Farewell Liz Taylor

I remember watching Cleopatra as a child and being enamored by Ms. Taylor.  She really embodied the image of a Hollywood icon living and brought that glitz entertainment world to life.
Glamour, multiple husbands, elaborate costumes, and one of the most distinguished and striking faces, rest in peace.

In Love with MJ Spring 2011

If I had to my 3 wishes from the fashion genie, two pieces would be used up in this season's MJ Collection.  The gorgeous spring version on jewel tones are absolutely stunning.  Equally I'm addicted to the over sized sculpted floral touches worked into the garment design, hair pieces and belts. This might be a weekend project for me!

Alessandra in my favorite updated version of a jumpsuit belted with the eye popping floral belt.  Love how he captures femininity in every but of the look.

MJ Spring Aubergine Silk dress is an updated '70s retro at its best.  The loose fluid silhouette is perfectly complimented with the exaggerated floral asymmetrical shoulder strap.

Milan Brunch-It's not cheap and not chic...

I heart Denny's

The other day I joined a group for brunch, which is the trendy Sunday outing when everything else is closed.  I was pumped up to eat American bacon and eggs.  And you cant imagine how much more thrilled I was to see Eggs Benedict on the menu. 

Let's talk about the ingredients in Eggs Benedict?  The menu listed Hollandaise sauce, bacon, sausage, English toast, and a poached egg.  Before I tell you what I got…Let me preface my horror story with Denny's Grand Slam would have blown this meal to bits.

So my Eggs Beny arrived.....

• poached egg-check!
• slice of ham-not Canadian bacon, but ok. 
• hamburger bun with sesame seeds-what?  I guess I can deal
• Hollandaise sauce with contain herbs-very suspect

Note to the chef at Indian Post: Hollandaise is NOT Tartar sauce. EWWWWWW!!!

 I would gladly eat Italian food which I often do, but when I’m with a group of expats craving home-style meals, what can you do?  I did manage to find my gem of a lunchtime spot on nearby Via Bonghi-my tavolo caldo. For 3 euros, I can have a delicious bowl of pasta.  For 6.50 euros, I can have a second course of meat in addition to the pasta.  The food is not fancy but very pleasant. And the staff speaks no English, so I often eyeball the table of food and interpreting the menu accordingly.

So far I've had paparadelle with meat, roasted hen, rolled beef, pasta with chickpeas.  The menu changes daily but not the price.  This has been my best find yet.

Apertivo 

In Milano, you get by for dinner economically on the “Aperitivo” aka Happy hours.  You pay 7-10 euros for a drink and there is a light buffet of pasta, salad, and little bites.  Im still evaluating them so hopefully by the time I have some guests, I will have staked out the good ones.

Metro Sexuals

Lucky for me my apartment is well located with ample public transportation.  I have a metro station within a 5-minute walk as well as trams that zip me to the center in 10-15 min.

They have photo booths, cafe/bars, magazines stands and shops. What additional conveniences could you possibly want in a metro station?  Except a lap dance!  Yes, there is an apparent Metro Stripper on the red line.  She strips, probably swings on the poles, and other unmentionables if you’re willing to cough up some dough.  We figure she must make very good money.  Thus far, no one is able to confirm her nationality or anything.  Rumor has it the police are being very lax about this because she is attractive.

Another friend of a friend, Taylor, tells me that he was coming to visit our neighborhood.  He passed the usual bus stop and parking lot when he was approached by man asking "Do you want a blow?"  Mind you, Taylor is a preppy 6'4 guy from Arizona.  Needless to say I'm a little apprehensive coming home on the subway late at night alone these days.  I have yet to find my own metro story.

For those commuters, please get home safely and undisturbed!

Milanorockstv, Superbowl in Milan

Superbowl in Milan @ Fiori Oscuri

Click on the video link below for a taste!

Milanorockstv

Ex pat life is something you can never prepare yourself for. I have been enjoying the company of people that I probably might have offended me in the states. A big group of us ex pat Americans enjoyed the Superbowl at a trendy model bar in Brera. I am told Armani lives nearby. So there we were on Via Fiori Oscuri, cheering and booing until 5am. Eventually we dragged ourselves home after a nice Pats win. One would describe a high eye-candy factor, and sans the notorious model chasers of Milan because they were models themselves. I even met a former male review guy originally from New Mexico of “California Dream,” basically their version of our Chippendales. Clearly, he does not actively participate in the group any longer, or so he says.

Am I missing home yet? In some ways, yes. The Targets, department stores and large supermarkets make my life easier. To buy a notebook here I have to find a small not so detectable stationery store. For 3 notebooks, 2 pens and 2 pencils, was 14 euros/$20. It’s a small world of charming independently owned stores. But on the positive note, shoes, clothes and handbag shopping is amazing! Although, my absence of credit cards has lessen the potency of the Soldi.(sales)

The Questura-Not Your Typical PS2 Video Game for a Permit

 It starts with a long disorganized line of chaos.   By the looks of it, one might think free Gucci shoes or handbags.   In the most authentic Borat flare- "Not!"  Yet, I was a diligent foreigner and did arm myself with 6 hours of America's best TV shows- Desperate Housewives, Grey's and 24 on my ipod with extended battery pack.  So thanks to all who gave me Itunes giftcards. 

I examined the line for the The Questura.  I'll begin by telling you this is the antithesis of the Disneyland spirit, without any excitement and a headache of long lines. As a student I needed to register with the national bureau to obtain the "Permesso di Soggiorno." 

What I caught me off guard was the cutting and pushing, from my "peeps," or far removed relatives, as my friends refer to. So I had to let my ancestral bloodline take a hold and resolve to survival tactics from the Chinatown bakery queues.  With a couple of stern looks and elbows, I prevailed.  

My elementary girl Spanish came in handy with the fellow stranieri in the line as they escorted me inside with them.  Keep in mind the latin root, Quest.  After 1 episode of Grey's, and an invincibility shield from my Peruvian stranieri I made it to the office. With a stern and serious face, the gentleman worker explained I needed to go to the post office for my type of Permesso.  Were their other types?    

So that was my next of many stops. As of now I've been to 2 post offices, an incomplete application which I cannot make any sense of, and instructions that I must march on to the Camera Del Lavoro. 

Update: after 1 year of filing proper paperwork, it never arrived.

I Miss Trader Joe's and My Car

Monday I had my first supermarket experience.  Unfortunately I still have a leg brace for another couple weeks.  The thought of even walking a few blocks with a bridge is dreadful, but with groceries too!

The first section to greet you is produce.  There is a system in place.  Italians can be fanatical about germs some times, unnecessarily.  There are no hand sanitizers but you must wear gloves and pick your items appropriately.  But you need to weigh your fruits and vegetables, punch in the codes and sticker them.  It was a good way to learn the names of things that are more complicated and not friendly with English.  

Next if you don't bring your own mode of transportation for the goods, you must accurately estimate how many bags you'll need so you can be charged appropriately.  I actually appreciate the environmental approach to not having excess plastic bags.  Forget the bagger boys too as you will have to load it up on your own.

At the end of the adventure, I was hauling a suitcase full of groceries 1/2 mile over cobblestone streets without ramps.  Needless to say, I'd have to think someone online grocery site would do well here, but they don't!

Later on, I figured out that the best produce shopping is done in the outdoor market!

Ciao Milano! January 2007

My apartment is cute and convenient to the subway and school.  I'm on a 4th floor of a 8 floor building. While its not the most charming Milanese in architecture, it is considered pretty spacious for Milan standards. It's a 2 bedroom apt with 1 bath, with a living room, foyer and kitchen.  There is an antique chandelier in front of typical European windows that open to the smoking balcony over oversized black and white tiles.  All in all, I'm very pleased.  I even have 2 elevators.  I have yet to engage in the drunken elevator races yet, but I'm sure it's in the future. 

I fended off the the jet lag, and it was time to seize Milan night life with the roomie and other expats.  Saturday, we went to a cafe with a secretive underground room, La Sacrada.  So far every cocktail in Milan has been double the size compared to ones in the states.  For a person with a low tolerance, this is not an ideal situation.  Simply stated, I was not ready to make BFF with the porcelain goddess.

Of course I was timid to speak having been in Italy for a few hours, but by the time en route to the disco, il mio Italian was flowing.  Liquid courage always helps. But no matter the amount of alcohol, I was not prepared for all the mullets. It is not a myth and very fashionable.  And yes, some men still like the snake belts and shaved heads-WHY? 

For the most part, I hung around with the expats.  Here is a good time to issue a word of caution.  Italian guys don't always walk you home out of the goodness of their heart.  They expect a good night kiss.  Note to self: make sure you clarify the classic cheek pecks are all he is going to get.

Sunday was a recovery day.  I slept from 8am until 5pm-what would have been a whole day at work just a week ago.  Then I got invited to a playoff party with American models.  Apparently there are plenty of "industry" people that frequent this bar-Fiori in Brera.  At some point, a couple of us grew tired of the "Industry" questions so one guy said he was a personal shoe cobbler exclusive to Armani.  My best response was that I am the spokesmodel for soy sauce. Ignorance is bliss and use it to your advantage.

The Pats playoff game started at close to midnight and ended at 4am.  If I want to watch the Superbowl, it will be the same scenario.  They are telling me that the Oscars might be something similar too!  This is the life of an ex-pat.   Just when I thought the World Cup in Korea was inconvenient to watch in the states....

It’s Really Happening-I’m moving to Italy!

"Le falta" is a key phrase when trying to fit your life into a suitcase and move across the ocean.  My dear friends/miracle workers Eyrela and Mariela helped me pack my suitcases and organize my room.  They had their sophisticated system of weighing anything going into the suitcase.   Then 2 nights before I left, we did a "dry run."  My mom parked curbside while we performed the ceremonial "weighing of the baggage."   

For the most part, we were underweight by just a couple of ounces with the exception of my excess baggage with a 70 lb max limitation.  Mine was under by 2 lbs.  Although clever, this packing system is not patented, nor true science.  Naturally, we encountered other travelers who were basically preparing for their weigh-in, applying the same principles. 

When the friendly travelers noticed that my baggage was under by 2lbs, she exclaimed with excitement "le falta," while gesturing we can fit more in.

At that point, only my makeup and jewelry, along with other odds and ends still needed to be packed.  Yet before finishing up, in my typical fashion, I squeezed in my “Cenacolo” aka Last Supper, along with a not-so-early night of cocktails.   I paid dearly with a sleepless night of additional packing.  After a long trip, inclusive of a four hour layover, I finally reached Milano early Saturday evening.  I arrived jet lagged, but stood ready to enjoy my first taste of Milano nightlife at any cost.