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!

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… 

Housewarming Wine Tasting Party!

Last Friday I attended a wine tasting at a friend's new house in the burbs.  She recently made the transition from the city and was throwing a party to show off her new home to her friends.  Growing up in the city of Chicago, I have grown accustomed to the fast pace lifestyle, (although lately I've been wondering if I'm ever going to slow down).  Although it took a while to drive through rush hour traffic to get there, you can see how happy everyone was see us.  Her kids couldn't wait to show us their brand new bedrooms.  Better school system, everything is conveniently closer, and the low crime rate convinced us this was the best decision our friend made for her family.  They needed more room and the cost of living in Chicago has  skyrocketed.  I'm happy for them.  As for us, we got a chance to enjoy some wine from Italy, Argentina, and Germany!  I missed my friends and it was nice to see everyone again. 

We all got a chance to give warm wishes to the host by writing messages on a wine glass that she gets to keep.

He's too cute!!

Everyone wanted a chance to hold him...

Another selfie in the books!  What a long day!

Pray For Paris...Pray For LOVE!

It's hard for me to watch the news since the terrorism attacks on Paris.  I think about the people I interacted with during my time there.  I pray that they are safe.  I'm also mourning the loss of the victims involved and everyone else affected in this senseless tragedy.  The French are tough.  There's no doubt about it!  I'm saddened by the state of our nation; the state of our world.  So much suffering in all walks of life.  I don't know whose right or wrong anymore.  All I know is that innocent people are trapped in the middle and they are the ones who are dying everyday in a war that we have no control over.  How do we win?  How can we live on this earth when so many people are angry at one another?  My heart breaks.  I can't help but pray for peace over and over again. 
I haven't gotten a chance to talk to my friend in Italy.  To be quite honest, she did not want to meet me in Paris.  She was afraid something was going to happen.  We argued about it for weeks til I finally gave up trying to convince her.  I went alone.  I thought she was over reacting.  Never in a million years did I think the unthinkable.  I felt confident I'll be fine.
I WAS fine in the end.  But I feel I missed a close call.  Living in Chicago all my life, we've had our share of threats.  I feel immune to the news.  Our local crime makes national headlines.  It's a tough city to live in.  I've become jaded to our way of living here.
I am grateful I've had the experience to get to know Paris.  And I will return one day.  Now that we are in high alert, it's something to think about in the future as far as traveling is concerned.  It's time to lay low with friends and family and wait it out.  I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
Back to recapping my trip to Italy, me and my friend headed back to town after Monte Sant 'Angelo to get ready for the BIG PARTY.  It's the last party for the winery til next year, so we needed to make an appearance.  I wore the same racerback midi dress I wore for my birthday, except in red.  I loved the fit and wanted to buy another color, especially since it was a steal.  I love forever 21.  Sometimes you can find great pieces SUPER CHEAP!  I take care of my stuff so I can make it last a bit. 
We arrived at the party around 9pm.  People were barely making their way there.  We found our table and decided to start drinking.  I didn't want to get too crazy because I wanted to stay out late.  It's Friday night for pete's sake!
Luckily we got some food as well, as the wine started to make us giggly.  I missed my friend so much.  We laugh about anything.  She was happy for a change.  It's been hard for her to make friends out there.  I completely understand.  Americans and Italians are so different.  She feels they don't understand her.  Not to mention she's been the one adapting to their lifestyle.  It's hard living in a world that's not your own.
The band came on, but unfortunately, they played a lot of slow songs.  I think people were hoping they would liven things up a bit, but that was not the case.  It wasn't what they were expecting.  Me and my friend on the other hand were drinking too much to notice. 
Once the band finished, the party was dwindling down.  Me and my friend tried to mingle but that's when we realized she was pretty drunk.  Some friends were going out to a club, but she passed on the idea.  She did however, encourage me to go along, since she knew she wanted me to have fun out there.  I went and I had a blast.  I danced outside in a club playing house music!  I was so happy!  I felt good and I needed this desperately.  It wasn't the same experience as going out on my own in Paris.  That was more for my curiosity.  But here I was, dancing and mingling with strangers!  I felt alive!
I got home late that night.  I knocked out hard.  Looking back, I can definitely say I had one of the best times of my life that night.  As you get older, you realize it doesn't happen very often.  And now, in this state of terrorism,. I can't help but think if something were to happen, I've lived a great life.  It's sad to have to think in those terms of living everyday to its fullest.  You never know when it might be over. 

Love my dress although it's not forgiving...

Our table with some friends!  They were nice...

I miss her a lot.  She's tough on me but I need it sometimes...

All smiles at the big party!

A night to remember...

It's Friday the 13th!

TGIF!  Friday the 13th always spooks me a bit, but recapping my trip to Italy back in August always makes me feel better.  I think for me, traveling is a way to experience a new world that I haven't been exposed to before.  Although this was my 2nd time in Italy, I visited different cities/ towns than I did before.  I have a broader view on Italians and their life style, and truly appreciate my visit there this time around. 
The weather in Italy was HOT!!  It was finally the weekend and my friend reminded me of the BIG PARTY finale later on.  Now that I got some good sleep, we figured we'll stay close by so we can have time to get back and get ready for the fiesta.  I was down for anything, especially since I knew we were going to have a long night. 
We had breakfast and got ready to head to a nearby town.  The weather was scorching.  It was hard to pack for this trip because the temperature was different in both Paris and Italy.  I did bring more day dresses than last time.  I wanted to blend in more with the locals.  My friend explained to me that Italians don't wear much shorts and that's pretty much what I wore last time.  lol.
We headed off to Monte Sant'Angelo and walked around for a bit.  It was a pretty town with adorable shops for pasta and bread.  My friend bought the local bread for us to have later on.  Usually every town is known to make bread differently, along with pastries and pasta dishes.  I love being able to try different things, so I was looking forward to it.  We did a tour of the Sanctuary there and decided we should have pranzo here before we drive back.  Usually our drives were no less than an hour long, and after all the walking we did, we got hungry. 
We found a beautiful outdoor restaurant and made friends with the chef.  He was eager to please, so we chatted up a storm about wine and food.  Everything was great!  I was walking on air.  It was nice to finally relax a bit.  The chef wanted to show us his bed and breakfast on the corner.  We figured we should do a quick tour since he was so hospitable.  He was super excited about having us "like" his page on Facebook.  I guess not many Chicagoans travel out here...

Aren't their shops adorable?

Il Sanctuary di Monte Sant' Angelo

No more photos past this point.  Too bad because it was beautiful...

It was siesta time when we were here...

My shift dress of the day!

Pranzo at Li Jalantunnmene...

Insalata with figs and cheese!  YUMMY!!

Happy chef! 

Did a quick tour of his bed & breakfast...

Loved the décor!

We had a great time at Monte Sant' Angelo!

Labor Day in Italy!

I had chose this week to be in Italy mostly because I didn't have to miss so much work if I incorporated the Labor Day holiday in there.  Turns out it could have been a bad idea after all.  They were not lying about the rain.  We had to get up early because my friend had to go into work for an hour.  She teaches English here in Italy and takes assignments as they come.  Today she had to go to a daycare that mostly dealt with kindergardeners and 1st graders.  These kids were so adorable!  Italians come in all shades, so it was interesting to see different faces in class.  They were very excited to learn something new.  Our lesson was on England, so my friend taught them easy expressions and words associated with their nearby neighbor.  We also did an exercise with Simon Says.  Kids have a lot of energy so it's good to have them moving constantly to pay attention.  I do have to say I enjoy how expressive Italians are with their speech.  Sometimes I think it helps to get your point across instead of beating around the bush. 
Afterwards it was already 11am so we started thinking about lunch.  We figured we can go by the farm and do some fig picking.  Yesterday we had a slice of fig pie in Peschici and my friend wanted to bake one and have me compare which one is better.  She definitely improved her cooking skills in Italy.  On our way to the farm we passed up a little town called Torremaggiore.  It was there where I saw my first castle.  It was small, but very well constructed.  The town turned it into a public library.   
We enjoyed the time we had outside walking through the farm and observing the grape and olive trees.  We picked a basket full of figs before we got interrupted by a very big guy that came out of nowhere and scared us half to death.  He had a garden tool with him.  I think he thought we were stealing, but once we explained who we knew that owned the farm, he left us alone and walked off.  I honestly do not know where he went because there was nothing out there but acres of land.  I noticed the clouds getting darker and darker and we figured it was time to head back.  Being out in this particular farm area, lots of truckers pass by, and with that, prostitutes waiting at every corner.  It's interesting seeing them out in the open, but my friend informed me that the town had gotten rid of the brothels because of the church.  They felt that having them roam about will give them an opportunity to get help instead of having them working in an environment that's hard to get out of. 
Regardless, once we got home, the storm came, and it came HARD.  I saw the streets flood with a few inches of water.  Trees were bending sideways.  I heard thunder but didn't really see any lightening.  But it lasted for close to 30 minutes.  Enough to do some major damage.  It rained the rest of the day.  A couple of times it stopped but then it started again.  Me and my girlfriend were stuck in the house.  We napped during siesta and then got up to make dinner.  A couple of friends were going to join us for dinner.  My girl threw down in the kitchen!  I couldn't wait to eat!
Once our little dinner party came over, they set out the wine for the evening.  I truly enjoyed tasting new flavors, mostly because I do not consume beer back home.  If in Chicago, I usually order a vodka with cranberry, sometimes a glass of red.  But because of the company I was with, Italians adore their wine and are glad to share different variations with you to increase your knowledge.  It was a quiet evening with friends, but we made the most of it despite the weather conditions.  Now the biggest challenge is to figure out what to do the rest of the week...