Vigilia di nuovo anno

Cari amici avvicinano e lontano,

Sulla vigilia di nuovo anno penso alla l'amicizia, la risata e la compagnia da qualche anno e gli augura la felicità e la pace per l'anno prossimo.

Spero che le nostre intenzioni per 2009 siano realizzate e che noi si incontriamo ancora presto.

Trasmettendogli i baci. Jules

Deck the halls with boughs of Holly

Christmas 2008As ribbons, torn wrappings and festive cards adorn the floors and mantelpieces of our homes, winter pudding settles in our tummies, and wine induced laughter and ridiculous conversations buzz through the air.

It's Christmas night and I hope your celebrations were as lovely as the one I shared with my family.

Last night, Mum and I attended Christmas Eve carols and midnight mass at St Francis Church in the city and then had Christmas pudding served with Italian custard before going to bed at 3.30am! Then this morning we had panatone and coffee in our garden and exchanged our Christmas gifts before going to the home of Barbara and Kevin, to celebrate Christmas with Bruno, Christy, Matthew and James.

Dear Barbara & Kevin,

Thank you for a wonderful & festive Christmas gathering. It was a truly beautiful, enjoyable and memorable celebration. Great food & wine, much laughter and great company. I particularly loved seeing gorgeous Matthew & James playing outside in the garden in the afternoon sun.

Tonight it was lovely to continue the Christmas celebrations with Mary Frances, Stephen and my god daughter Acacia. We had dinner together in the city and then we walked to Lygon Street for an ice cream. The night air was balmy and apart from a few restaurants the streets of the city were notably quiet. It was a relaxing way to conclude a beautiful day.

Tomorrow Mum and I are going to Chadstone to tackle the Boxing Day Sales. I think that Norman Rockwell's depiction will be an accurate representation of us at the end of the day.

Enjoy spending time with those you love, relaxing, eating & the festive break.

Buon Natale

Merry Christmas to my family & close friends both near & far.

May Christmas be a forgiving, loving and peaceful time & let's hope that the year ahead unfolds the opportunities our heart's desire.

Thinking of you.
With affection Jules.

Opportunities

In the near future I'm going to be pursuing some new opportunities.

• In February 2009, I'm starting a six month secondment as a Lecturer in the School of Nursing at Australian Catholic University, Melbourne.
• I've lodged an application to rent a beachfront apartment in Albert Park. At night I drift off to sleep dreaming about furnishing my new abode with my treasures, including my provincial sleigh bed, antique amoire, some art pieces, jazz music and sandy shoes. and personal belongings and long walks along the beach. The location is superb - I can't wait!
• Working at St V's has been challenging and fulfilling.
• Now that the weather is considerably warmer I'm enjoying cycling through the city & sea kayaking at Sandringham..and I'm dreaming of a golden tan, cruising the Great Ocean Road and my first swim in the surf.
• Recently I started processing the documents for my Italian visa. Although things are progressing slow-ly I feel hopeful.

New footprints

When I thought about returning to Melbourne, I decided that it was really important to 'live in Melbourne' and to not feel as though I was returning to only catch up with my family and close friends. Therefore before I left Firenze I really thought about the balance I am trying to achieve between these two homes-in-my-heart and about some of the things I wanted to achieve and do during my time in Melbourne.

Since returning some of my expectations have been challenged and I've began to see changes in myself and those around me. Although these changes can be difficult to comprehend, they are helping me to discover a different type of happiness and I'm excited by the opportunities that are slowly evolving.

Si tu me olvidas

Quiero que sepas
una cosa.

Tu sabes como es esto:
si miro
la luna de cristal, la rama roja
del lento otono en mi ventana,
si toco
junto al fuego
la impalpable ceniza
o el arrugado cuerpo de la lena,
todo me lleva a ti,
como si todo lo que existe,
aromas, luz, metales,
fueran pequenos barcos que navegan
hacia las islas tuyas que me aguardan.

Ahota bien,
a poco a poco dejas de quererme
dejare de quererte poco a poco.

Si de pronto
me olvidas,
no me busques,
que ya te habre olvidado.

Si consideras largo y loco
el viento de banderas
que pasa por mi vida
y te decides
a dejarme a la orilla
del corazon en que tengo raices,
piensa
que en ese dia,
a esa hora
levantare los brazos
y saldran mis raices
a buscar otra tierrs.

Pero
si cada dia,
cada hora
sientes que a mi estas destinada
con dulzura implacable.
Si cada dia sube
una flor a tus labios a buscarme,
ay amor mio, ay mia,
en mi todo ese fuego se repite,
en mi nada se apaga ni se olvida,
mi amor se nutre de tu amor, amada,
y mientras vivas estara en tus brazos
sin salir de los mios.

- Pablo Neruda.

A new rhythm

I've been back in Melbourne just over two weeks now and slowly I'm finding a new rhythm: started emergency nursing again at St V's & it feels as though I never left; attended an interview for a Lecturers position at a Melbourne University; been reviewing Bayside apartments; applying for art exhibition spaces; and trying to get my car back on the road. With Christmas on my doorstep my chances of getting everything arranged before the end of the year is slim; but it doesn't matter because for now I'm happy to do things step-by-step and allow life to unfold.

Things do magically happen however. For example, the other day I arrived home to find Cameron's racing bike positioned on our front porch. He has loaned me his bike because he knows how much I'm yearning to go out riding. What a lovely surprise. I'm so thrilled.. but please don't say anything to Valentino!

James

Isn't he beautiful!

James (2 1/2 years old).

Team Edgy

Whenever Lamme visits Australia, there is always much anticipation. Not only because he is a gorgeous man and a loyal friend, but because I always know that his brief sojourn will be eventful and enjoyable.

Often in the days leading up to his arrival, a Chinese whisper circulates amongst his close Melbourne friends as we begin to plan our next rendez vous. We treasure these times because in recent years we have began a tradition whereby we hike together when Lamme is in town. However the essence of the hike is not purely the beautiful landscape, the miles trekked, or about collective admiration for 'Icebreakers'; but rather about the crazy banter, wild stories and belly laughs which we share throughout the day and which continues into the night over dinner and wine.

Sunday's hike at Mount Macedon with Jo, Bloomers, Pete, Cameron, Hurnard & myself was no exception. Dinner at Hurnard & Nu's was wonderful and the company fantastic... I laughed so much that I had tears in my eyes and developed a cramp in my side.

I'll miss you Lamme and look forward to seeing you, Lorena & Team Edgy in February '09 for a kayak-hike adventure.

Safe travels.

Lee's 40th Birthday

Lee's family and close friends gathered today at Fairfield Boathouse for a gorgeous, youthful and spirited celebration - her 40th Birthday (shhhhhhhh).

Whilst the sun filtered through the oak trees and onto checked tablecloths, sausages and prawns cooked on an open barbie, children played with ducks by the waters edge, kayaks paddled by and Lee crowned with a purple jeweled tiara, sat amidst all the chatter encircled by many people who love her dearly.

As we sat under the shelter of the marquee with coffee and birthday cake, not even the afternoon's tropical rain could extinguish the smiles and chatter of those still gathered.

Happy Birthday Princess, may all your dreams come true.

Guru says

..so it's time for me to hit the surf.

Charlie, Charlie...!

The sound of Margie calling "Charlie, Charlie...!" echoed across Hay's Paddock in Kew today.

Charlie is her gorgeous 10year old Labradoodle (a hybrid dog/cross bred between a Labrador Retriever and Poodle), who quickly darted towards the large pond in the park whilst we were out walking today.

Before Margie had a chance to recover the lead, Charlie plunged into the moss covered pond, waded through the reeds and began to playfully chase the ducks in the pond. Despite persistent calls and half-hearted attempts to reprimand him, he continued to play/swim in the pond for an hour.

When we realised that Charlie was not going to cease his game, we sat on the grass in the sun, saw the humor in the misadventure and waited until: he was too tired to continue; one of us reluctantly was prepared to enter the pond to retrieve him; or the ducks had migrated for winter.

As we waited small children, other dog lovers and locals picnicking in the park, gathered to admire Charlie and the paradoxical situation. When Charlie was eventually coached out of the pond, his soft, golden coat was matted by green moss, reeds and bits of bark and he was so exhausted he could barley walk.

Our colourful experience concluded with a late lunch and catch up at a wonderful local cafe. As we sat outdoors in the afternoon sun reclining on benches, as Charlie and Phoebe reclined on us; people stopped to admire her two tranquil beauties... naturally oblivious to our day's great misadventure.

Time for another coffee?

Tonight as I walked along the beach foreshore admiring the rhythmic pattern of the waves lapping upon the sand, inhaling the salt sea air, and absorbing the warm sun on my face; I was filled with a deep seated happiness to be back in Melbourne and to have Bella Firenze in my heart.

Unfortunately because I have been consistently unwell since I returned, my plans to establish myself are progressing fairly slowly. But as I found in Italy; this 'new rhythm' can awaken other opportunities. So I'm taking this temporary obstacle in my stride and enjoying simple moments - like spending time with my family and close friends.

Mum at Dench in Fitzroy, Melbourne.

...Next chapter?

As I update the blog description to the right, I wonder what the next chapter will unfold and feel ready to dive in and embrace every and any opportunity.

Land Down Under

Please add sound track from the link below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNT7uZf7lew

I'm back in Melbourne, AUSTRALIA - the Land Down Under - and enjoying the familiar sights, sounds and sensations of home. After a lengthy sleep in, I awoke to the sound of birds chirping instead of the local church bells, tasted home cooking instead of local pastries and espressos, felt the warmth of the Aussie sun against my skin rather than Europe's crisp winter air, exchanged personal stories with Mum whilst sitting at the kitchen table in my pj's instead of serendipitous encounters with foreigners, and tonight celebrated my return to Australia with my Jewels of the South Suz, Jamilla & Lee and Aussie wines at 'Syracuse' in Melbourne.

It's LOVELY to be home in Melbourne.

Jules, Jamilla, Suz & Lee

Traveling home to Melbourne

Local time in Hong Kong: 0905am.

Time in Italy is: 0305am.

I've been traveling for 17hours and I'm on the last leg of the 24hour flight home. My departure from Firenze went well. I had no problems at the passport control and had enough time for one last coffee in Italy.

The Air France flight has been fantastic. Great seats, food excellent and managed to sleep a little.

Last boarding call for QF30 to Melbourne has just been announced (exciting!) so better go.

Baci Jules

(Video is inverted) View of the Swiss Alps from aircraft.

Kisses, embraces & tearful good-byes

It's nearly 3am and I'm just about to go to bed. Last sleep.. yes sigh, sob.. but what a day....

The main objective of the morning was to relocate all my belongings from my apartment in San Marco to my friend's garage in Santa Croce. After four hours sleep I awoke at 5.30am, had a quick breakfast and then carried seven containers (of various dimensions and weight) down four flights of stairs. At 7am Bob arrived, I loaded the containers into his car and we began to transport my belongings and by 8.30am we had finished and were having a coffee together in a local bar. When I walked up the stairs towards my apartment again I was thoroughly exhausted, because Bob recently broke his arm and given that it's still in a plaster cast I had to lift and transport the containers on my own.

In these moments I often find myself overwhelmed by the challenges which confront me; astounded by my strength and determination; and immensely grateful for the generosity and support of friends.

During the mornings transport expedition, I also began to doubt myself and what I'm trying to achieve. Living in one city is hard enough - but two? Am I insane? Bob suggested that if I was to find the right man and the right job suddenly the location whether it be Melbourne or Firenze wouldn't matter anymore. Yes I agree, but in the interim why can't I just live my life...? And why do I always feel like everyone wants me to account for or justify my decisions...?

I was so exhausted after the mornings adventure and feeling so sensitive/emotional that once I was home I decided to head back to bed. I awoke a few hours later still feeling sentimental but more enthused to maximise my last day in Firenze and get out and enjoy the clear blue sky day. So I had a shower, something to eat and got dolled up to meet a friend.

As I walked towards a local cafe in Piazza San Marco my shoes felt like lead, but as I slowly sipped my latte and admired the locals around me, my tensions and apprehensions began to slowly dissipate. 'Last day, last moment'... It's a strange experience. It's like extending your arm to grab a handful of air. Even though you know it's intangible, you long to place a small amount in your pocket for keepsake. I didn't want to do anything special today. I just wanted to be immersed in the city, live these sights and sensations and to feel a sense of happiness and satisfaction.

After my coffee I continued to walk to Piazza Il Duomo where Manuela and I had arranged to meet. As I waited, a sense of happiness began to emerge as I watched the Italians walking about the city centre on their Sunday afternoon passiggata. With couples parading effortlessly arm-in-arm along cobble stoned lane ways decorated with Christmas ferns and lights, I felt as though I was viewing an open theatre production. As the scene unfolded the bells of Il Duomo sounded, Manuela appeared, we embraced and then joined the parade. We walked through all the main streets arm-in-arm eating roasted chestnuts and talking continuously. It was delightful!

In the evening we met up with my Jewels of the North. Sandra, Zelka, Sabine, Olga & Carmen at a local wine bar near Palazzo Pitti for one last farewell drink, chat, photos, exchange of kisses, and wishes... and the first of many tearful departure embraces.

By the time we left the wine bar it was 6 degrees. From there we walked together along the Ponte Vecchio towards the city centre through the crisp night air. It was bitterly cold but I have a gorgeous impression of us standing near the Arno River chatting as we snuggled into our fur collars and wedged our gloved hands more firmly into the pockets of our winter coats.

Then Manuela and I walked to Claudia and Lorenzo's home near Il Duomo. The warmth of their company buffered the cold we'd experienced and before too long we were shedding our winter layers and in the midst of Lorenzo's birthday celebration.

Red wine, cheeses and merriment were in abundance, and once everyone had been introduced the party began..! We eat, drank, 'discussed and laughed about coincidences', and made endless brindi's. It was a fabulous evening.

A few moments ago, after Claudia & Lorenzo escorted everyone home and an abundance of heartfelt kisses and sentimental farewells were exchanged, I walked up the stairs and into my apartment for the last time and felt very blessed. I feel so happy and satisfied and hopeful. I know my decisions are unconventional and not straightforward, that I'm a dreamer etc etc but my life is so rich.

I came to Italy (Firenze) in February 2007. I knew no one. I didn't know how this city functioned, it's idiosyncrasies, culture, traditions or language and tonight I realise how much I have achieved, grown, experienced and how many loving & beautiful friends I've made. People who have been so generous with their support and love. Who have held the window open when other doors shut and who have stood beside me gently or patiently walked beside me throughout last year and the last four months.

Until the next time....

Baci da Firenze

Con affetto Jules

Bye, bye Italy

It's after midnight and the final container with my personal belongings has just been placed by the door of our apartment; ready for tomorrow's 7am relocation/storage adventure.

My suitcase is all packed. So here I go again...

Tonight as I prepared for my departure my heart was feeling a little heavy. Don't ask me why... I'm just feeling pensive.

I never thought that I could develop such a bond with another city. As I've always loved living in Melbourne: it's the home of my family & friends; where dreams & opportunities have been nurtured; my foundation; and yet in spite of this, Firenze also feels like home.

These parallel worlds offer so much in different ways. One gives me securely and the other a new sense of freedom. One is my identity and in the other I am creating my identity. One provides an abundance of professional opportunities versus an economy which disguises opportunities.

Anyway...I'm looking forward to the sun on my face and sand between my toes, vivid sunsets, the scent of freshly cut grass, the squeal of young children as they play in the local park, cicadas & birds in suburbia, your smiles and embraces and the first of many lattes or red wines which we will be sharing together in the near future.
Goodnight.

Beautiful memories

As my time in Bella Firenze draws to a close, emotions & desires shift.

Last night I had dinner with Claudia, Lorenzo & Marco. It was a really lovely evening and enjoyable from start to finish.

We met in front of Il Duomo. It was dark and raining and we stood huddled together under the shelter of two small umbrellas trying to decide whether we would precede with our plans and embrace the formidable weather or seek a moments refugee in the adjacent bar and wait for the rain to cease. Our decision was hastened by the presence of the police who approached us twice to indicate that our motorbikes were obstructing the pathway. Naturally the boys disagreed. To avoid getting a fine I apologised and explained to the police that we were about to leave. As I spoke I found it humorous to watch the recognition on their faces (i.e. I was a foreigner). We then decided to layer up and head to Fiesole for dinner at an Indian restaurant.

Over dinner we ate, laughed, talked and ate some more.

As we rode away from Fiesole along winding and cobblestone roads, flanked my ancient stone walls and Cyprus trees; I inhaled the crisp night air, admired the illuminated vista of Firenze and the night sky.

We concluded the night with cocktails at Ruflio in San Niccolo (ironically three days after arriving in Firenze, I attended a close friends birthday there).

I've 'lived' a lot of memories, sensations, emotions and experiences during my four months in Italy. Most of these defy comprehension and explanation. Many of them I've lived with my heart and soul. Many have been beautiful and inspiring.

In a few days it will be time to dive off this edge and enter another reality. Naturally every now and again I anticipate how I will feel when I leave and when I arrive in Melbourne. It will take a while for me to find my rhythm again, but I know that beauty awaits me there too.

The hour glass has been turned

...and days shift to hours as the time before my departure quickly trickles away.

Lasting impressions

With Christmas carols tuning, decorations have began to adorn shop windows and archways, and in these last few days I continue to remind myself to look up for another chance to catch a glimpse of this city's stolen beauty and to memorise these last impressions of Bella Firenze.

Florentine men

In these final days before leaving, I've had the pleasure to dine and rendez-vous with many friends including some of the close male friends I've made whilst living in Bella Firenze. Below are some photographs of these special men.

Giacomo and Francesca (below). I met gorgeous Giacomo two weeks after arriving in Firenze last year at Dora's surprise 30th birthday celebration. As soon as he found out that I was from Australia he was keen to get to know me, as he lived in Melbourne for 6months. He is a handsome, honest and a good friend. Our times together have indeed been La Dolca Vita.

Marcello (below) is the barista at the Flower Cafe on the corner near my apartment. His open smile, cycling itinerary's & daily banter have nourished my soul.

Packing day

I was so tired that not even the church bells from San Marco could wake me this morning. After sleeping in until 12noon I had a shower, quickly got dressed, put the cafeteria on the stove & went next door to purchase a sfolgia with nutella from Marcello at the Flower Cafe.

As I walked out of the apartment I saw that it was another beautiful day and a perfect opportunity to cycle through the Chanti. Ahhhh... the sunshine and clear blue skies are enticing ... but today I have to focus on packing up all my belongings & prepare for Monday's departure. So enough procrastinations, it's time to finish the emails & skype calls, turn up the stereo & dive into the abyss of my suitcases.

A door shuts & a window flys open.

..well that's what they say, but does it really happen? Possibly.

After a confronting morning rendez-vous I went and had a more light hearted & nurturing coffee with Sandra my friend who works on the Ponte Vecchio. Then whilst seated at the cafe she received an urgent call from work and had to leave, so I casually finished my coffee and after a while pulled my mobile out of my bag to check the time. When I retracted my mobile I noticed that I had a missed call..(?) I rarely answer missed calls but today for what ever reason I did dial the anonymous number. And with that "Marco from H&M" answered. He told me that he had called me a few times over the past 2weeks but that I had never replied & that he wanted to tell me how I went at the H&M interviews. Then he told me that he had "good and bad news" (given that I was already seated I was happy for him to proceed with the options in whichever order).

The good news was that I'd been very successful with the H&M interviews, that they liked me and wanted me to work for them... the bad news however was that the positions in Firenze had been filled and that there wasn't an opportunity at present, but that they would contact me with an availability in the future.

I told him that his message was perfect. As I was leaving Italy next Monday and needed to remain in Australia for a minimum of three months. Which means that I would not have been able to work for H&M for at least that time and if they had given me a contract they would only have held that position for me for a maximum of two months. I was so hapy I added "if H&M require me to relocate for a job outside of Firenze (i.e Milano, Bologna, Roma or Venezia) I'm more than happy to do that... or 'Paris if you need me to work there' . Bring it on I thought...bring it on!!

Immediately I rang Manuela to see if she had heard from H&M. Unfortunately she still hasn't received any news. But we are keeping our fingers crossed.

Just consider the irony and incredible timing. For example had I spoken to Marco before Friday what would I have done knowing that there was finally a work contract, but I couldn't accept it. Would I have tried to stay and accept it or leave and jeopardise losing the job opportunity? Furthermore if H&M decide to contract me for a position and call me to come from Australia then I can obtain a legitimate work contract...

That phone call nearly blew me into the Arno River. I can't believe it. I search, wait, hope, try to address every obstacle and follow every thread of hope.. and nothing. For months nothing. Then today, just like that with one phone call my entire fate changes. And to think that that opportunity had been there for the last 2weeks - only I didn't realise it.

Jewels of the North

Tonight Zelka, Carmen, Sandra, Olga & I celebrated my imminent departure from Firenze. These girls have been my soul mates, my confidants, fashion icons, latte sipping & play-time friends - my Jewels of the North. I admire and love each one of them dearly. I cherish their openness and sincerity, and the synergy we've found linked by our dreams and destiny in Firenze.

Zelka, Carmen, Jules, Sandra & Olga.

World Press Photo Exhibtion, Lucca

Today Manuela, Stefano & I went to see the World Press Photo Exhibition.

A huge collection of contemporary photographs displayed in various villas, theatres, museums and churches located in Lucca (Toscana) (17 artists represented in 12 different locations).

The photographs covered a diverse range of topics: flenir-like images by street photographer Alex Webb in "fotografie"; confronting photojournalist images by Paolo Pellegrin in "as I was dying" which earnestly exposes the suffering of others; contemporary images of the 2nd Battalion Airborne US Infantry in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan by Tim Hetherington in "battle company"; beautiful black and white fantastical portraits by Mario Carvo Neto in "l'eterno presente"; modernity images of 'modern life' and 'leisure' represented in beach scenes of Northern Italy by Massimo Vitali in "portfolio"; Andrew Zucherman's colour images of animals in posed studio portraits in "creature"; Matteo Basile "the sanits are coming" deconstructs social and religious norms with unusual and staged portraits; Enzo Cei "trapianti" depicting organ donation; and Mario Daniele "ocean" tries to depict the invisible line between sand and water, water and wind, sun and clouds.

Alex Webb (below first); Enzo Cei (second); Mario Cravo Neto (third & last).

'Sometimes I puzzle if the real world is truly separated from the imaginary one. In ones infancy adults force us to neglect fantasies and open eyed dreams and call us to be anchored to the so called reality. We are taught that the realm of imagination is false, dangerous. In fact, a small or great part of our inner - it depends upon the individual power - stills in the shadowed world of imagination which helps us to survive'. Mario Carvo Neto