Assisi

...Then on Sunday I went to Assisi. Once again the city's beauty and tranquility worked it's magic on me. Prior to leaving, I attended mass at the Basilica of San Francesco and then stayed for the vespa prayers. Unfortunately, I dwindled as I walked to the bus stop and missed the last connecting bus to the train station by 2 minutes. As a result the return journey to Firenze which would have taken 2.5hrs by train, ended up taking me 12 hours to complete (i.e. two bus trips & 3 train rides). I got home at 6.30am!!! Despite this however, I enjoyed the overnight adventure, the different people I met along the way and the coffee stops.. and I was glad that I had my pashmina with me.

Self Portrait whilst having lunch at Ristorante degli Orti, Assisi

(Above) Giotto's fresco of San Francesco in the Basilica San Francesco (inferior) Assisi, (below) religious statues, wooden rosary beeds & memorabilia.

Street scenes & vistas in Assisi: (above) Via San Francesco leading to the Basilica of San Francesco; exterior staircase leading to the superior chapel of the Basilica; marble detail from the exterior of the Basilica; (below) landscape view towards the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, Assisi.

A typical day in Assisi; (below) washing, spring cleaning and attending church services and vespa prayers.

(Above) A young couple outside the Basilica San Francesco - she patiently waits while her beau finishes his detailed phonecall; Assisi youth gather to speculate about the activities of their peers; (below) A young babe sleeps while his mother waits at the train station in Perugia to commence their long journey home.

Cycling: Firenze to Olmo via Fiesole

Just had another great weekend.

On Saturday I went cycling with Barbara (who prior to moving to Florence, was a Wall Street banker in New York). We cycled to Olma via Fiesole (total 48km) and then met up with Aldo at Parc Cascine for a bit to eat at dusk. She's a great rider, spirited and fun.

Armstrongs' muse

Marie & Bob's stylish soiree

Marie & Bob are an Australian couple (from Sydney) who have lived and worked in Italy for 38years. They moved to Italy, when Bob was contracted to work for an American-Italian engineering company in Bologna and later they were transferred to Firenze.

Marie is generous, incredibly straight forward and a passionate collector of contemporary Australian art. I recently met this couple at a dinner party for "Australian's living in Florence". Marie and I quickly established a connection based upon our mutual love of contemporary art and "Bella Firenze" and ironically Bob is a keen rower with the Societa Canoteri.

They have a gorgeous apartment in San Croce, overlooking the Arno River and tonight held a stylish soiree to bring together a group of collective & artistic minds. The atmosphere was relaxed, the food and wine - divine and the company stimulating.

Fellow dinner companions included Jonah & Susie Jones (art curators from Melbourne) & their gorgeous 3 year old son Alex; and Sydney based jewellery designer Jasmine.

A lovely night!

(Above) Angelic Alex contents himself with his toys; the evening begins with a toast to Australians living in Firenze; (below) Marie & Bob preparing the salmon; Gorgeous Susie &Alex; Jonah & Jasmine seated at the dining room table; Jules pensively looks on as Mum & babe play.

Cycling: Livorno to Cecina

A gorgeous days cycling along the Tuscan coastline from Livorno to Cecina.



Distance 40km
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=Via+di+Salviano,+459,+57124+Livorno+Livorno,+Italy+(Livorno+-+Salviano)&daddr=Quercianella,+Livorno+Leghorn,+Tuscany,+Italy+to:castiglioncello+to:Rosignano+Marittimo+Leghorn,+Tuscany,+Italy+to:cecina+firenze&hl=en&geocode=FYdRmAIdvs2dACEBe1T-wPlQcw%3B%3B%3B%3B&mra=ls&sll=43.536603,10.61142&sspn=0.4908,1.215363&ie=UTF8&ll=43.470861,10.589447&spn=0.245668,0.607681&t=p&z=11

Cycling: Firenze to Greve in Chanti

This afternnon I went cycling from Firenze to Greve in Chanti, via Grassina and San Paolo in Chanti and through a landscape scattered with colorful autumn leaves, vineyards and bathed in sunlight. Whilst in Greve in Chanti I had afternoon tea with Jonah and Susie and played hide and seek with little Alex.


Distance: 35km. Total time: 3.5hrs


http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=Via+27+Aprile,+50129+Firenze+Florence,+Tuscany,+Italy&daddr=grassina+to:Greve+Florence,+Tuscany,+Italy+to:San+Polo+in+Chianti,+Greve+Florence,+Tuscany,+Italy+to:bagno+a+ripoli+to:via+27+aprile+firenze&hl=en&geocode=&mra=pe&mrcr=2,3&sll=43.659002,11.315362&sspn=0.489803,1.215363&ie=UTF8&ll=43.723723,11.314201&spn=0.122319,0.303841&t=p&z=12

Exploring Pisa & Cyling: Pisa to Livorno

Distance Pisa to Livorno (40km)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=Pisa+Centrale+Station&daddr=Marina+di+Pisa+to:Livorno++&hl=en&geocode=FfjmmgIda7OeACFCturIVR8cig%3B%3B&mra=ls&sll=43.69115,10.747595&sspn=0.489544,1.215363&ie=UTF8&t=p&z=11&msa=0&msid=115833288355014160503.000459522b17d6f34448f>

Images courtesy of Valentino

This morning I spent a few hours lying in bed having breakfast and reading whilst the sun streamed into my bedroom through the open shutters and the sounds of Firenze serenaded me – vesaps on the cobblestone streets, Italian music on the radio, and the church bells from San Marco’s Church. A perfect Sunday morning!

This week the weather has changed in Florence. Since Wednesday we have been experiencing these warm beautiful days. Today has been a simply glorious sunny day - clear blue sky, 27 degrees and no humidity or wind. It feels like an early Summers’ days in Melbourne and because it reminded me of the Great Victorian Bike Ride, I decided to take a train ride to a town on the Tuscan coast and spend the afternoon cycling.

Without much planning I took the train from Florence to Pisa and before I began cycling along the coast, I toured the small town’s main highlights and took some photos.

We all gather images in our minds of what certain places will be like. One of the images I hold dear is a photo Mum and Dad took of me standing in front of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa when I was 2 years old - a cute blond curly topped little girl. When I cycled towards the piazza where il Duomo, the Baptistery and Leaning Tower are situated, I felt the anticipation that comes with confronting treasured images. I thought that the Tower was impressive, but the huge crowds in the piazza demystify and detract from it. Surrounding the major sights in the piazza are open lawns and this afternoon they were covered with people lying in the sun snoozing, couples smooching and families playing with their kids. Circling these lawns there are markets selling token souvenirs, cafes and people out ‘walking’. As with most major tourist cities, those out for a ‘passigata’ were dressed and manicured impeccably and both young and old couples were walking arm in arm. Gorgeous atmosphere – but crowded. I weaved through the crowds with Valentino and then on towards the beach at Pisa. At dusk I watched the local fisherman tending their catch and sat on the beach front eating cassato, pinolata and marron gelato. The marina was really lovely - It reminded me of Apollo Bay. Then I continued cycling along the marina at sunset towards Tirrenia and Livorno. And after a long train ride home, I’m now ready for a shower, tea and bed.

One little black earring

I have an ironic story to share. It’s the story of one little black earring.

It all began about a month ago, when I purchased two pairs of earrings from a funky design shop situated in the heart of Florence. I initially selected three pairs of earrings, but in the end I decided two pairs of earrings were indulgent enough. When I got home however, I realized that the sales assistance had accidentally sold me the pair of earrings which I had eliminated and the other pair that I wanted the 'little black earrings' weren’t in the bag. The next day I was leaving early for my ‘northern adventure’, so I returned to the store when I returned to Firenze the following week. I thought it would be quite simple; I’d explain the misunderstanding and the earrings could be exchanged, but due to the stores policy the said I couldn’t exchange the earrings and that I would need to purchase the third pair if I still wanted them. I definitely don’t need three pair of earrings, so I continued to explain that the earrings hadn’t been worn and that it was actually the fault of the shop assistant not mine. In short I wanted to exchange the earrings and leave with the pair I wanted in the first place. Despite the shop being full of Italians customers, I was determined to express my case even if doing it in Italian was immensely confronting and challenging; I continued to stand at the shop counter trying to diplomately but firmly press my case. After 20 minutes of persistent litigation, I finally succeeded in obtaining an exchange.

Yet despite all this effort I’ve ended up wearing the earrings only once or twice. That is to say that when I went to take the earrings off at the hairdressers recently, the back piece fell to the floor and instantly became invisible. We searched and searched and then gave up. I thought "Look it’s no major deal its only the backing". After the hairdressers I cycled home and when I looked in the mirror, I realised that I'd lost one earring.

After weeks of debating as to whether I should go back to the store and purchase another pair, this afternoon I decided to return to the store.

And this is where the story gets strange. As I walked into the store I instantly saw my earrings, however there was only one little black earring on the stand. Possibly the other had been lost or misplaced?... or ??? Anyway I asked the shop assistant if it was possible to purchase ‘one’ earring. She smiled and referred me to the manager, who happened to be the same girl I litigated with previously. Terrific! Thankfully they sold me the earring for half price. But how strange are these series of events....

EfCCNa Congress, Florence

EfCCNa Congress

October 9-11th, 2008

The 3rd European Federation of Critical care Nurses (EfCCNa) & 27th Aniarti Congress was held at Fortessa da Basso in Firenze. The theme was Influencing Critical Care Nursing in Europe.

The conference has definitely broadened my horizon on emergency and critical care nursing practices, research and professional nursing opportunities.

With over 2,000 professionals in attendance at the conference, the atmosphere was vibrant, active, inspiring and stimulating. I felt really privileged to be part of such a wonderful experience and such an amazing network of professionals. I really loved the opportunity to meet and talk with the various national and international colleagues. I conversed with greater ease in Italian and felt more confident and able to express myself. I'm just so thrilled to have attended. It was so impressive and one of the best conferences I've ever attended.


Although issues of concern in critical care appear to be universal, the strategies used to address these issues appears to vary greatly and often depends upon staff education and experiences, human resources, hospital funding, patient to nurse ratio, traditions and cultural emphasis.

The conference sessions were run simultaneously in four different salons, and were simultaneously translated into English and there were over 100 professional posters on display.
posters.

I attended a broad spectrum of topics presented by a cross range of international speakers: some talks presented the research from evidence based practices; some presented a summary of the current literature; and others discussed specific professional experiences and their management. Amongst the many talks I attended were: family presence in resuscitation (Italy); restraining patients in ICU (Turkey), the value of SVO2 monitoring in haemodynamic monitoring (USA); assessing delirium in patients in ICU (Denmark); managing noise levels in ICU (UK); therapeutic significance of nursing care (Poland, USA); MSF management of malnutrition in Africa (Italy); colostomy management of newborns (India); oral hygiene and maintenance (Israel).

http://www.aniarti.it/documentazione/programma.php?eventkey=51

EfCCNa Congress PARTY!

Let's PARTY

Friday October 10th, 2008

The Congress Party on Friday night was fabulous!

(Above) pre-party prepartion; (below) Congress PARTY photos - lots of wine, merriment & dancing in high heels.

They organised a cocktail party in the inner area of the Fortress and under the eves of the building was an endless selection of cheeses, fruit, bread, pastas, meats, wines and desserts. From the moment we arrived the DJ (who is apparently very well known in Italy) pumped loud contemporary music into the main room. A brilliant assemble which smoothly inter played music ranging from techno, pop, hip-hop and instrumental pieces. From the moment the first dance steps were initiated until the wee hours of the morning - everyone mingled, relaxed and danced.

What a fun and wild night!

Jules after pumpkin hour.

The penny drops

..."click"...

"There it goes again..."

"What is it....?"

"Its the sound of the penny dropping".

Confused?.... OK let me explain. Over the past few days the penny has dropped, that is to say that I have come to understand and accept that there is NO future for Marco and I and that I'm OK with that. No more tears, no more questions, no more searching, wanting or wishing.. and no more turning myself inside out. This overdue reality crystallised last week following a series of events and an extended period of illness (10 days sick at home with laryngitis!!!).

I've realised that we can't even be friends because Marco only wants to - see me, speak to me, or allow me to be a part of his life - when it's convenient for him. To be fair - I've allowed this to happen and facilitated it, because in the beginning: I was in love with him; I knew that I had returned to Florence mainly for him; I wanted his affection, love and a resolution; and I valued his companionship. The last three months however have been bloody awful at times. I've felt vulnerable, alone, scared and foolish and when I reflect back on those times, he wasn't really there for me as a confidant, true friend, companion, lover or a shoulder to lean on. Furthermore, he never once told me that he was happy I was back in Florence and even though I felt happy and secure in his company, the moment we parted and in the days that followed, I would feel sadness, loneliness and anguish at not being with him. I would often think about him, but didn't feel free to express myself and would feel a yearning and insecurity to see or hear from him again.

When you don't feel good or strong the next day after being with someone - this for me is an important sign. Anyway, Good-bye 'Mr Marco my Florentine Prince'. Our story was lovely but you are not my future and we were not meant to be.

Whilst 'the best is yet to come', I'm just so happy to be feeling healthy, strong and free again. I can breathe, I can dance, I can enter a room and smile, laugh and be me again... Now I've experienced being independent and self sufficient and I've experienced being in love and open hearted and for a time I had someone to share and dream with. This time the pendulum doesn't have to shift back to independent Jules it can rest peacefully somewhere in the middle. I'm glad I returned to Florence and I'm glad I returned when my heart was ready to love and be with him and I'm even thankful for experiencing all the emotions I've had to traverse to arrive at this realisation, because this time I didn't run away, shield or deny my feelings. As best I could, I stood on the edge of the high mountain cliff and with my arms stretched out wide and my face turned up to the sky, I dived in... I surrendered... I have lost what I 'thought I wanted', but in time I'll realise what I need and what is mine is still out there waiting for me.

Thanks for your thoughts, prayers, love and support.

Work opportunities

Searching for work opportunities

... Argh.. Because of the global economic problems, Firenze is in crisis and I can't find any work this year.. Its exasperating and difficult... What am I going to do?... Well as Gino said to me last week "Julie-Ann you need to place a few pans on the stove at once, because one will eventually catch alight". And that's what I'm doing.. I'm putting it out there and giving it my best shot!

Ideally I'd like to establish myself so that I can live in Firenze, Italy for 6-8 months; return home to live and work in Australia for a few months; and then between exchanges pursue the international aid projects (Tonga and Himalayan Health Exchange). Although its a dreamy idea, its also practical because nursing work in Italy isn't at the same professional standard it is in Australia and international work is contractual and seasonal.

Whilst I'm living in Firenze if I can work as a nurse that would be a fabulous experience (even if challenging and at times less autonomous than I'm use to); otherwise I'd like an opportunity to unleash my creativity and would love to work in design or something based upon contemporary art.

What I'm really aiming to achieve is to assist young contemporary artists in Firenze to exhibit their work and there is definitely a niche here that hasn't been tapped into yet. Anyway, I recently found a new restaurant in Firenze that is interested in establishing a reputation as a venue for contemporary art, music etc, and I have started discussions with the owner about acting as their mediator. I've visited enough art exhibitions and know enough young artists now to have a few months work arranged, but I just don't know whether I can do it... or if someone will give me an opportunity to do it.

Alternatively, if I can't find permanent work, I'm happy to take on a temporary work contract that way I'll have time to.. 'Maria' I'll concentrate on publishing my articles; 'Suz' I'll write the novel and you can turn it into a play/movie; 'Jamilla' I'll get out the exquisite brushes you guys bought me and start painting for the first solo art exhibit; and 'Mr RR, RAT pack, Corpy and Knop-py' I'll train up so I can: cycle with the "Italian guns"; and swim P2P with you guys next Summer.

Hey, have I told you that I've joined an International Florence based cycling group? and I've also met up with 'Australians living in Firenze' - an artistic and inspiring group - really delightful.. but I'll leave those stories for another time...

Museo Tessuto, Prato

Storia dei coloranti naturali
Saturday October 4th, 2008

Today I attended a one-day course held at the Museo Tessuto in Prato Tuscany. The course demonstrated and explained two professional techniques for dying fabric using natural ingredients:

1. warm water; and

2. cold water - an ancient Japanese technique.

What an interesting and stimulating day. I was able to take a small sample of dye home to experiment with and can't wait to dye some wool, which I want to then crotchet or knit into a shawl.

Arezzo, Toscana

The antique market in arezzo is held on the third Sunday of every month. It's wonderful.