...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

Takes Time

Everyone who knows me has realised that unless I'm working with critically ill patients or managing an emergency department, I don't have a very precise concept of time, but during recent months I've began to appreciate the value of time.

Last night I was awake until 3.30am with a severe migraine. My head was pounding so severely that the pain was unbearable. I haven't experienced a migraine like that since the first week I arrived in Italy, but given my decision yesterday it was to be expected. Anyway this morning I've awoken feeling bright and pain free, and whilst I've been sitting by the open window having breakfast and watching the day break I've been thinking about the value of time.

In the six months I was in Australia, I worked and saved madly in preparation for returning to Firenze because I was filled with certain hopes and dreams. However, shortly after settling in I began to realise that these goals were not going to come to fruition and this reality jolted my heart and courage.

Some time frames are more precise and this allow us to monitor our energies. We know that it takes 20 minutes for a souffle to rise and to cook a Florentine steak, and 6 weeks for a bone to heal but how long does it take for our hearts to mend? Over time I've began to realise that although we have our time frames and expectations, sometimes we have to surrender to another rhythm and that the art of living is in finding some sense of peace whilst we wait. To realise that these times of waiting and wanting are like bridges that link two mountains. The precarious fall will always be there, but there can also be sunshine, wind and another vista to appreciate, and if we take time to re establish a new perspective and rhythm within ourselves we will find the energy, courage and hope to 'get there' in the end.

It's 8am and as the clouds shift to reveal a blue sky and sunshine it's time for Valentino and I to go cycling through the Chanti - it may be our last long ride together for a while.

Partenza di Firenze

Just a quick note to let everyone know that I have confirmed my departure date from Firenze & my arrival date in Melbourne. I am leaving Italy from Firenze on Monday November 24th, 2008 and will be arriving in Melbourne, Australia on November 25th, 2008.

Naturally I am happy to be returning to Australia, but sad to leave Italy, because I have a close affinity with many people here and I am fond of the life I have began to form, my experiences and memories.

Actually I feel blessed that I feel so attached to two places, because both places make me happy in different ways and that is quite beautiful.

Indulging in the Arts

I have choosen Back to Life by Giovanni Allevi (2007) a talented young Italian artist I heard play live last year to accompany this entry. Please access this link before continuing to read the following entry. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy8Iyd4xyQA

I've had a wonderful time in Fruili-Venezia Giulia and many artistic and lovely experiences have filled my soul.

At 6.30am Monday morning I arrived at the Firenze train station to find that there was a transport strike in Italy. As a result my departure from Firenze was delayed by 2hrs. However, when I eventually managed to board a train bound north it was only standing room only. At 1130am I arrived at Venezia Mestre and waited with all the other frustrated travelers at the train station until 1600pm. Then when I went to purchase my train ticket for Pordenone (Friuli) someone suggested I visit Venezia. With winter approaching dusk normally settles around 1630-1700pm, so I was somewhat reluctant to take on the spontaneous adventure, but I was also fatigued with sitting at the train station knitting, people watching and drinking lattes so within 10minutes I was on the last train to Venezia.

When I disembarked at Santa Lucia a handsome Italian man started an impromptu conversation with me and within minutes of the inital introduction he had designed three itineraries: "We could visit Galleria Grassi together; take a canal ride; or have an appertivo in a scenic location..?" he confidentally suggested. Given my tendency to miss trains and my prearranged rendez-vous for that evening, I decided on option number three - and suddenly the brief sojourn in Venezia became decisively more interesting.

Later that evening I traveled to Pordenone, to attend the Pascal Rioult Danza at Teatro Comunale Giuseppe Verdi - a contemporary dance company from New York that performed four visually beautiful and incredibly choreographed dance pieces (Home front, Wien, Prelude to night and Bolero) to the musical score of Ravel.

After an overnight stay in Pordenone on Tuesday morning I traveled by train to Codropio (Fruili) where my Dad's cousin Daniela met me with open arms and then briefly settled into my gorgeous bed and breakfast accommodation La Mulina beside Ledra brook in Sedegliano.

We then went to Udine for lunch, toured the town centre and walked to the castle on the top of the hill. Although the misty day overcast what would have been a spectacular vista over Udine, the walk helped us digest the indulgent lunch of polenta, saliscca cooked in white wine, and gnocchi with salmon. I couldn't help but think of my Dad.

In the evening Daniela & Angelino took me to dinner in the picturesque and affluent town, San Daniela. The evening was full of chatter, laughter, close examination of fabulous food and wine and a delightful apprecation of eye candy, thanks to the handsome northern Italians seated at the next table. Delightful!

On Wednesday morning I traveled to Udine to visit the Teatro Galleria d'Arte Moderna. The gallery has an impressive collection of 19th century paintings that were exhibited in the IV Biennale Internazionale d'Arte di Venezia in 1910. It was interesting to note the difference in the artworks from northern Italy (i.e. Veneto) as compared to central Italy (i.e. Lazio, Toscana) and southern Italy (i.e. Campania). Generally, I found that the artists from northern Italy used lighter (pastel-like) colours, that the works from central Italy were painted with an impasto style and more expressive in their brush strokes and that the artworks from southern italy were thematically more sober, painted in darker tones and with greater precision.

Northern Italian artists: (top) Crepuscolo by Vollet (1901); (middle) La Scaccia delle anitre by Tommasi (1896); (lower). Southern artists: Gli ultimi gironi di Domenica Morelli [detail] by Balestrieri (1904); (bottom) I due vecchi [detail] by Vasary (1901).

The following three paintings are from a modern artschool in Fruili and were most impressive. I particulary like the image of the provincial man drinking from a street tap by Pizzinato. Although the use of green, purple and blue is evident, it dosen't dominate the art work or detract from it's sensitive and sponateous depiction of ordinary life.

Spigolatrice by Anzii [Udine] (2000) (top); Ritratto di donna friulana by Giussi [Udine] (1955) (middle); Uomo che beve by Pizzinato (1958) (bottom).

The contemporary artworks were very interesting, hopefully these images illustrate the different genera and diversity of works.

Alluminio e quandri a collage by Aluiami [Udine] (1982) (top); Senzo titolo tecnica mista by Patrone (1985) (middle); Meridiano zero (acrilico e terre su tela) by Sedmach [Trieste] (1996) (bottom).

Wrapped woman by a Christo (1977) (above); litografia Nudio gigcente by Simon (1963) (below).

In the afternoon I went to Arta Terma (Fruili) near the Italian-Austrian border for a hot stone massage and thermal bath. This former Roman town was built close to hot sulphur springs that were used until the Middle Ages. It was divine. The treatment was professional, therapeutic and luxurious. As I lay in the bath, my thoughts drifted away. Outside it was raining and misty and I felt like I was in Dayelsford in Victoria.

In the evening I went to dinner with Graziella and Egilio. It was a lovely opportunity to be together. We talked about Sedegliano, what my dad was like as a young man and exchanged many stories. Another delightful evening.

On Thursday morning I awoke at 6am to listen to the capnelli of Sedegliano sound. Il mio Babo (Dad) always got breve (chills) when he heard the bells sound (to the tune of Ave Maria), so listening to them was a special and emotional experience.

After breakfast I curled up in bed reading and day dreaming. When I finally left my suite I walked around town, took some photographs, visited the Commune again to see about obtaining the documents I require for Italian citizenship and then had lunch with Zia and Renato.

Then in the early evening as it began to rain heavily, I departured to return to Firenze. With many lovely memories packed in my suitcase.