Friday, May 23, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Oi...so black and white
The crowd at Giulietta's house
The crowd at Romeo's house.Seriously...the world is run by women!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
a typical M-F morning
I admit it. I've been getting my daily espresso fix at McDonalds. Honestly, it's the stupidest thing to do - Italy is known for their coffee and the cockiness surrounding it - they take it seriously and it's delicious. Especially when they get that creamy foam on top.
But I avoid it the artiginale bars. Why? Sometimes I just hate interacting with the barista. I used to get my coffee from this this place near my work called "Macadamia Cafe." The coffee is good and I love how the Chilean barista always goes the extra mile by dousing the bottom of my cup with cacao powder.
"Ciao! One coffee please. Actually, a double."
A few clicks and slams later, the burner is buzzing and my coffee is done.
She sighs. "Everything in it's place?"
"Si."
"That's good..."
I reciprocate - she's supposedly doing well, too.
"Obama and Clinton...how is it going?"
Damn...I really don't know. I did skim over Reuters last night that Clinton should pretty much pull out of the race. So that means Obama is ahead, right? Shit. I really don't know. But, oh man, if I don't know I'll look really dumb. It's my country. I should know.
"Clinton is doing not good. She is...little bit mean. I am happy that Obama is winning." (translated directly into English from my intermediate level Italian)
"Will you vote?"
I told her the past two times that I would. Has she forgotten already? I MUST be the only Korean guy that works for the commercial photographer around the corner.
"Yes. I must. It's a responsibility and I must do something about it. That way, if it doesn't go my way I will be justified to complain a bit. Haha."
"I like Obama."
I nod. I couldn't even take a legit sip because we had talked too much. I have a full cups worth of coffee to go and that probably equals another 2-3 minutes of conversation. I ask her the question I ask her everyday.
"Do you still miss Chile?"
"Yes...but I'm used to Milano now."
I didn't even have to listen. I knew the answer.
"Do you miss California?"
"Of course. I want to go back, but I know I'll miss Italy for sure. Milano has MUCH more character." (a bit of zest never hurts a dying conversation)
I'm at the bottom of the cup and I scoop up the dollop of sugar and cacao powder into my mouth. Best part of my awkward mornings.
I couldn't take it anymore so I started going to McDonalds. They throw me a paper cup full of sour coffee, but I get my privacy. It's impersonal and its nice. I read the sports section of my Metro paper and have a brioche or two all for just under 2 Euros.
Irene (pronounced ee-reh-neh, is her name) stands at the window, so I avoid walking by Macadamia cafe by taking the back route. I have betrayed her kindness, but I can't stand talking about Obama and Clinton. I hate asking her how she's doing because she always responds with a sigh, and when she says she's doing well and loves Milano, I know for a fact that she just doing OK and wants to move back to Chile.
But I feel responsible.
Today I went in again, and she smiled the kind of smile that says "So you're back, where the hell have you been, my friend?" I have the copy of the Metro paper tucked under my arm - it declares InterMilan's victory over Lazio.
"Are you an Interista or Milanista?" I ask.
"Interista. You?"
"Milanista."
At least we have something to fight about now.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
excuse my whining
...but I would love to start the morning off with a bagel instead of a brioche for once.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
this is what I do at work when there is down time...
Wild and Crazy Random Survey | |
| Is there anybody you just wish would fall off the planet? | Nope |
| How do you flush the toilet in public? | Using my foot if possible |
| Do you wear your seatbelt in the car? | All the time |
| Do you have a crush on someone? | Yes |
| Name one thing you worry about running out of. | Money, of course |
| What famous person do you (or other people) think you resemble? | Nobody at all |
| What is your favorite pizza topping? | Garlic |
| Do you crack your knuckles? | WAY too much |
| What song do you hate the most | Be My Lover by LaBouche |
| Did just mentioning that song make it get stuck in your head? | Yes. |
| What are your super powers? | Persuasion |
| Peppermint or spearmint? | Peppermint |
| Where are your car keys? | In another country. |
| Whose answers to this questionnaire do you want to hear? | Nobody in particular |
| What's your most annoying habit? | Biting my fingernails |
| Where did you last go on vacation? | Italy |
| What is your best physical feature? | My elbows |
| What CD is closest to you right now? | A CD my friend burned for me with many national anthems |
| What 3 things can always be found in your refrigerator? | Cheese, a sweet beverage, and fruit |
| What superstition do you believe/practice? | the thing with the number 4's |
| What color are your bed sheets? | white/blue |
| Would you rather be a fish or a bird? | Bird |
| Do you talk on your cell phone when you drive? | If I must, yes. |
| What are your favorite sayings? | "Si" |
| What song(s) do you sing most often in the shower? | "Hey Jude" |
| If you could go back or forward in time,where would you go? | Forward just a year or two to see if what I'm doing now is leading down the wrong path |
| What is your favorite Harrison Ford movie? | Indiana JONES |
| What CD is in your stereo? | Kings of Leon? |
| What CD will be in your stereo in a few minutes? | I don't know. |
| How many kids do you plan on having? | three to four. Not really up to me, though. |
| If you could kiss anyone who would it be? | my girlfriend, for sure. |
| What do you do when no one is watching? | Shower |
| If they made a movie about your life, what actor/actress would be you? | JP Leaud |
| Would you rather die in a blaze of glory or peacefully in your sleep? | BLAZE OF GLORY |
| Coffee or Tea | Ahh...BOTH, please. |
| Favorite musician(s)/bands you've seen in concert? | U2 |
| Have you ever been in love? | Yes |
| Do you talk to yourself? | I am right now. |
| Take this survey | |
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF - The Survey | |
About Me | |
| Name: | Benjamin |
| Birthday: | July 28 |
| Birthplace: | California |
| Current Location: | Milano, Italia |
| Eye Color: | Brown |
| Hair Color: | Black |
| Height: | 5 foot 10 inches |
| Right Handed or Left Handed: | Right Handed |
| Your Heritage: | Korean |
| The Shoes You Wore Today: | Nike |
| Your Weakness: | gummy candy |
| Your Fears: | ...heights. |
| Your Perfect Pizza: | Margherita |
| Goal You Would Like To Achieve This Year: | land a GREAT job |
| Your Most Overused Phrase On an instant messenger: | icic |
| Thoughts First Waking Up: | what time is it? |
| Your Best Physical Feature: | my elbows |
| Your Bedtime: | anytime between 12A and 1A |
| Your Most Missed Memory: | getting ice in my coke |
| Pepsi or Coke: | Coke |
| MacDonalds or Burger King: | Burger King! |
| Single or Group Dates: | there is a time and place for both |
| Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: | Nestea |
| Chocolate or Vanilla: | Chocolate! |
| Cappuccino or Coffee: | Coffee (espresso) |
| Do you Smoke: | nope |
| Do you Swear: | at times |
| Do you Sing: | Backstreet boys songs |
| Do you Shower Daily: | yeah, but I admit i skip a day here and there |
| Have you Been in Love: | yup :) |
| Do you want to go to College: | Been there done that |
| Do you want to get Married: | Of course. |
| Do you belive in yourself: | Of course. |
| Do you get Motion Sickness: | Nope |
| Do you think you are Attractive: | Eh...I like myself but I'm definitely not on some top 10 list anywhere |
| Are you a Health Freak: | At times... |
| Do you get along with your Parents: | Yeah for sure. |
| Do you like Thunderstorms: | If I'm with the right people, it could be quite entertaining |
| Do you play an Instrument: | Not anymore. Goodbye bass guitar |
| In the past month have you Drank Alcohol: | Yes |
| In the past month have you Smoked: | No |
| In the past month have you been on Drugs: | No |
| In the past month have you gone on a Date: | Yes |
| In the past month have you gone to a Mall: | Not a proper indoor mall |
| In the past month have you eaten a box of Oreos: | Yes! |
| In the past month have you eaten Sushi: | Yes |
| In the past month have you been on Stage: | No |
| In the past month have you been Dumped: | No |
| In the past month have you gone Skinny Dipping: | No |
| In the past month have you Stolen Anything: | No |
| Ever been Drunk: | YUP. Suffered. |
| Ever been called a Tease: | Nope |
| Ever been Beaten up: | Yes |
| Ever Shoplifted: | NEVER |
| How do you want to Die: | if possible, doing something good |
| What do you want to be when you Grow Up: | a man of influence |
| What country would you most like to Visit: | I'd like to go to Argentina next |
In a Boy/Girl.. | |
| Favourite Eye Color: | Brown |
| Favourite Hair Color: | Brunette |
| Short or Long Hair: | Dipende |
| Height: | just not short |
| Weight: | just not fat |
| Best Clothing Style: | casual yet feminine |
| Number of Drugs I have taken: | 2? |
| Number of CDs I own: | Whoa. I don't know. |
| Number of Piercings: | None. |
| Number of Tattoos: | None. |
| Number of things in my Past I Regret: | Nothing stands out, but there are probably a few small things. |
| Take this survey | |
just for fun
I am an Open Book Survey | |
Answers the questions below. Have Fun! | |
| 1. When you look at yourself in the mirror in the morning, what's the first thing you say? | Eyeboogers |
| 2. How much cash do you have on you? | 15 Euros and some change |
| 3. What's a word that rhymes with "TEST"? | Best |
| 4. Favorite planet? | Earth |
| 5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone? | Debbie |
| 6. What is your main ring tone on your phone? | Just "ring ring" |
| 7. What shirt are you wearing? | white v-neck |
| 8. Do you "label" yourself? | nope |
| 9. Name the brand of your shoes you're currently wearing? | Nike |
| 10. Bright or Dark Room? | Dark Room |
| 11. What were you doing at midnight last night? | messing around on photoshop |
| 12. What did your last text message say? | some auto message from ITIM service |
| 13. What's a saying that you say a lot? | Va bene |
| 14. Who told you they loved you last? | I think my Mom did... |
| 15. Last furry thing you touched? | My head |
| 16. How Many Drugs Have You Done In The Past three Days? | none |
| 17. How many rolls of film do you need to get developed? | 2 |
| 18. Favorite age you have been so far? | 24 |
| 19. Your worst enemy? | Citibank |
| 20. What is your current desktop picture? | clouds |
| 21. What was the last thing you said to someone? | "si, va be'" to glauber |
| 22. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to change a major regret? | milliion dollars |
| 23. Do you like someone? | for sure |
| 24. The last song you listened to? | Buona notte in italia - something on the radio? |
| Take this survey | |
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
extreme photography - Vatican City, Italia
Putting everything on the line for that one shot to take home to the kids.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
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