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!