There really is nothing like being home. Home is where my heart will always be, but probably not where it belongs. Everyone, including myself, sees me living in Europe. I’m thinking I might actually fall pretty in love with Spain. Now to plan the next trip…Barcelona 2010!!!!

So, it took a total of about 28 hours to get home. Between customs, retrieving luggage, a bus ride, three flights, and a car ride home from LAX…yeah. I chose In-n-Out for my first meal back. There’s nothing I could imagine more thrilling that the taste of a good ole American cheeseburger. Delicious.

I slept a good twelve hours last night. I’m still pretty tired from the whole of traveling though. It’ll take a few more days to be completely back on track.

Today I met my friends for lunch. I opted for this tan drop-waist dress I purchased at a boutique in La Spezia. It’s got a lot of style, makes me look European, and makes me look super tan!
My friend, Chris, actually commented on how tan I was. I laughed. I didn’t mean to get tan. I wore sunscreen and hats and beach covers, but I couldn’t escape the happy sun. You know what I find strange…I had to sit in the sun for 3 hours or more to get sunburned in Italy…but back in California, I went for a 25 minute walk today and came home roasted. Is the hole in the ozone layer directly over California?? Probably. Each person has 5 cars…

It was strange to see all my friends again. It was as if I had never left, but it also felt as if I had been gone forever. We went to my favorite Indian restaurant for lunch. It was just as I had left it. The workers still knew me and welcomed me back with handshakes and plenty of naan!

In line for the Indian buffet (classy AND delicious), a man began talking to me. He was dressed in brown slacks and a pin striped white dress shirt with a solid black tie. It sounds a little odd, but it actually worked quite well on him. He was handsome, and let me cut him in the line. He said he had overheard I had just been on a long journey and he wanted me to get food before I fainted. How sweet! Nice people do exist!

He asked where I was coming from and then proceeded to tell me how he lived all over Europe for 14 years. Now, he splits his time between California and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Oh, how I want to see Buenos Aires. He talked it up a bit, too, which didn’t help my disease for travel. I asked if it was for business and he said, “Well, yeah, I’m a songwriter.” To be a songwriter and travel between to very beautiful places. I can’t say I’m not jealous. I’m about to meet back up with my friends and go for a gelato. It’s not as good as the gelato in Italia, but it will have to do!

I’m sitting in my third airport of the day: Chicago O’ Hare. Let me just catch you up so you understand my level of exhaustion.

My red dress was too perfect for leaving a lasting impression. Upon arrival to our final dinner, we indulged in a buffet of Italian cuisine common in the region. It was delicious to say the least. A waiter working behind the buffet took a real liking to me. Don’t get excited. He was 50-something, overweight, and balding…but kind nonetheless! He kept calling me over to the drink counter and making me free drinks. It started with a bottle of Prosecco that he generously offered to me and no one else which was strange…and then he started making me cocktails. Such service and I don’t even know why. There were so many gorgeous girls around. Why me? Does he think I’m a fish? I couldn’t possibly have drunk everything he handed off to me. I’d be dead!

I casually handed them off to my friends and classmates. We all benefited from his generosity!
All the students were in their finest: Salvatore Ferragamo loafers, Versace dresses, DKNY mini-dresses, Armani dress shirts, and the like. We looked quite classy for a “group of Americans” who are generally not known for the fashion sense…but we disproved that theory. Hell, we looked better than most of the Italians.

After dancing and enjoying our classmates company one last time, we were offered the option of remaining inside the club instead of having to exit and wait in line. Thank goodness! Last time I had to wait in line it was a nightmare! Hundreds, if not a thousand, of people waiting like cattle. Glad I didn’t have to experience that again!

My friends and I danced all night. We walked around and checked out all the Italian men one last time. I don’t know why tonight felt so special, but it did. We felt like movie stars. People were following us around the club, inviting us on yachts, offering to buy us drinks, asking for our phone numbers, and all sorts of crazy stuff. At one point I found my friend and I surrounded by 10 eager Italian men. They would speak broken English to me and I’d reply in nearly perfect Italian. They, including my friends, were impressed to say the least!

I like my guys aggressive. It was before the club closer that a tall and handsome Italian emerged though the ten eager Italians. He grabbed my hand and led me away from them saying in perfect Italian-accented English, “Oh, those Italian men are all the same aren’t they?”

He led me to the side where we looked back to see the ten Italian men looking disappointed. He reached out his hand, “Luca.” I LOVE that name. I met a Luca in Firenze, but he was a jerk!

We talked for the better part of the night. When the club closed, he walked me slowly back to my hostel. It was then that his friends passed and he smiled joyously, “Yes, it is love! We are in love.” I laughed sheepishly and then he looked at me again. He kissed me. Ha! I got my final Italian kiss just as my friends joked! He said, “It is with great sadness that I must see you go.” Little does he know, this isn’t goodbye. It’s never goodbye. Italy is my second home.

A smile still glued to my face, I entered my dorm room to see eager roommates wanting to know everything. I smiled, “What time is it?”

“We have 15 minutes to be changed and downstairs ready for the bus.”

I didn’t even have time to wash my face. I threw my clothes on (jean shorts, white tank, vintage scarf, and gunmetal gray high fashion windbreaker), checked for anything unpacked, and threw my suitcase down those 106 stairs, I was on the bus at 3:30am sharp. This is how my morning went: 2 hour bus ride, Genoa airport, flight from Genoa to Roma, 2 hour lay over, flight from Roma to Chicago, a lot of turbulence, and a screaming 17 month old baby. Now, as if I’m not feeling enough like an exhausted rock star…5-hour flight back to Los Angeles!

CALIFORNIA, HERE WE COME!

Today is my last day in Portovenere, Liguria, Italia. It’s strange to think that I’m not going wake up on this hard mattress ever again after tonight. It’s strange to think that I’m going to have full access to my whole wardrobe and won’t be living out of a medium sized suitcase. It’s weird to think I won’t be surviving on pasta sauce and bread! Food choices. My roommates and I have been discussing the things we’re most excited about back in California to help ease our sadness about leaving. Number one: FOOD! Mexican food, Indian food, In-n-out… It’s all too exciting.

I wanted to make sure I enjoyed today as much as possible, so I’ve been packing over the last few days. This morning I put on my black and white polka dot bikini and a high waisted black skirt as a cover. Today was my last day and I was going to make it last. I grabbed my towel and my journal and made my way to the rocky beach for one last time.

After a few hours of sun and relaxation, I began to make my way back to the dorm. It was hard to think that as I passed these restaurants and chatting locals that it may be the last time I ever see them. I crawled the 106 stairs to my dormitory slowly with frequent stops to look at the view of the city below.

My roommates were packing furiously as the hours of the day slipped away. Tonight we’re going to our final dinner. It’s going to be held at a restaurant on the other side of town. After our meal, the restaurant turns into a popular nightclub. We have one last impression to leave on this little town that has been so good to us!

I’m opting for the dress I wore when I saw Filippo. It was a hot red dress that showed off all the right curves. I figure that the last time I wore it…things did not really happen the way I wanted. My dress deserved the chance to make new, better, and happier memories.

We just cracked a bottle of Spumante that we purchased when we went wine tasting. One last “getting-ready” party in our dorm! Ahh so sad! Tonight I’ll do the works. Big hair, fake eyelashes, summer glow, etc. My friends and I are all joking that we want to get a kiss from an Italian before we leave in the morning. Maybe we’ll have some luck at the club. I’ve been once before and it’s swimming with handsome and well-dressed Italians. It’s a fashionista’s dream.

Alas, Spumante in hand, it is time to ready myself for what will surely be an unforgettable evening. Maybe I’ll lie on the floor for a few sit-ups before I sneak into that skin-tight dress. We’re going to go for one last walk in our nice clothes, take some photos up by the castle, and get our last gelato. L’ultima notte.

The weather has been pretty rough throughout my month in Portovenere. Lots of wind, lots of rain, lots of lightening, and lots of cloudy days. As we wind down to our final two nights, the sun is shining brighter than ever during the days. It’s a lovely way to go!

Today was our last class meeting (yes, even I forgot I was in Italy for school). We discussed the ins and outs of the European Union and Italy’s role in it. We talked about American and the integration of American culture into Europe after WWII. It was strange, but it hit me! Hershey chocolate, blue jeans, jazz music, rock music, whiskey…so many culturally significant things I had seemingly forgotten existed in our American “culture.” I’ve spent enough time in Europe that I’ve been saturated and so in love with European culture that I’ve forgotten about the good ole new and fresh American culture. We have culture, too. Sure there are no Roman ruins next our grocery store, but there’s a million USA films that have influenced the world. There’s peanut butter. There’s apple pie! THERE’S NEW YORK FASHION WEEK!

My roommate, Halie, and I walked around Portovenere this afternoon trying to soak in every last piece of it. I wore a paisley shift dress with a brown belt for added shape. We weaved in and out the tourist shops. We tasted some of the best pesto I’ve ever had in my life. We bought gifts for our family members. I found some great ceramics that were hand painted by local artists and I bought myself this fantastic ring. I have a tradition of buying myself one semi-decent piece of jewelry. Last summer I bought myself these great handmade earrings in Firenze. Today, I spotted some interesting pieces in a store window and insisted on checking them out. I’m not usually a ring person, but the rings that this store had on display were unbelievably gorgeous. Price tags ranged from 9 euro to 95 euro. Ok, I can’t do 95 euro. I was willing to shell out about 30 euro. I spotted this great piece. Silver. Real silver. It was a flower design. I fell in love. I nervously asked the price. 20 euro. DONE AND DONE! I’m wearing it now and admiring it all the while. I love it!!!

After shopping we ran into my friend Gianrico who works at the restaurant at the end of the peninsula. Tonight he is throwing a “silent disco” in the castle his restaurant is built into. Esentially everyone will be wearing head phones. It’s going to be so cool! It’s 30 euro for women and 50 euro for men. I think that going to a silent disco in a small Italian town that’s being held in a castle is a once and lifetime kind of thing. I’m going. He’s giving my friends and I a 10 euro discount anyways! Plus, I’m sure we’ll get some free wine! Now what to wear… I want to blow these locals away before I leave. Got to leave a lasting impression…

Last summer, I never wanted to leave. I suffered greatly upon returning home because all I really wanted to do was hop back on a plane to Italy and rediscover the magic I had lived those summer months. Alas, my second long stay in Italia is coming down to its last 3 nights. Depressing, yes, but then it hit me.

I’m going home. Home. Home were I can eat In-n-out burger, have full access to my closet and accessories, and best of all: I’LL BE ABLE TO WATCH MOVIES!!!!

I normally watch 5 or more movies a week. Hey, I’m a film student. It’s my passion.

I’m sad to leave Italy, but after this emotionally draining weekend and the lack of privacy in my 5-person dorm room…I’m ready. I’m not worried because Italy has my name written all over it. I know I’ll be back. I’m thinking…next summer in Sicily?

My roommates and I are trying to make every last night count. Last night was my roommate Stephanie’s birthday. We got a bottle of wine, some plastic cups, and some chocolate and made our way down to the rocks by the water to watch the waves. I opted for my trusty gladiator sandals, a high waisted black and white printed skirt, and a black silk ruffled top. It was just dressy enough for the occasion without looking like I was overdoing it. On my way out of the dorms, one of the male students stopped me and complimented me saying, “You’re always so fashionable.”

I try! When you’re passionate about something…you can’t help it!

We got through our delicious bottle of wine which I had purchased at the vineyard where we went wine tasting. It was a sweet, white table wine. Cheap and delicious!

My friend at the end of the peninsula who owns that fancy restaurant I’m sure I’ve mentioned before approached us to say hi. He saw our bottle and asked why we drink it. It’s cheap and in his opinion…no good. “Do you want more?”
“Certamente. E’ il suo compleanno!” I said pointing to my roommate. I told him it was her birthday, so yes, more wine should be in order.
Alas, he returns. THREE BOTTLES IN HAND. He started us with Chardonnay. Next, a Sauvignon. Then, the sweet white famous in the area simply called Cinque Terre.

All were so delicious. He is a kind man. Middle aged and, from what I understand, owns 7 restaurants and stores in Portovenere. Did I mention he’s quite keen on me? Last night he kept saying (in Italian mind you): “You have such beautiful eyes and such a warming smile, but I could be your uncle!” Then he would slap his head and walk in circles. I was very relaxed from the wine to say the least so, no, it didn’t creep me out. He’s harmless, I assure you, and immensely complimentary! I would be lying if I said I didn’t love it! We all need that kind of pick-me-up-compliment once and awhile and I REALLY needed it after the whole thing with Filippo.

But get this: after those free bottles of wine, he disappears and returns with a fourth! Prosecco! It’s very delicious if you haven’t tried it before. It’s a dessert wine that goes great with chocolate!

I bought my roommate a gelato on the way home and we watched the full moon rise over the island in the bay and then called it a night. A successful celebration to say the least! Tonight we’re going for a leisurely dinner. I’m wearing this great Marc Jacobs printed dress. It’s comfortable, casual, but sophisticated enough to fit the setting of the restaurant we’re going to. Cheers to another perfect evening, speriamo (we hope)!

Today was wine tasting. We awoke early for our class. I knew we would have to go right from class to the bus for wine tasting so I had to dress appropriately. I couldn’t be too dressed up for class because I have to walk across town before 10am; but I couldn’t be too under-dressed because I was going to a villa for wine tasting.
I settled for some nice denim jean shorts that fall a little longer than the regular denim shorts we’re all used to and a nice Grecian styled top in a gray-blue color that was belted at the waist with a complimentary gray belt. It was the perfect bit of style and casualty.

After class, we struggled to get to the train station on time. A thirty-minute bus ride and a fifteen-minute walk later, we managed to get on our train which was without air conditioner because it only ran to tiny cities and apparently…the people going on this particular train were not important enough to enjoy air conditioner! We all (or so we thought) were seating on the sauna of a train when someone realized one of the girls was missing. We called out her name, but she missed the train.

It was the longest train ride of my life. Twenty minutes and I thought I was going to keel over and die from the heat. In all honesty though, the beautiful countryside was enough to distract me from the near physical pain the stifling train was providing me with.

We got off the train at Luni. It’s small (and I mean small) town. We couldn’t find a sidewalk, so we had to walk in the street where we got a lot of attention from passing cars. Honking, waving, and smiling…and lots of it! I don’t think they’ve ever seen a non-white person or a blonde. We were quite the exotic group for them.
A woman outside the villa greeted us. She led us in.
It was so beautiful! Bellissima!
It’s called Ca Lunae, but with accents over certain letters and the “u” is actually a “v” because it’s Latin…you get the idea!

After leading us through their museum of old tools from the 18th century that were used in the wine making process, we were led to a big room with high ceilings, AIR CONDITIONING, and beautiful wooden tables. We took our seats and soon our glasses were filled. One glass was filled with a dry, white wine that was delicious and really complimented the bread and olive oil they served. They make their own olive oil there which was TO DIE FOR. I’m pretty picky about olive oil, but this was really great. Next we had a glass of red wine and a platter of cheeses and meats. The wines complimented the snacks so well I thought I was surely in heaven. After they get you jolly and full, they lead you to a room for purchasing…and purchasing we did. Twenty students (that was about the size of our group) purchased SIXTY FOUR bottles of wine. I, myself, purchased some of that delicious olive oil for my dear mother. Ah, to live this life everyday. Now THAT would be the dream.

I have arrived in Firenze. Our bus left at 6am so I made sure to dress very fashionable to make up for the fact that my eyes were a tad swollen from a late night the night before.

Last night, wearing a red shirtdress and a blue chunky necklace, my roommates and I made our way to the other side of town for the opening of a new pizza and bar place called LE TERRAZZE.

We went for one reason and one reason alone. Free. Gratis. Pizza, seafood, beer, wine, Coca Cola, water bottles, live music, tons of people. Did I mention I got all the free wine and pizza I could possibly ever want? One of the waiters was a little flirty and literally stayed by our table and brought us pizza and wine whenever our plate or glass was empty. It was amazing.

After a leisurely walk home, we laid out our outfits for our first day in Firenze and went to sleep.

I saw the sunrise on the bus ride to Firenze which took almost 3 hours. It was a great way to start the day. Luckily, it was not raining when we arrived, but halfway down the corridor near the Uffizi, it began. My roommates and I decided to part from the group of students and go find our hostel. Located right down the street from the famous “Duomo” by Brunelleschi, we found our insanely fantastic hostel.

It was stylish, had air conditioning, had GREAT security, and it was so clean! They offered us breakfast and, while we couldn’t check in until 2pm, they let us hang out and leave our luggage in the storage room. So accommodating.

We headed to the open-air market to do some shopping. Leather jackets, belts, wallets, bracelets, briefcases, luggage, Venetian glass, postcards, trinkets, antiques, journals. It had so many beautiful things. I couldn’t stop myself when I spotted a Medici leather purse. It was too gorgeous. So I bought it. A few scarves and bracelets for gifts later, we headed back to our hostel. We stopped to get some pizza at my favorite pizzeria on Via dei Servi. The pieces cost about $2.50 or less depending on how fresh (isn’t that fair?!) and they are the size of your head. Perfect. When we walked back to the hostel, I spotted Oscar on the terrace at the bar he worked at.

Oscar and I dated for about a week last summer. When he realized I wasn’t going to..eh um.. “put out,” he gave up fast. I was still okay with being friends with him because he didn’t damage me completely. My heart never was attached, so it never really got broken. He ran over to me and kissed me passionately on either side of the cheek. He took my phone number and told me he’d call me tonight and we could go out for a beer and catch up. Giovanni, the bar’s owner, arrived and came over as well. He said I looked just as he remembered and he was so happy to see me. It was a very sweet moment for me. I felt at home. I am home.

Tonight I’m wearing this great body black body suit with a high waisted black and white printed skirt. If it wasn’t raining, I’d wear these great heels I have, but my good ole trusty (and super cute) gladiator sandals will have to do. Oh, weather.

I think the hardest part about doing these weekend trips to Florence is deciding what to pack. I’ve got this adorable small leather duffle bag, but it can only fit so much. Because of its limits, I must pack very smart. I can’t afford to pack something I’m not going to wear. Here are some tips…

Take a large tote/purse and one duffle bag/backpack/small-rolling suitcase.
Take one pair of shoes that you’ll wear during the day (i.e. tennis shoes, flats, or a nice pair of sandals).
Take one pair of shoes for evening. Depending on the city, make sure they are decently comfortable.
Sometimes the sandals/flats will work for evening as well.

Physically write out what you’re going to be doing. Then, I suggest making a chart for each day.
Day, Evening, Day accessories, Evening accessories. Pack accordingly.

Pack at least one extra shirt or dress. Sometimes accidents happen.

For these two nights I’m spending in Florence, I have to have both comfortable and fashionable day clothes; and also dressy nightclothes. Firenze is such a high fashion city that dressing up is a serious business. Plus, I have to bring date clothes! I have a date with my dearest Filippo. Not only that, but I’m going to run into (I just KNOW I will) this handsome boy I dated last summer. Naturally, I want to look good when I see him. Even more naturally, I want to look amazing on those dates!

For two nights, three days…I’m taking:
One set of pajamas.
One pair of gladiator sandals for both day/evening.
One pair of strappy heels in black.

Day one: gladiator sandals, cotton floral dress, brown belt to cinch at the waist, some stud earrings, and a grey sweater
Night one: black blouse tucked into high waisted skirt with a fine black and white pattern, black strappy heels, black chandelier earrings.

Day two: Pink spaghetti strap cotton dress, yellow+black printed scarf, brown belt to cinch the waist, gladiator sandals, and the same grey sweater just in case.

Night two: Black formfitting sweetheart dress, black strappy heels, and pearl stud earrings.

Day three: Red sundress with the brown belt to cinch the waist.

Just like that and you utilize everything you brought all while packing very fashionable outfits. It fills only 2/3 of my duffle bag which means there’s plenty of room for some more fun stuff: make up!

The last important things to take with you when traveling in a foreign country are your passport, the city or country’s emergency numbers, a phone card, and some currency. In my opinion, the most important accessory is a music player! Especially if you’re walking around alone, the music can make you feel like you’re walking in your own personal movie! I finally got the new Regina Spektor CD, “Far.” I highly recommend it! She stayed true to her style when doing this album and it’s great for summer travel and summer romances! Ok. I’m off to make sure I’ve packed everything. Our charter bus leaves at 6am which means I have to wake up at 5am! Buona notte, tutti!

I’m beginning to prep for my first weekend in Firenze. This first weekend I visit, it will be me and a bunch of the students I’m studying with. They use me for my Italian language skills and knowledge of the city and I use them as people to go to the clubs with (essentially: safety).

As I mentioned before, Filippo, who until recently seemed excited (but not as excited as I) for us to see each other, has suddenly flipped a switch. He’s ecstatic. I got an email this afternoon that read that he can’t wait to see me and will call me as soon as he’s off work on Friday. Then he’ll drive from Prato to spend the evening with me. I feel like he’s really trying to pursue me now. I’m really excited to see him. Though, I must admit, it’s a little strange. I haven’t seen him 11 months and I can’t really remember what he looks like. I can remember vividly his chiseled jaw line, hazel eyes, and charming nature; but I feel as though I can’t remember it well enough.

It will be strange seeing him again. In this past year I’ve taken formal Italian classes, studied the culture endlessly, become more knowledgeable of Italy, and finished my first year of university. He, too, has changed. He has become a teacher in Prato where he teaches English language and classical guitar. Oh, yes. He plays guitar. Apparently he’s got quite the reputation for being amazing, so I’m going to try to convince him to bring his guitar when he visits me the following weekend when I visit Florence alone.

It stormed today. This morning it was lovely. The temperature was mild and the Mediterranean water felt amazing. I went for my first real swim. The water is so salty here. I thought my eyes were going to explode it hurt so badly! The water does wonders for the skin. I feel like I spent an entire day at the spa exfoliating and taking treated baths. You have to shower almost immediately after swimming though because the water leaves salt residue on the skin. I feel like those salt licks they give horses.

We went into La Spezia today to do some market fashion hunting. I found some amazing dresses and skirts. So classy and sexy. I can really imagine myself wearing them when I go on dates or out to the clubs. It’s a laid back town so getting dressed up can’t be done every evening. Especially when everyone knows everyone. I’d just look crazy, but once in awhile is good. It’s exciting for the locals.

My roommates and I are taking a bottle of wine to “Lord Byron’s Grotto” to watch the sunset. Then we’re going to play giant chess (yes, it’s giant. The pieces come up to about the knee).

A domani, i miei amici. Translation: Until tomorrow, my friends!

I don’t know what is in the water here, but every time I stay in Italia, my skin and hair look amazing! I love it! I look healthier without even trying.

Last night was another successful evening at the bar that we are beginning to love so dearly. The cute waiter was there again, but he just made eye contact and smiled at me shyly from afar. So precious! We had the house cocktail and licked chocolate gelato until our tongues were raw. We didn’t have to pay. It was a fun evening to say the least.

Today I put on a retro-inspired Marc by Marc Jacobs print dress. I dressed it down  with a hat and sandals. I spent the day at the beach writing in my journal and studying Italian. I want to be fluent so badly, but I’ve always struggled with acquiring languages. I studied Ukrainian as a toddler and Chinese in high school, but I only know a few sayings and words of each. Being in Italy, in a city where there are maybe 3 English speakers is greatly helping my language skills. Especially since I am translating for the students here and giving them mini-lessons.

I didn