ALSO!

I bought a beautiful knife today. It's a beautiful ivory color with the portrait of a sitting cheetah and then engraved steel cornering. It's pretty, I like it. I mean...I have a knife from Italy now. I feel like a badass.

Yep. That's it.

June 29^th/30^th: Middle of the Night Sleepless in Bologna:

 

Okay. Other than my birthday, my most anticipated day is soon to arrive: Wednesday. Wednesday may be one of my favorite cinematic experiences of all time. I am counting down towards it as if it were Christmas day. Let me break this down:

*My day will start at 10:30am. The first films to be screened are part of the series collection of “1909”. All of the films are brilliant shorts from…well, 1909. This particular set of the series contains a short including Argentinean revolution, African tribal dance, and tamed animals as workers for humans. I am fascinated, to say the least.

*From there, I will go to my favorite screening theatre in Bologna, Cinema Arlecchino where they will be screening Frank Capra’s “Platinum Blonde”. We’re talking Jean Harlow, we’re talking 1931 pre-war film, we’re talking PLATINUM BLONDE. I will be smiling.

*Then (alora), I will be SCREENING MY BOYFRIEND’S (Jean-Luc Godard) Pierrot Le Fou. 1965. French New Wave. I adore myself some Godard and have never even seen this film of his before. My first viewing of it will be on his continent. I am honored.

*I will finish my night at the outdoor screening at 10:00pm in the Piazza Maggiore under a starlit sky. And what will I be screening? A 2009 Bjorkman and Ingmar Bergman film. AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then AFTER that film, we will be viewing a restored version of Les Vacances De Hulot by Jacques Tati…1953 comedy, and in English! If this day is half as exciting as I believe it to be, I may never return. Sorry United States!

But in non-film-nerd-related news, tonight I understood what it feels like to be ostracized based on ethnicity or origin. As Americans (the typically hated country throughout the world), we were forced to eat in the corner of an empty room at a restaurant and served with upmost hostility. I have even had the experience of asking if someone at a restaurant spoke English with a simple “Parla Inglese?” and was brutally shot down with a “You are in ITALY. NOT America. You are in MY country. Speak MY language”. I thought of all the Latinos that are judged that way, and I do my best, but good god, I just wanted to order a sandwich and was asking a question. I am so sorry world that I happen to be American, next time I may just say I hail from Canada.  We have an embarrassingly loud reputation of George Bush, obesity, reality TV, and alcoholism and it seems to slather us in a stink wherever we travel. It is frustrating when you are doing everything in your ability to strike that reputation and replace it with a new generation interested in art, culture, politics and movement.

Interesting. I am going to do crosswords. My two sleeping pills from hours and hours ago seem to think this is some sort of joke.  As usual, it’s nearly 5am and everyone is asleep peacefully, as I type up a concoction of words that are attempting to describe this experience. The isolation, the tragedy, the uncomfortable routine of things, passion, tension, art, the interactions, cinema, the sexuality, and the history are all a bit much to squeeze into some pedestrian words strung along into a blog. A blog that fully depends on my macbook’s battery life and the energy left in my fingers and brain to type. I have little words to offer that could suffice, but I hope the picture I paint is decent.

Crosswords are calling my name and scorning me for only having a pen available. Let’s hope my mind is sharp and on point and in no need of an eraser. Ciao.

About to watch a film in Piazza Maggiore...
The old towers near Via Zamboni and Piazza Maggiore.
The festival poster! It's plastered all over town.
Sunset and moi.
Me in my kitchen picking up my laptop!
My sweet Luigi dancing in the square for me!

The sign at our favorite record store.
Chattanooga Garden in Italy...really?!

I'm at the piazza for the screening of The Red Shoes (lovely film)! 

June 29, 2009: Bologna

 

In desperation to hear the familiar sound of English, I turned to my iTunes today.   

I realized that at some point in a music downloading stupor, I accidentally downloaded a full episode of Grey’s Anatomy. I have never seen this show, nor do I have a desire to, but now Mandy and I have curled up in front of it just to pacify our need for the comforting sounds of the English language. I could care less about the plotline or what is occurring in this 42 minutes, but I know that there are attractive people and they make sense when they speak. That is about all I need at this moment.

 

I have been very good to my kidney. It won’t seem to leave me alone, but I have been consuming inordinate amounts of water to compensate for the amount of walking, sweating, and such, and I think I am doing pretty well. Big pat on the ole’ back for J-ram.

 

Last night, I had the opportunity to speak with my mom. This brought a tremendous amount of relief. I needed to be upset, I needed to reminisce, and I needed to hear my mother’s voice. After this beyond therapeutic exchange, I felt both relieved enough and medicated enough to finally get my first real night’s worth of sleep.

 

Today we found a knife store! I am thrilled! I plan on getting something tomorrow to add to my collection.

 

In regards to the film festival, today I saw two films already and will be watching another tonight at Piazza Maggiore. Mandy and I started the day by watching a Frank Capra film called “Rain or Shine,” which I happened to love. It was hilarious, reminiscent of vaudeville, and incorporated slight hints towards the depression.

I greatly enjoyed it. However, it was followed by supposedly the “greatest piece of cinema from Egypt”. I would disagree. It was droning, monotone, somber, and consistently flat lining. The sound, lighting, narrative, mise-en-scene, all had NO variance whatsoever. Positive that every great film theorist and critic would disagree with me, I have to be honest.

 

Now, Mandy and I are dancing around the apartment to “Rock Me Amadeus” and acting out on our bouts of cabin fever.

 

I want to pet some giraffes when I get home, Chris!

Ciao!

 

 

 

Potluck at our apartment!
Everything looks like a painting.
Clownfest at the Solstice Festival
Jessica clowning?
Nate & Karen in deep conversation.
What a lovely editor and human being. Thelma Schoonmaker. Google her!
Market fun!
Eva & Mandy proudly displaying our potluck buffet at Mandy, Karen & I's apartment.
The graphics here are a bit twisted. I like them.
Betty and Veronica.
Communists!
Right at the bicycle turn! 

Sigh.

I am a bit of a somber mess, to be candid. I am attempting to harness whatever energy that remains inside of me towards positive encounters...I am failing a bit. 

I feel a bit defeated from the pounding headache of consistent tragedy.

However, the show must go on...I suppose. 

Last night, I was able to watch the fully restored premiere of The Red Shoes presented by both Thelma Schoonmaker and a satellite video of Martin Scorsese. I sat under the stars, surrounding by a mass of art loving Italians, enjoying a film about passion and the tragedy of life when said passion is uncontainable.

Today I made a trip to the laundromat in attempts to walk around feeling halfway presentable. I now have a plethora of clean socks, shirts, and more! Laundry always makes me happy. After that, I went to a showing of Sergio Leone's "Duck, You Sucker"or a "fistful of dynamite". This Italian film is a three hour epic spaghetti western packed with politics and withheld homoerotic tension. I enjoyed myself.

Anyways, sending my love to the US of course. 

I feel sad tonight. Just sayin'.

I'll blog tomorrow.

Sorry. 

Ciao

AHHH!!! 

I am sitting in Piazza Maggiore at the premiere of the restoration of The Red Shoes and I got to meet Thelma Schoonmaker today. 

Enough said.

More later though, but the screening is starting.

Ciao.

More pictures soon, I promise, I promise!

June 26^th: Bologna:

 

After receiving the tragic news yesterday, I spent most of my time in a somber, yet reflective mode of being. The darker, typically quieter moments of my day seemed to be enlightening and powerful. The normally astounding aesthetic pleasure of Bologna appeared gothic and skewed. I felt privileged to be walking around Italy to further my intellectual and spiritual journey as an individual. Each foot aching step seemed to be something I should be tallying as an honor. However, my nightly routine of sitting and gazing over the Piazza to people watch was of a different kind than ever before. The giddy handholding couples skipping the piazza, the old man making his way back home with cane in hand, the street performer lugging his gear to the next show, they all appeared as zombies meaninglessly drifting around a square that had never attempted to change shape in its history. It was a strange mode indeed, but one to be noted, as it was quite interesting.

 

The film festival begins Saturday! I am beyond thrilled to sit amongst esteemed film scholars and be granted the opportunity to view archived films that most will never be able to see.  Unless you are a film nerd such as I am, I warn you that my blogs may shift toward reviews and reflections from the screenings. 

 

Side note: there is a funny popping sound in my right ear. It won’t stop and I am not a fan. It’s about 5am and I would love to grab some sleep. Thanks a lot, ear!

 

Today, in a bit of a haze, I purchased a couple of new books to occupy my insomnia-plagued time. The goal of this purchase was to have to muffle my laughter curled up in bed while everyone else slept.  In attempts to placate my woe, I reached for the quickest cure possible: a book filled with funny shorts based on animals. Sounds effective, right? Wrong! In my haste, I had grabbed a book that only had a section on animal stories, and the stories that were included were of neglect, abuse, and isolation! The rest of the stories related to the subject of child rearing. Really!? What a terrible selection. I am going to come up with some brilliant Italian lie and attempt an exchange as soon as possible. I don’t even think I could muster up the courage to give it away as a gift.

 

 Eva, Alex, Mandy and I took an excursion to the music store today and all purchased instruments in order to create a jam band while in Italy…and who knows, perhaps one that shall be continued in Atlanta! I bought a mouth harp!!!!!! I am in love with it! His name is Giovanni.  I am actually becoming an expert as the day continues…

 

There should be pictures at some point (when it doesn’t take 10 minutes to load one single photo) of our street performances.

 

Uh oh, it’s starting to storm! Perhaps another post later or tomorrow but for now, a presto!

Miss you all!

Rest in Peace, Kenneth.

 

June 25, 2009: Bologna:

 

I wish I were in New York tonight.

After a day filled with errands, shopping, and class at the Cineteca, I received the word from multiple friends in New York that my friend Kenneth had died in a taxicab accident on his way to La Guardia with his fiancé. My heart sank.

 He was my classmate, scene partner, dance partner, and friend. He was someone I had spent two years of my life training alongside in the theatre. He was someone whom I had explored my boundaries with.  We had a tough history, I will admit…but through everything we went through I will miss him and remember him always.

 I live today in Italy in his honor.

 That is all for today. I will do pictures and fun stories another time.

 To everyone back home: I am always grateful for you and I love you dearly. Every day is to be lived to the fullest. I plan on doing so. 

Love,

Me

Okay, quick update because it's too funny not to share immediately.

I was about to pack up my things and leave the piazza when a cop car pulls up and slows down in front of the group. I was a bit concerned we were doing something illegal when he asked me to come over to the car.

He then asked what we were doing and I explained that we were students at the Cineteca and were using the city's internet to contact home.

He asked for my contact information. It went as follows:

Policeman: What is your contact information ma'am?

Me: Umm. Why? Is everything okay? Am I in trouble?

Policeman: Ummm...no? This is for me! I want to write you email and take you out.

Me: Uhh..oh. OHHHHH. Okay. Here ya go.

Policeman: Okay.

Me: Hmm..alright.

Policeman: goodnight! talk to you soon!

Me: Buona Notte!

Date with a cop? Safest date in town.

That was pretty dang funny.

*Continuation from home*

 

One thing is for certain, in any city, in any country, on any continent, nothing makes Jessica Ramsey happier than coming into her home and stripping away whatever contraption of an outfit she has come up with only to disrobe into a giant t-shirt and sweatpants, or her favorite nighty. Those who know me, know this to be true. I can go from miserable to perfectly delightful within 10 seconds of my wardrobe change.

 

The reason this is mentioned is because I just changed! Ahhh! The feet are resting, the ribs are free to expand ad breathe, everything is at peace. Mandy and I just returned from Pam (the supermarket) where I bailed on my plan of creating a salad for the potluck. If there is anything I love even more than fresh produce, it’s DESSERT! I bought hazelnut and dark chocolate ice cream, dried coconut, and fresh strawberries. The strawberries are vibrantly red and succulently aromatic.  I have a feeling everyone will be okay with this last minute decision.

Mandy and I were walking home when it hit us…We are LIVING IN ITALY! What? When did this happen? Suddenly it was clear that we were holding groceries and walking back to our apartment in ITALY! To make things even worse (don’t hate me), we have a maid at the apartment. Her name is Graciela and we get to compensate for our lack of decent Italian by speaking Spanish with her. She makes our beds and sweeps, etc. So on our walk back we realized we live in Italy with a maid. It’s disgusting how lucky we are.

Speaking of Graciela, we ran into her while we were arriving back home. She also has an apartment in the building. She had a lovely looking man-friend whom she was acting quite cozy with alongside her. As Mandy and I kerplunked into our beds and expelled the biggest sigh of walker’s relief, we heard a loud moan. It sounds like Graciela enjoys her life in Italy as well...my oh my!

 I am sad to say that I am within the last 15 pages of my book. I snooped around the local bookstores here but go figure, all the books are in Italian. What to do!

 I love Mandy.

I just announced to Mandy that I had mentioned my love for her in my blog, when she burped at me. That explains our relationship pretty thoroughly.

 

Potluck! Ciao! xoxo

June 22/23rd 2009? I am confused on dates now: Bologna:

My feet are not content with me. I would love to rock some cushy vans and call it a day, but it I cannot let Italy down in terms of fashion. I have consistently shoved my brutalized feet into some boots in order to stomp all about Bologna and flow alongside others in the streets.

I am currently laying in bed at about 1:00am, or 7pm Atlanta time. I FINALLY GOT THE INTERNET TODAY! That has been the only nonstop frustrating part of this journey. We all are trying to maintain contact with family members and friends back home, as well as journal/blog our experience, but we are unable! It’s a strange freedom I am experiencing though…no cellphone checking, no texting, no facebooking, no driving, no emailing…just wine, food, culture, walking, real conversations, etc. It’s a throwback to the old days. I read myself to sleep rather than watching mindless TV or sitting around on the internet. I find it invigorating…and FRUSTRATING! I am so used to my sidekick of assorted electronics and constant connection to the world outside of what is directly in front of me. This is good for me. Good for me. Yes.
G. o. o. d. I just have to remind myself.

I miss Tofu (the cat, not the food…although that too) so much there are no words. Who am I supposed to cuddle up with at night? Sleeping cuddleless without him is unfortunate. I miss my Soleil too.
From the amount of food we are eating, I could be full for the next five years. I paid only about 8 euros for my dinner tonight at this local spot and got a HUUUUUUGE homemade pizza. BAHHH. Heaven. I can honestly say I haven’t tasted one item of food that hasn’t blown my mind. I knew Bologna was known for its food, but seriously? It’s indescribable. I want to be able to ship some home so everyone can try it.

I thoroughly enjoyed class today. I would really like to take Angelo’s class on Hitchcock for my graduating semester. It’s so nice when he references theoretical concepts that I am beginning to grasp, or mentions an auteur I am familiar with. I have a lot still to learn...but I am starting to feel a hold upon a subject I am truly fascinated by. We were able to watch early cinema clips today and begin discussions of the concept of cinephilia. I took more pictures for my photo essay.

I need to find a way to work for National Geographic. Make documentaries on my giraffes and other creatures of that sort. Travel the world. Julie, I need that hookup! I also need to live in Italy. Can I just get those two things? Grazie.

The weather here is funny and fickle. When I arrived it was scorching hot to the point of pain, but now it’s pretty chilly out. I was in need of a sweater and scarf just to go down to the piazza tonight. Mandy and I ventured to a fantastic record store today. Pretty much any good music was available via CD or vinyl. We spent some time around there before lunching with folks and going to class.

Alex and Eva make me smile. I really like them a lot as people and can see a longstanding friendship in the future with them after all of this. We’ve definitely bonded. They have a positive and genuine energy about them. Gotta love ‘em!
Everyone on the trip is cool and we all seem to get along and enjoy adventuring together. What a cute little Italy family.

I miss my friends back home. Overseas shout out? I would say we are looking at the same stars but it’s only 7pm for most of them! But I miss ya’ll.

I have a funny McDonald’s story for later. I am in the mood to curl up and read right now, so maybe in tomorrow’s post. Anyways, there’s a McDonald’s in the city center of Bologna. Of course, it serves Prosciutto and shaved parmesan for 10 bucks. But moral of the story, they were so mean to me! I will protest McDonald’s forever. Now McDonald’s AND UPS are on my list of “Grr…”-inducing companies.

I did get to finish the night talking to my Mom. That made me SO happy. Just to hear my mom’s voice. I love this experience and value it beyond words, but there is nothing like the voice of your mom or dad. I was able to quickly make an overseas call to dad to wish him a happy father’s day. I also miss my sister a lot. I can’t wait to catch her on facebook or something one night in the piazza and talk to her as well! I love the Ramsey clan and am sending love to them over the ocean.

Cheesy lame stuff, right? I had a feeling this post would be anything but intellectual…instead I discussed food, the weather, and how cheesy I am.
Ciao! Love you all!





June 24, 2009: Bologna


Last night was the best meal of my life. I have never eaten a more delicious salad. Ever. It was an undressed, simple salad. Onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes. The most exquisite vegetables I have ever tasted. Fresh, hydrated, full of life and earth. Incredible bread.

I have become a resident of food heaven. Officially.

Another thing to look forward to is that Friday some of us are taking off to Modena on a train to go to a Balsamic Vinegar distillery for a tour of the history and a tasting. I am a vinegar fiend so this will be perfect, I imagine.

I am sitting in the piazza as children scurry towards a mass of balloons in hopes that their elders will purchase them one. They look at the balloons with the same adrenaline filled glee that I am looking at the city with.

I would love to share more, but I have scheduled my time poorly and need to rush back in order to make our Italian potluck dinner. I am going to attempt to recreate the five star salad I experienced last night. After this, I will write more and hopefully post it by tomorrow. I have hundreds of pictures. I ask for your patience, in due time, all will be revealed! I am under the command of the Communists as well as film aficionados. Neither of whom you ever want to piss off!

I hope everyone has a lovely day. Buona cera!

Trying to get a picture of myself in one of the Roman alleyways, got myself in front of a fountain and with the lovely Eva. The beautiful riverfront market at night...Mandy and I in front of an embassy in Rome, meals outside of our hotel, my head being squished! All kinds of good stuff! Each picture takes about 5-10 minutes to load and I have limited time, so I can only do a couple a day. I will have more soon! Ciao! <3

I found a restaurant called Giraffe at the airport in London. I love giraffes, in case you didn't know. My plane food was fancy. I had crosswords and a gin & tonic so I was appeased during my fearful moments. I sat next to Mandy! I got a beautiful view of the swiss alps and we cuddled on the plane. Also included is our hotel room in Rome, the view from our room in Rome, us getting out of the taxi, me and a TIGER statue, Rome, etc. more later..