Yamas!
Carla
It's Raining in Como!
Ah well, here I sit, 3 days after the wedding of my sister Ila, to Marco Bernasconi. Their wedding was officiated by the actual mayor of Como, a very well-put together Italian man, and many of our friends and family were there to support them. It was an absolutely beautiful day.
Eva, Jane and I got up early and got ready. We then headed over to Ila's suite at the Hotel Suisse Metropolitano to help her get ready. The photographer, Alberto, would shoot most of her getting ready and then head to the ceremony. So we got there and Eva and Jane went into professional mode. Eva, a pathologist with a strong fine arts background was responsible for Ila's hair. Jane, a lawyer with an affinity for makeup, was responsible for Ila's face. They did an amazing job! Alberto arrived and shot my mom, creating the bouquet of white roses for Ila. We helped her put on her dress. I was able to relax, knowing Alberto was a great photographer and I could simply get fun shots to add to the collection.
After the ceremony at the Villa by the lake, we took some photos. It was a sunny, clear, bright day and my sunhat was a huge success! After this, Lele, one of Marco's best friends, drove Ila, Marco and I up to Molina di Faggeto, and Villa Nessi where the reception was to be held. We arrived and walked up the cobblestone steps to the Villa, where a breathtaking view of the lake awaited us.
After delicious nibblies, we headed up to the main level to sit down for the formal 6 hour dinner. In between courses of sea bass, risotto and zucchini compote we could wander through the old gardens, and marvel at the lake and surrounding mountains.
The day was beautiful, and after a few hours the festivities had died down. Luckily, there was the Champions League finals game happening between Bayern Munich and Internazionale Milan. With Como being only an hour by train from Milan, it was the equivalent of the superbowl for them. Inter ended up winning 2-0, how could they not win on this special day?
We took the bus back into town, rocking out to my iPod on the way down. Little did we know that the entire town would be going crazy for the soccer game win. Inter fans were everywhere, in the streets, on the sidewalks, playing their bongos and chanting. Then they spotted the "sposi", the newly married couple. Everyone was yelling, "Viva gli Sposi!" Long live the married couple! It was insane! Ila and Marco got picked up on the shoulders of the crowd and run down the street. All I could see was her bouquet flying down the road. People were asking Marco if they could kiss his bride. Random photographers were taking their picture. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The night wrapped up with us going back to our rooms, with full bellies and hearts. It was a beautiful day, not to be forgotten and I'm so thankful that I was a part of it!
Saluti!
CAE
Hellas!
Hello my friends!I have arrived safely and soundly in Santorini, Greece. I'm staying in Perissa Beach, right off the black sand beach which is hot on the little piggies if you know what I mean! Yesterday I got in about 6pm, got to my hostel by the nice airport transfer and then got to check out the area. I was pretty much beat after 24 hours of travel, so it was nice to get in, chill out with my book and pass out.
I got up early today and went for a run along the beach road. Luckily, I saw 2 other people on my run, but I still think those Greeks were saying, 'Kalimera! Good Morning, you crazy girl!'
Then I went for a walk to explore and see what had changed in the beach since I had last come here in 2007. It's not high season yet so there are still a few places that haven't opened yet, but the staples are here. Beach bar, check. Yazz Club, check check. And the BAKERY! Yes, my favorite place here has got to be the Bakery run by Vasiliki or Theomopoulous or George, I don't know his name... yet. But I'm planning on going there daily. For around 1.5E a meal, you can't beat it.
So I'm waiting for Aggie to arrive. Hilights on my adventure so far are sitting next to the Hungarian grandpa during my long haul flight to Milan. He shared his snacks with me and he almost missed his connecting flights to Budapest. I was translating from Italian to English for him, with gestures. Another, on our short flight from Athens into Santorini - we couldn't take off because one of the carry on bags in the back of the plane was... wait for it... vibrating. So there is some confusion in the back. All we keep hearing is, "It'sah Viii-brating-ah." in a strong Greek accent.
Finally, Mrs. Potter comes back and claims her bag and reaches in and shuts off the vibrating object. Then, blushing profusely, walks back to her seat and announces, "It's alright, it was just a shaver!" Everyone chuckled a little.
That's about it for now. Please enjoy some photos from our hostel and the flowers here on my walk today.
Cheers,
CAE
Carla Goes Postal... again!
Hi Friends,
So tomorrow is the big day - I leave Chicago and head out to Europe. I fly from Chicago - JFK, then JFK onto Milan. Should be interesting considering the ash cloud that is "Eyjafjallajokull." Under normal circumstances I would be delighted to read about an active volcano for those of you that know me and know my obsession with obsidian et al.
After that I fly from Milan to Athens, then on to Santorini. It will be a miracle if I get in on my original times and flights. I have notified Xagoririas Vasiliki, my hotel owner of my travel problems however as his name is Xagoririas, I have little faith he understands all my complex requests and directions.
I was truly delighted to discover that I packed my list of clothes, hair products, shoes and still had room left over. For those of you that have followed this blog from the beginning, that is an epic win. When CarlaGoesPostal was launched it was the birth of the '5th Grader' a nickname I lovingly gave to my rucksack that was the size of an American born 10 year old. Huge. Sadly, he won't be accompanying me this trip. And also, when you pack for 4 months and several different climates it's a lot harder to fit your life into a 40 gallon bag. 4 weeks is much more manageable... sigh...
So I hope you keep checking this spot, as I'll be posting pics, funny stories and keeping you 'posted' on my going postal. First stop: Santa Irina. God help a duck!
As always, thanks and cheers,
CAE
So tomorrow is the big day - I leave Chicago and head out to Europe. I fly from Chicago - JFK, then JFK onto Milan. Should be interesting considering the ash cloud that is "Eyjafjallajokull." Under normal circumstances I would be delighted to read about an active volcano for those of you that know me and know my obsession with obsidian et al.
After that I fly from Milan to Athens, then on to Santorini. It will be a miracle if I get in on my original times and flights. I have notified Xagoririas Vasiliki, my hotel owner of my travel problems however as his name is Xagoririas, I have little faith he understands all my complex requests and directions.
I was truly delighted to discover that I packed my list of clothes, hair products, shoes and still had room left over. For those of you that have followed this blog from the beginning, that is an epic win. When CarlaGoesPostal was launched it was the birth of the '5th Grader' a nickname I lovingly gave to my rucksack that was the size of an American born 10 year old. Huge. Sadly, he won't be accompanying me this trip. And also, when you pack for 4 months and several different climates it's a lot harder to fit your life into a 40 gallon bag. 4 weeks is much more manageable... sigh...
So I hope you keep checking this spot, as I'll be posting pics, funny stories and keeping you 'posted' on my going postal. First stop: Santa Irina. God help a duck!
As always, thanks and cheers,
CAE
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