gotten out of the car and we were already a hazard to
the game!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we followed various
players on the course – in search of nothing but a picture beside them and an
autograph, I couldn’t help but notice we were totally and fully dressed
inappropriately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, all except
1 of my besties whose a sports enthusiast and knew that khakis and a collared
shirt was the best choice of attire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My aunt and I were wearing denim shorts, tanks and sandals and my other
bestie was wearing a Julia Roberts special from the movie Pretty Woman!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, dressed for the Kentucky Derby,
she wore a cleavage showing, spaghetti-strapped wrap dress, heels, and a hat
with the largest brim one could fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I guess you could say that she wanted to protect herself against sunburn
given we’d be on the course for at least a couple hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the players moved along the course,
we swarmed them for signatures and pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were worse than TMZ and a sighting of POTUS!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To say we were groupies would be a kind
description!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Who
knew that fourteen years later, I would be the proud big cousin to two of the
best Junior Golfers in the world - Erica and Myah Jackson!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While in Georgia last summer, I had the
opportunity to watch them play in the invitational-only, Bill Dickey tournament
at the Golf Club of Georgia where many other championships have taken
place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since these girls are
notably ranked on the Junior Golf scoreboard and this was their first “away” tournament
without their parents, I could not let them down!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could not do a “repeat” of my star-studded golf tournament
in the Bahamas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was on time for
their “tee off,” wore appropriate clothing, and was completely quiet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, watching competitive golf in
silence can definitely put you in-tune with your inner thoughts!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Erica
and Myah have played in a number of tournaments - even the Callaway Junior
World. This international
tournament is played on the Tory Pines Golf course in San Diego where the likes
of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Sergio García, and Luke Donald have also
played. Although their golf resume
is not complete, playing Pinehurst, Medina, and Cog Hill are definitely some
great adds! As their golf season
starts up, I’ll keep these minor lessons learned in mind: </span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I won’t schedule any other
appointments, as the typical game lasts about 5 to 6 hours; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The golf cart may drive extremely slow, but is necessary to get me through the average 7,200 yard course here in
the United States; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When a golfer yells "FORE!!!" - they’re not keeping score and I should “duck” because I am within
the flight of a golf ball; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I
won’t take friends that love to talk because they’ll get us kicked off the
course and the girls disqualified from the competition; </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and last but not
least….</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It really IS hot on the golf course, so borrowing my bestie’s hat might
not be a bad idea. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Who knew, she
really wasn’t so off base!</span></li>
</ol>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14698957703507233505noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614055750199912439.post-50413449282847778342014-02-01T21:36:00.003-06:002014-02-01T23:43:32.654-06:00Out with Frosty and in with Phil!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Frosty and I are not
friends!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kids may love you, but I
hate you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You took the button
right off my favorite pea coat - the one I felt so chic and slim in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tis the season,” is the old Christmas
holiday adage yet it still seems appropriate in February.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When does this part of the season end?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, if the Christmas tree couldn't go into the New Year then how did you sneak a peek? When do you go away, for good? Well, potentially tomorrow! Tomorrow is Groundhog’s day! The infamous day that Phil Punxsutawney
- the famous groundhog, wakes his booty up after a long winter sleep and makes
his prediction for the remainder of winter. It's almost like he’s slept off a hangover for the <i>entire winter</i> after a drink of the magical
punch that he receives every summer during the Annual Groundhog Picnic giving
him 7 more years of life. Hmm, I
wonder what’s in the punch? Was it
an Eggnog martini spiked with brandy to warm up during the winter months or was it
more like a polar cocktail with Gin and maraschino liqueur?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As Phil wakes up out his pseudo
coma and prepares to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">finally</i> leave
his burrow to observe the weather conditions, I wonder a few things… <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does he hop out of bed and run for the
burrow’s opening as if he’s running to catch the last train to town?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or does he hit the snooze button a few
times as if he can’t believe it’s already February 2<sup>nd</sup> and he just
needs a few more minutes before his 7:20 start time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since groundhogs are vegetarians, does he snack on leftover
grass before he heads out for the day because the flowers have yet to bloom?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or is he down there whistling, trying
to see if he can score a “young tender roni” to set the New Year off
right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You do know groundhogs
whistle when they are alarmed and when they begin to court in the spring.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Well, tomorrow at Gobblers Knob
in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, Phil will start his first day of work!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will check for his shadow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Geeze, what a job?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If that were my only job in life, could I get it
right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would I oversleep?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or would I just act like I saw the
shadow and never even report to work – as statistics show that 90% of the time,
Phil sees his shadow anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I’ll tell you this, “I cannot
wait!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m ready to rid Frosty of
his duties and let the sun shine in!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So hopefully, tomorrow will be cloudy and shadowless in Punxsutawney and
Phil will hop on out of bed, run on out the burrow, and take it as a sign of
spring!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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Go ahead Phil - I grant my
permission! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t be afraid, take
a blind eye to the sun, stay above ground, violate curfew, and look for some fresh
greens!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do whatever you gotta do
just don’t return to that hole thus giving me six more weeks of bad weather!<br />
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14698957703507233505noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5614055750199912439.post-48860782745820884212014-01-30T12:31:00.000-06:002014-02-04T12:46:40.319-06:00A Slice of Neapolitan Life! pt. 2<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Naples, vivacious yet stressful! A place people either love or hate! It is the third largest municipality next to Rome and Milan and has a parallel to my hometown Chicago - the third largest city in the U.S. next to New York and Los Angeles. Its quite chaotic - pedestrians, scooters, taxis, and buses...people, more people - everywhere you look! It is noisy and congested and unlike Chicago, the streets are dirty and lined with graffiti and laundry hanging across buildings to dry like Downy Fresh advertising a commercial. A third of the city is also unemployed, so con artists are as clever as the panhandlers often found on EL platforms!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
Napoli is also the birthplace of pizza and pizza is what I live for. Let the comparisons begin! Chicago-style pizza - commonly known for its deep-dish, thick crust, high-quality ingredients, lots of cheese, topped with premium tomatoes vs. the Neapolitan-style pizza - typically made with a flat bread, mozzarella (preferably the kind made with the milk from water buffalo), basil, fresh Roma tomatoes, and extra-virgin olive oil, of course. You know, I’ve decided…I can’t decide! We’ll call it truths! I’ll eat as much as I can and just enjoy this moment! Before we head out to explore the rest of the city, I run to the tiny girl’s room where the toilet tank is above my head and the bowl is on the ground as usual. Interesting, I can’t say I’ve seen this before. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
While wondering about, we stumbled into a beautiful neighborhood - outside the sprawl - it reminded me of Oak Street with a castle. Across the way was a small but lavish restaurant offering a picturesque, panoramic view of the city. Afraid they wouldn’t allow snapshots without a purchase, we ordered a coca-cola and a bottle of water. For 2euros, we would enjoy a priceless view! The owner comes over to greet us. He resembled the Godfather in an Italian Mobster movie, but was quite the opposite - very charming and charismatic! “Come back tonight and enjoy our jazz club,” he summoned and just like that, all the arrangements were made. Our car would arrive to pick us up at 8pm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
After a quick tour of another museum, we were exhausted! We headed back through the maze in search of our hotel and a quick nap before a night out on the town. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
Alarm clock set? Check! Oh boy, sleep prevailed! Our driver was prompt and we were as ready as the Republican Party is to extend benefits to the unemployed for another 9 months. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
We arrived to a scene of well-dressed ladies in designer shoes and gents in custom sport coats floating across an all white room with elegant, purple lighting. Champagne, appetizers and pastries were being passed as the instruments echoed the vocals of Walter Ricci. Hold on, did you say <i>dinner</i> is now served? Ha! Exactly how does an Italian girl maintain her petite figure after eating so much? The night was amazing! Who would have thought? In a place where local governments could make the Mafia proud, warmth exudes like warm apple pie! As we headed downstairs for an after party and then out the door for the hotel, our new Italian friends begged us to stay another day. “The night is still young,” Antonio exclaimed! “There is SO much more to see,” Walter cried out! As it turned out, one “slice” of Napoli was like trying to eat “one Jays potato chip,” it is virtually impossible! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
"We must start our next adventure in the morning," I murmured! Another pair of pre-paid, none refundable train tickets to Sorrento. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
Ciao Bella! Ciao Bello! “Until we meet again,” we say as we kiss the cheeks of our new Italian friends - right left right! Napoli, it is my new favorite South Side of Chicago in southern Italy!</span><br />
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</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Walk fast, with a
purpose, like you have a place to be – is what I recited in my head as we
headed out into the Napoli rush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank goodness my roots are deep in the South Side of Chicago where the
skill of a mean glare, the ability to ignore beggars and disregard the rest
comes in handy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We boarded the
overcrowded Italian R2 bus headed for Corso Umberto in search of San Giovanni Maggiore
Pignatelli 15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This bus was more
crowded than the night of the fireworks display at the Taste of Chicago on the
3rd of July!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And how do I begin to
tell you that searching for this address was the equivalent of running through the
world's largest corn maze?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">After an hour of
attempting to lug bags through endless turns on cobblestone streets and coming
back to the same monument, that old fashion word every big city girl is
familiar with came to mind…Taxi!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“The Decumani Hotel De Charme, please!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up the hill, around a narrow corner, past a dozen or so
scooters and a repeat of the same, at least three times - and we have finally
arrived!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Arrived to a
pedestrian-only area, delineated by a sort of "border crossing" that
allowed entry only to cars with special permits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This restricted zone with telltale cameras was like the blue
box cameras found in high-crime areas or maybe it’s an elitist system or
something! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">A tiny man opened what
seemed like a tiny garage door and our driver pulled into an area that was like a small subdivision. Here were entrances to other houses, parked cars, and the lift to our hotel.</span><span style="color: #d5d5d5; font-family: open sans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We loaded into the rusty lift that was probably serviced
last century and inched our way to the top!</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">That’s right; to the “deluxe apartment in the sky” we
go!</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The hotel lobby resembled that
of a palace although the rooms were simple - 2 beds, a television, and an
in-room toilet and shower.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">We <i>finally</i> arrived to our hotel! We've been rolling since the rooster’s crow and now its time to enjoy our “Slice of Neapolitan Life” or in other words, a one-day tour of Naples!</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><i>Finally</i>, we’ve arrived
at the Napoli Centrale railway station in Italy with 5 bags in tow - not to mention two
fabulous handbags, but it wasn’t an easy feat! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">The day began with a
7:57 a.m. train leaving from Roma Tiburtina that I mistook for Roma
Termini.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, it <b>IS</b> the central railway station!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who would
have thought that after rising at 5a.m., begging passer-Byers to help haul all 5
bags down what seemed like 300 stairs, as that seems to be the magic number of steps
to climb at every major tourist site, and connecting to 3 local trains, we were
headed to the wrong railway station?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fueled with the excitement of our next destination, I was alert - so when
we passed the Conca d'Oro stop, I knew we were heading in the wrong direction and that it would be a loooong day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Alas, we’d arrived at
Roma Tiburtina with 7 minutes to spare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But which way do we go?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Che traccia a Napoli?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
asked with broken Italian…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one
seemed to know!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We only had a
minute to decipher the Italian signage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here, we’re here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made
it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wait!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We screamed as we ran up the never-ending
ramp that seemed like it was once a part of the Great Wall of China!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made it to the top - just in time to
see the caboose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sugar, Honey,
Ice, Tea!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two non-refundable, pre-paid railway
tickets, 5 humongous American-size bags and 2 hearts pounding at a rate that is
about to explode!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Here goes
nothing….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In THE most innocent,
naïve, voice - with a smile of course, I proceeded to explain to the agent that
the train left us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That if they could just accommodate us on the next train, we would forever be in their debt!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lucky for my Italian-glish and their pity, the agent was able to put us
on the next train smoking!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pmVtejZ0n3SSqDfDxyGOTk72SLweoqqKDOkyz3_k3IODXEcabjDn2eP_yHjwRZ0f9mr-5pW38R743PeG2Yb0wWLOAd69MQB1iYslrEYRARCLycfaZ044e83ZGtq0Q5eJPDHpH85_U7e7/s1600/Our+%22backpacks%22+for+Europe....JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pmVtejZ0n3SSqDfDxyGOTk72SLweoqqKDOkyz3_k3IODXEcabjDn2eP_yHjwRZ0f9mr-5pW38R743PeG2Yb0wWLOAd69MQB1iYslrEYRARCLycfaZ044e83ZGtq0Q5eJPDHpH85_U7e7/s1600/Our+%22backpacks%22+for+Europe....JPG" height="227" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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