Wedding Day! Part Two

Sorry I’ve been M.I.A.  I have been in a funk these past few weeks.  My birthday came and went and I’m glad that it did.  Over the years, I’ve grown to despise my birthday.  I know I should be grateful, etc., but for me, it always reminded me of my short comings.  I wish I could tell you my trip to Italy was all rainbows and sunshine, but it wasn’t.  I’ve been gloomy since I came back and once my birthday month came into effect, forget about it.  I just wanted to be left alone.

For the most part, I HATE being around people when do I get this way.  I always felt that my moodiness is something that I should deal with personally, and do not need an audience to witness my internal drama.  I had some outings to go to once I got back, and that made some of my mood swings dwindle down, but as they say, too much of a good thing can do more harm.  I needed some time to myself and finally had some last weekend when I stayed in and did absolutely nothing but to enjoy my own apartment.  I sometimes miss my place a lot.

Back to recapping where I left off on my best friend’s wedding.

We pulled into the wedding venue of Peppe Zullo.  It was breathtaking!  Gorgeous hills surrounded by white fluffy clouds!  We made our way to the crowd gathering afar and realized we probably weren’t going to get a seat.  Luckily someone gave up their seat so me and my friend could sit together.  Our makeup artist friend ran off to find the bride.  I was relieved we were finally at this point.  I couldn’t help but think about the past 20 years I’ve known my friend.  I felt so proud of her!  She was marrying a wonderful man in front of all of these people that flew in from all over!  It was pretty surreal.

Next thing you know, we heard the wedding music play on the speakers.  Here comes the bride!  She looked beautiful!  I don’t think she was aware of all of the camera phones recording her.  She ended up whispering something to us but it was all caught on video!  Oh well.  What can you do?

The ceremony was moving along when the wedding coordinator came up to us and lead us to a line of people.  I was under the impression we were going to give our mini speeches during dinner but apparently it was happening now.  I was so nervous!  I hated the fact I had to speak on a microphone.  My friend was ahead of me, and sure enough, when it was her turn, she started to cry.  GREAT.  Now I’m going to shed some tears.  I did manage to get it together but my voice was very shaky.  I had to stop for a second so I could regain my composure.  That was one of the most truthful moments I had ever encountered.  Telling my best friend in front of a crowd, how much I loved her.  I wish people could do this more often to one another.

Once the ceremony was over, the bride and groom got bombarded with people coming up to congratulate them.  I decided to go for a drink.  Light bites and cocktails were being served in one of the kitchens.  We enjoyed some delicious appetizers.  Eventually the couple came out and started dancing to the band.  It was the start of the party and everyone was having a good time.

We were then lead to the other building where the banquet was taking place.  Me and my friend luckily took some pictures before the crowd arrived.  Our first course was spaghetti, followed by another plate of pasta, and then a third!  Italians love their pasta!  They also brought out different wine pairings to go with our meal.  I loved them all!

Once dinner was over, me and my friend AGAIN took some time to sneak off and take more pictures.  The bride and groom were now taking their professional pictures, too.  When we returned to the banquet room, they placed the cheese table in the middle of the dance floor.  I’ve never seen anything like it! 

There was also a table put out filled with wine bottles from around the world!  Since the groom is in the wine making industry, he asked some close friends to bring in their wine so they could showcase them at the wedding.  It was a great experience being able to try different wines you don’t normally get a chance to.

Now it was time to dim the lights and start grooving!  The band was amazing, but once they started playing disco music, forget it!  It was time to tear up the dance floor!  This was the most fun for me since I love watching people enjoy themselves.  I loved seeing happy faces!  

It was now time to clear out and head to the OTHER building which looked like a glass greenhouse.  Here a large table of sweets were waiting for us to indulge in.  I got a chance to have some of the wedding cake and it was amazing!  Luckily, the dj got back on and it was time to burn off these calories!  By now people were getting a little silly but everyone was having fun.  I helped get the take home gifts ready which were mini bottles of wine from the groom’s winery.  What a great gift idea!

After the hoopla, it was time to meet in the parking lot for our charter bus to take us back to the winery 45 minutes away from here.  As you can imagine, there was no bus, (we apparently missed the last bus) and there was no other bus that was going to come back and get us.  Friends offered their cars to help out and we car pooled back into town.  What a day!

Wedding Day! Part One

It’s been pretty hectic at work lately and I’m tired all of the time.  Not to mention, since my birthday is around the corner (UGH!!!) I have some doctor appointments coming up.  Running to the suburbs for that has not been easy since we are short staffed at work.  It looks like everyone is on vacation and we’ve been having a hard time finding people to play in our softball team.  Too many things happening in June!

Back to recapping my big trip in Italy.  I woke up pretty early because I heard my friend jump in the shower, followed by the makeup artist.  They had to get to work since the makeup process can take up to two hours.  Since she had her hair set the night before at the salon, the hair people would be arriving a bit later to touch up her ‘do.  I got up myself to see if there was anything I can do to help.  My friend needed some tidying up around the house before the rest of the crew arrives.  People started waking up slowly, but I advised them that they still had some time to rest up before the day begins.  I figured the more people out of the way the better. 

Let’s just say that was easier than it sounds.  The groom was staying next door with some family members, and I’m assuming people were getting up in there too.  He went for a pastry run since guests were getting hungry.  I felt bad I couldn’t help out more.  By the time I finished tidying up, the makeup was done and we had to start getting people up to get ready.  We had a two hour window. 

I jumped in the shower first and then woke up my roommate from LA.  Then it was followed by the guest from FL.  My friend’s aunt and uncle had the upstairs bathroom to themselves, so it was a bit easier for them to get ready since they were out of the way.

By the time the hair people showed up to do her hair everything became a blur.  I didn’t know what was happening most of the time.  People kept coming in and out of the apartment.  I remember her aunt and uncle coming back downstairs to sit and lounge in the kitchen.  I asked them if they mind waiting upstairs until it was time to go.  The living room was getting hot with so many people around.  Some friends of hers came by to wish her well.  The groom’s parents were waiting for the photographers.  I realized once they arrived, more bodies will be in the house along with their equipment.  It was beginning to get chaotic.  At one point the groom told me outside that a car was going to come soon to pick up the bride.  I told him she wasn’t even dressed yet.  He looked upset but I explained to him that there were too many people over and were not letting her get ready.  I HAD TO GET READY TOO!

I felt bad because it was crunch time.  The venue was 40 minutes away.  Two charter buses were transporting people there.  I told the groom it would be easier to get the guests out of the house first so she could get ready.  He jumped on it and had people car pool to the charter buses.  The photographers showed up but she was still in the process of putting on her gown.  The makeup artist wasn’t done either.  He had to touch up her shoulders after she put the gown on. 

I could see my friend look worried.  She was not happy at all.  I felt bad for her.  We did the best we could to get the guests out.  The photographers did what they could to get the shots they needed in such a short amount of time.  

We car pooled to the last charter bus waiting for us and waited patiently.  The bride was following  right behind us.  The ride was pretty smooth and we got a chance to relax before the wedding began.  We went over our speeches and made some minor changes.  I just wanted my friend to be happy.  I was praying she was ok without us.

Foggia: Day Two

Luckily we got up in time to catch some pastries and fruit from our hotel before we met up with our 3^rd companion.  He was a makeup artist flown in from New York who happens to be a good friend of the bride.  We decided the night before to leave at a reasonable time since Roma Termini seemed chaotic.  Our new friend grabbed some grub outside the station, but I made the mistake of looking for something to munch on inside.  Not only were we in rush hour, but it’s not the same quick service we are used to in the States.  I decided to eat the snacks I brought along with me and hope we would have a bite to eat once we get there.  We had the fast train which would get us in Foggia in less than 4 hours.

I managed to bring my carry on to Rome, but my new friends both had two suitcases with them.  I helped the makeup artist with his and we made our way to the line.  There we met the 4^th traveler from the States who had arrived earlier in the week.  She seemed a bit upset so far, but was relieved when she knew we were all here together.  Unfortunately, we had no idea which line to get into, and had to wait for the announcement on the electric board to see where to go.  Everything was happening so fast, but we found the correct platform.  We had different carts, but our train was full so we couldn’t switch seats around.  We understood we had to get off at Foggia.

I tried to go to sleep but it didn’t go well.  As we were getting closer, I tried calling my friend but the signal was too weak.  The wifi on the train was a joke, and along with other hot spots in Europe, was not working properly.  Eventually, me and my friend DID manage to speak for a second, and she informed me someone else would be picking us up at the station when we arrived.  She warned me he would be running late.

We got off at our stop.  I noticed that the train would stop for barely two minutes to load and unload passengers.  It was nerve wrecking.  My friend informed the 4^th traveler that there would be no time to grab a bite to eat and to find something at the train station.  Since we knew our ride was going to be late, we found the café and settled in.  I waited patiently outside after I had my panini. 

Our ride happened to be the groom’s brother and yes, he was pretty late.  No worries.  I knew we weren’t far from our new home.  My new friends got a chance to see the REAL ITALY, which was eye opening to say the least.  They noticed what a small town my friend really lives in; not the massive Rome they had encountered earlier.

We made it to my friend’s place!  She greeted us right away, but now her and the makeup artist had to get to work.  He had to do a pre-makeup look so he could have an idea on what to prepare for the big day tomorrow.  I eventually crashed on the couch, and the others napped in their room.

I knocked out so hard I didn’t know what was going on.  We had more guests arrive at the townhouse!  The bride’s aunt and uncle from Puerto Rico.  By this time, my friend had went to the hair salon to get her hair done.  The makeup artist rested up, and I started to get ready.  I knew they were throwing a big barbeque, but it was happening early in the evening.  Nap time was over.

Once my friend arrived we had a time limit.  We had to make our way to the countryside for the party.  Everyone had to be ready soon in order for us to get there at a reasonable hour.

My friend didn’t like what I had on so she let me borrow her maxi dress instead.  I swear, I can never figure out what to wear out here.

The countryside was beautiful!  We ended up at Cantina La Marchesa and saw what the commotion was about.  Someone was roasting lamb and goat and it looked delish.  There we got more comfortable with one another and started taking pictures to kill some time.  I have to say, this was the best part of our evening.  It was nice seeing old friends and talking to new ones about the wedding.  Everyone seemed excited about tomorrow.

There was music and food and lots of wine.  We got back home close to midnight.  My friend and the makeup artist had to get up at 6am in order to get the makeup process done.  We had changed into our pjs when the doorbell kept ringing and ringing.  My friend looked out the window and saw a crowd.  “OH NO!!”  “What?”, I asked.  “They’re here to serenade me!!” she yelled back.  Well this was a first for me!

My friend put on a robe and we were right behind her when she opened the door.  Sure enough, a group of 20 were standing out on the street and started singing songs while one of them played the guitar.  It was the sweetest thing I’ve ever witnessed!  The groom ran up and gave the bride flowers.  This was the last time he would be able to see her until the wedding… 

Back in Rome: Day One

Well it’s been a few days since I’ve been back from my vacation.  In all actuality it wasn’t a vacation at all.  To sum it up:  had a few hours of sleep; rushing from here to there; packing in too many activities all at once.  Not to mention sharing an apartment with 7 people while getting ready for a wedding at the same time.  Yep.  It was pretty stressful.

But there WERE some beautiful moments.  Moments I will never forget.  Moments I WISH I CAN FORGET.  I’ve been dealing with a lot of emotions over the weekend.  Overthinking as usual ( typical Gemini) and haven’t really come to a conclusion on why things turned out the way they did.  I was pretty drained being around so many people, too.  Needless to say, I miss traveling alone, and feel somewhat anxious about me traveling with other people in the future.  Have I reached that point of just enjoying my own company and not “needing” anyone around?

The plus side of traveling with others is they sometimes bring out the best in you.  And you get to share some amazing moments as a group.  Feelings are “enhanced” because someone is there feeling the same thing you are.  It’s nice.  The downsize is, sometimes one bad mood can alter everyone else’s.  It’s hard to navigate away from it when you are stuck together for the rest of the ride.

I’ll recap Day One quickly, because that’s how that day went in general.  I landed in the afternoon and rode the train in from Fiumicino airport to Roma Termini station.  This was the first time I have done this.  I have rode to the airport before, but not the other way around.  When I got out, I was completely overwhelmed.  I knew our hotel was nearby, but had no idea there were going to be so many people around.  Again, I’ve been to Rome before but this was something unreal.  I messaged my friend who had arrived the night before from LA to come meet me because I felt I would get lost.  Luckily she was up and met me in no time.  The hotel wasn’t far away, but with Italy’s small signs, I wasn’t in the mood to go in circles.

Once back at the hotel I showered up and we got ready.  I managed to sleep in on my flight so I was ready to start my day with everyone else.  In the past, I would have terrible jet lag and would have to nap but this time I wanted to keep going.  We decided to walk to sightsee which was a great idea.  We found Eatly not far from the hotel and we grabbed some espresso.  Then off we went again.

We made our way to the Spanish Steps because my friend wanted to check out the Louis Vuitton store.  The Spanish Steps area has mostly high end retail and luckily we found the shop but they did not have the bag that she wanted.  We continued to sight see.

We ended up at the Trevi Fountain (which reportedly has another Louis Vuitton shop nearby) and the crowd was insane.  The amount of people here was nerve wrecking.  We witnessed a heated altercation between two men, all for a photo!  I really thought these two would duke it out.  The energy was too much and we decided to leave the area.

By now we were growing hungry.  I did some research on gluten-free restaurants since my friend has a restrictive diet.  I noticed we were nearby one of them and we decided to check it out.  Taverna Barberini was pretty empty, but we concluded we were walking in during siesta.  Luckily they invited us in and we had the place to ourselves.  The chef reassured my friend that everything is gluten-free, so we ordered a pasta for us to share.  It was delish!!!  I was amazed because it didn’t taste differently at all.  My friend enjoyed her meal very much.  It felt good knowing she could have pasta here in Rome.

We felt better after our late lunch that we decided to continue with our sightseeing.  We came upon Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II (Altare della Patria) and I noticed the gate door was opened.  I’ve been to this monument before but never got a chance to go inside.  We quickly ran up to see if we could get in. 

The view from the top is amazing!  You get the panoramic view of the Piazza Venezzia and all of its hustle and bustle.  We took a ton of pictures before witnessing the changing of the guards.  I’m pleased we discovered this on our way to the Colosseum.  

The Colosseum had some construction going on around the perimeter but it didn’t alter the view of its majestic structure.  We were now catching the sunset of Rome and it looked beautiful!  After taking more pictures we noticed the metro station and decided to take it back to our hotel.

We had another person that was flying in later that day and he reached out to us once I was connected to the wifi.  We were all going to take the train down to the southern region of Italy.  We decided we should meet up so we could introduce ourselves as well as form a plan for the morning commute.  This was crucial since we luckily had tickets for the fast train.  Of course we got a bit lost but we found each other and headed over to the train station to get familiar with our surroundings.

As most nights in Italy were short, we decided to get up around 6am to head out no later than 7:15am for our 8am train.  Looking back, I realize that commuting is a stressful situation when you are in another country.  You can’t make any mistakes.  You are on your own…

November Wedding

I can't believe Christmas is almost here!  I have been mostly looking for stuff to decorate my apartment, but have had no such luck.  I want to be able to LOVE the items, not just fill up some space.  Unfortunately, this season nothing really stands out for me.  Oh well.
Recapping November was difficult, mostly because of the outcome of the election.  I am not afraid to say I voted for HER, but now that things have been moving along, I'm still saddened by the truth of who is our newly elected president is.  I am in disbelief that people actually voted for him in general, and wonder how the opposing party's vision truly stands with my values.  To be honest, my values have always been to live in a world that peacefully resides with one another; where we can be welcomed to visit and learn different customs and cultures.  Never in a million years would I be compelled to feel that people do not matter to me because they think, look, act differently than me.
Is it wrong for me to think that way?
After the election, I felt sick to my stomach and did not do much the following weekend.  I was in a state of shock.  Talking to my mom made me snap back in reality, mostly because I heard how my mother was handling the news of our current situation.  People have developed fear because of this, but I couldn't accept that anymore.  Yes, he may have won this election, but time will truly tell if our country made the right decision or not to appoint him.  In the meantime, all we can do is live our lives and love our friends and family and continue to contribute to society in this country of ours. 
Luckily I had to attend a wedding for a friend of mine the weekend after that.  It was nice to remember what's important to me, which is to celebrate happiness whenever it's around!  I won this dress off ebay early in the year and I finally got a chance to wear it out.  Since this wedding was in the middle of November, it was perfect to wear something heavier and pair it with black opaque tights instead of bare legs.  Everyone had a wonderful time and we stayed out afterwards too!  I am grateful to have been invited and wish my friends the best in their marriage!




Pretty church!

Proud parents...

Loved my dress from BCBG!

Up close...

Everyone LOVED the mariachi band!

The dessert table.  A friend of theirs baked the wedding cake!  Perfect gift to the bride and groom!

Who doesn't love tacos from Big Star?? 

The lovely couple!

Selfie time!

Look how tired I look!  I can't believe I went out after this!  lol