Teaching is my job, but more than that, it's my passion. When I'm not teaching, I'm not whole. I struggled with this in Ireland because I was only in a classroom once a week. It was a blessing that my friend Luke set me up with Dublin City University though because without that small amount of time in front of students, I'd have been lost.
It's coming up on three weeks here in Milan and Luke has helped me, yet again, to find a place to teach. I went a few weeks ago to visit a school out in Cesano Maderno (one hour from where I am in Milan). I met the lovely woman who started the school and since then, she and I have been emailing back and forth trying to create a schedule for me. I was contacted yesterday to see if I'd like to start teaching a private lesson to a student once a week. I said yes, of course, and went this morning for my first "lesson." I have to put lesson in quotes because my student, cute as he is, is only 15 months old! I wasn't teaching so much as playing, but still, it was a start.
This morning I drove the car to the metro station, took the metro to the train station, took the train to Cesano Maderno and then walked the last 5 minutes to the school. I met with the child and his mother in her office above the school. She is a dentist (perfect because I need my teeth cleaned!). We played for two hours before I took the long journey back home. It was fantastic though because in my one session with little Georgio, he learned two English words, "Hi" and "Bye."
I know it's not the same as being in a classroom, but with the tutoring I'm doing with Elena and Matteo, and a session a week with Georgio, I'm on my way back to what I love the most. My plan now is to meet with Matteo's teacher (we've already sent messages) and see about volunteering in her English class. I'd like to do the same for Elena's school. If I can have at least 3 mornings a week doing what I love, I know I'll be happier for it. I also know that it is all AMAZING experience to put on my resume for when I return to CCSD!!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
"It's Ireland," Wait, Where Am I?
If you've read any of the posts from my time in Ireland you know that my neighbor and friend Josh had a way of describing all the strange things that happened there...he just reminded himself and all the rest of us simply that "It's Ireland." I think of this quote often and it's done me well to remember that traveling is about experiencing and I'm bound to come across things that I haven't experienced before...it's part of the fun so I should take it with a grain of salt. I suppose Josh would have me saying "It's Italy" now that I've moved to Milan.
A few weeks ago I wrote that I was disappointed in the graffiti on all the walls here in the city because it made it look like a rather grungy place. I'm so used to the old villages in Italy or the beautiful Italian countryside with vineyard after vineyard. I know that coming to a new place is about experiencing all it has to offer though so I've come to accept the graffiti as part of the city and although it's not the most beautiful place, it's growing on me. In a conversation with the family last night, Clara, the children's aunt, was asking me if I liked it here. She put it very well when she said "it's got what you need." There is fashion, food, fun, family for many, and work of course. Those that live here (that I've spoken to) seem to like it and so I'm game for living here part time...of course I know I get to leave in a few months, but that's not what I'm focusing on. I'm trying to take the "It's Italy" attitude and appreciate it more than anything else. Instead of "It's Italy" as an excuse or explanation, I'm trying to think "It's Italy!" with an exclamation!
Last weekend it was freezing out, but I decided to brave the cold and go to the Navigli (canal) for the antique market that takes place on the last Sunday of each month. This is something Italy does well...very well. The market was fantastic and when it's slightly warmer, I can guarantee I'll be out for a longer period of time. I had just enough warmth to get me to the end and back with a bit of browsing, but no lingering. I could barely feel my toes when I returned home!
Another thing we know Italy does well is food. The great thing about Italy is there are many types of restaurants you can choose from depending on your appetite, and often wallet. Check out the list below from Rick Steve's Italian Phrase Book and Dictionary for a description of each:
risorante-a fine dining establishment
trattoria-typically a family-owned place that serves home-cooked meals
osteria-more informal, with large shared tables, good food and wine
pizzeria-casual pizza place that offers pasta and more
pizza rustica-a cheap pizza shop that sells pizza by the weight of the slice (usually take out)
rosticceria-a take out or sit down shop specializing in roasted meats
tavola calda-inexpensive hot/cold buffet-style
bar-the neighborhood hangout that serves coffee, soft drinks, beer, snacks, etc
enoteca-wine shop or wine bar that also serves snacks
I haven't eaten out too many times, but I've had great experiences so far. I am looking forward to aperitivo this week with some friends (drinks and appetizers) and the big highlight is my plan for Valentine's Day. I figured I might as well do something so I think Connie and I are going to try out ATMosfera. It's an old tram that takes you on a tour around the city center and while doing so, serves a three course dinner! What fun!
I've got to share one more example of "It's Italy" before closing out this post. Yesterday was Matteo's 15th birthday. Let's pause for a moment and consider that that makes him half my age. Ugh! Ok, so for his special day we went to Acquaworld. This was a first for me. Yesterday it was about 30 degrees and there was snow on the ground from the previous day's weather, but we all bundled up on top of our bathing suits to head to this massive place for swimming and water slides. Please understand that I haven't put on a bathing suit in 8 months and that was exactly the last time I saw sun so I was a bit self conscious of my white body compared to all the lovely hues of the Italian's skin, however, with the family I went inside to peel of the layers and headed straight to the slides. I was surprised to see all the names in English rather than Italian...Blue Ice, Turbo, etc. I went down a few times and then promptly headed to the adults only "Relax World" where it wasn't so relaxing, but I was able to go in the sauna a while as well as swim in the outdoor pool. Snow was on the ground but it had the steam coming from off the water and it was actually a pretty cool experience. It's not something I'd do back home, swim when it's soooo cold out, but hey, "It's Italy," what else was I supposed to do?
A few weeks ago I wrote that I was disappointed in the graffiti on all the walls here in the city because it made it look like a rather grungy place. I'm so used to the old villages in Italy or the beautiful Italian countryside with vineyard after vineyard. I know that coming to a new place is about experiencing all it has to offer though so I've come to accept the graffiti as part of the city and although it's not the most beautiful place, it's growing on me. In a conversation with the family last night, Clara, the children's aunt, was asking me if I liked it here. She put it very well when she said "it's got what you need." There is fashion, food, fun, family for many, and work of course. Those that live here (that I've spoken to) seem to like it and so I'm game for living here part time...of course I know I get to leave in a few months, but that's not what I'm focusing on. I'm trying to take the "It's Italy" attitude and appreciate it more than anything else. Instead of "It's Italy" as an excuse or explanation, I'm trying to think "It's Italy!" with an exclamation!
Last weekend it was freezing out, but I decided to brave the cold and go to the Navigli (canal) for the antique market that takes place on the last Sunday of each month. This is something Italy does well...very well. The market was fantastic and when it's slightly warmer, I can guarantee I'll be out for a longer period of time. I had just enough warmth to get me to the end and back with a bit of browsing, but no lingering. I could barely feel my toes when I returned home!
Another thing we know Italy does well is food. The great thing about Italy is there are many types of restaurants you can choose from depending on your appetite, and often wallet. Check out the list below from Rick Steve's Italian Phrase Book and Dictionary for a description of each:
risorante-a fine dining establishment
trattoria-typically a family-owned place that serves home-cooked meals
osteria-more informal, with large shared tables, good food and wine
pizzeria-casual pizza place that offers pasta and more
pizza rustica-a cheap pizza shop that sells pizza by the weight of the slice (usually take out)
rosticceria-a take out or sit down shop specializing in roasted meats
tavola calda-inexpensive hot/cold buffet-style
bar-the neighborhood hangout that serves coffee, soft drinks, beer, snacks, etc
enoteca-wine shop or wine bar that also serves snacks
I haven't eaten out too many times, but I've had great experiences so far. I am looking forward to aperitivo this week with some friends (drinks and appetizers) and the big highlight is my plan for Valentine's Day. I figured I might as well do something so I think Connie and I are going to try out ATMosfera. It's an old tram that takes you on a tour around the city center and while doing so, serves a three course dinner! What fun!
I've got to share one more example of "It's Italy" before closing out this post. Yesterday was Matteo's 15th birthday. Let's pause for a moment and consider that that makes him half my age. Ugh! Ok, so for his special day we went to Acquaworld. This was a first for me. Yesterday it was about 30 degrees and there was snow on the ground from the previous day's weather, but we all bundled up on top of our bathing suits to head to this massive place for swimming and water slides. Please understand that I haven't put on a bathing suit in 8 months and that was exactly the last time I saw sun so I was a bit self conscious of my white body compared to all the lovely hues of the Italian's skin, however, with the family I went inside to peel of the layers and headed straight to the slides. I was surprised to see all the names in English rather than Italian...Blue Ice, Turbo, etc. I went down a few times and then promptly headed to the adults only "Relax World" where it wasn't so relaxing, but I was able to go in the sauna a while as well as swim in the outdoor pool. Snow was on the ground but it had the steam coming from off the water and it was actually a pretty cool experience. It's not something I'd do back home, swim when it's soooo cold out, but hey, "It's Italy," what else was I supposed to do?
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Pasta, Pizza, Panzerotti, and More!
Before leaving Charleston I said I was worried about one thing with this move to Milan...gaining weight! Italian food is probably my favorite and although I thought I already ate too much (2-4 times a week), I had no idea what I was getting into. I said it would be hard, but I have to try and keep the weight off for my friend Ashley's wedding in November, not to mention I just don't want to put any on after losing a little in Dublin.
I've been here exactly one week and not a day has gone by when I haven't had pasta at least once. Yes, these Italians truly do eat it at every meal...well, this family doesn't eat any breakfast so you know what I mean! At lunch I prepare pasta for the kids and I too have been eating it (small portions for me). One day I had to make myself a salad instead because it got to be too much. We've had pasta as our first course every night and then a second course of meat, and I can proudly say I've eaten fish several times. I've only had a few little bites out, but over the weekend I had the funghi pizza (read Language Barriers) and last night I took my friend Sarah's advice and went to Luini's near the duomo for panzerotti.
Panzerotti is a snack by comparison to other Italian dishes. It's essentially a "hot pocket" or mini calzone, but the thing that makes it so special is the dough. It's more like a fluffly doughnut (no glaze) than flaky or even pizza dough-y. Now that I'm thinking about it, I'd compare it in texture to the dough on the onion rings at Bessinger's BBQ in West Ashley (think light). You have your choice of filling and although I ordered ricotta and spinach I ended up with the popular mozzarella and tomato. It was my first, but surely won't be my last while in Milan. If interested, check out the recipe at Panzerotti Recipe.
I've obviously had gelatto here, only once, and I've had my share of cheese as well. The gelatto I got was chocolate and tasted like pure (thick) brownie mix...very rich. The cheeses I've had...geez, I can't name them all. I've enjoyed every bit of the food and I'm so happy to say that after weighing this morning, I've actually lost weight since arriving!! Whoohoo...now, enough writing, more exercising as that's all that's keeping the scale down!!
I've been here exactly one week and not a day has gone by when I haven't had pasta at least once. Yes, these Italians truly do eat it at every meal...well, this family doesn't eat any breakfast so you know what I mean! At lunch I prepare pasta for the kids and I too have been eating it (small portions for me). One day I had to make myself a salad instead because it got to be too much. We've had pasta as our first course every night and then a second course of meat, and I can proudly say I've eaten fish several times. I've only had a few little bites out, but over the weekend I had the funghi pizza (read Language Barriers) and last night I took my friend Sarah's advice and went to Luini's near the duomo for panzerotti.
Panzerotti is a snack by comparison to other Italian dishes. It's essentially a "hot pocket" or mini calzone, but the thing that makes it so special is the dough. It's more like a fluffly doughnut (no glaze) than flaky or even pizza dough-y. Now that I'm thinking about it, I'd compare it in texture to the dough on the onion rings at Bessinger's BBQ in West Ashley (think light). You have your choice of filling and although I ordered ricotta and spinach I ended up with the popular mozzarella and tomato. It was my first, but surely won't be my last while in Milan. If interested, check out the recipe at Panzerotti Recipe.
I've obviously had gelatto here, only once, and I've had my share of cheese as well. The gelatto I got was chocolate and tasted like pure (thick) brownie mix...very rich. The cheeses I've had...geez, I can't name them all. I've enjoyed every bit of the food and I'm so happy to say that after weighing this morning, I've actually lost weight since arriving!! Whoohoo...now, enough writing, more exercising as that's all that's keeping the scale down!!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Language Barriers
In my first day of "work" yesterday, I found I had a lot of free time while the children were at school. Actually, only Matteo was at school and Elena was home sick but there wasn't much to do for her either. I am looking to teach in an English school while the children attend class in the morning, but I don't have a meeting with anyone until tomorrow so yesterday and again today, I'm sort of on my own. This is no big deal as I can find ways to occupy my time, but it really got me thinking.
As Elena sat on the couch watching tv yesterday, I did a few things...run, walk the dog, research lesson plans, read, and then I pulled out my Rick Steves' Italian Phrase Book and Dictionary. I sat on the couch flipping through all the pages and trying to learn some new words/phrases. I highlighted a few of the basics that I already knew and also a few I needed to learn. My list includes things like:
Mi chiamo_________ "My name is_______"
Permesso "Excuse me." (to pass)
Quanto costa? "What's the cost?"
Me lo scrive? "Write it."
Dove posso comprare? "Where can I buy?"
Ripeta? "Repeat"
Capisco/Non capisco "I understand/don't understand."
Rick Steves says "a good phrase book should help you enjoy your Italian experience, not just survive it. " He also says that the Italians are forgiving of "linguistic fumbling" so not to be frightened by the language, but to embrace it, and attempt everything with a "per favore." Keeping this in mind, I have attempted at times to speak in Italian, but usually as soon as I do I quickly get an English response. For example, on Sunday night, I ordered a pizza from a take away place. I approached the counter and said, "Vorrei pizza funghi" but may have forgotten the all important please. The pronunciation on my "funghi" was all wrong and the guy looked at me like I was speaking Chinese instead of Italian. I repeated, then repeated again, and finally said, "mushroom." He of course spoke English so he made the correct pronunciation and sort of laughed at my mistake. By the way, "funghi" is pronounced "foong-gee" while I tried to make the "fung" sound. Lesson learned there. Well it got better of course because as I went to pay I handed the guy a 5 pound note rather than 5 euro note so I looked like a complete idiot...it happens.
Both yesterday and today I've taken Mia, the family's Border Collie, out for a walk. In doing so I've met two very nice fellow dog walkers. One was a young Italian man, but spoke English to me and then the other was a Croatian woman who spoke Italian and English. Here's where my frustration begins. In both cases the other person began speaking to me, "Ciao, Come sta? etc." I can reply up to this point and then nothing...my next line is always, "Parla inglese." The other either speaks English or doesn't, but more often they do. I speak English very slowly and make polite conversation...it's not so difficult. I say I'm an English teacher and then I feel like such a hypocrite. I'm teaching my language to others but I don't speak theirs. I can get by in French, but it has to be a very basic conversation, and a very slow one at that. I can tour Italy and get by on holiday, but I can't communicate with anyone outside of a tobacco store it seems (and for those of you who don't know...the tabacchi shops carry everything from stamps to parking permits to cigarrettes of course, because I don't smoke).
This morning, I was home alone and the front door rang..."Pronto" "Si" "Italian, Italian, Italian" "Si" and I rang the carpenter in. Now, I knew he was coming so although I didn't understand what he said, I knew he needed to get in the flat to fix something. He came in and we spoke the casual hellos and he went straight to work on his 3 minute job of using the electric drill to fasten the cabinet door back on where it had come loose. He left and said something along the lines of "Tutto finito. Buon Giorno." I replied "Grazie" and then he was off. I feel like such an idiot when I can't use more than 4 words in Italian and when it's time to use them, I usually freeze!
Ok, so I realize I've only been here 6 days and even if it only took God 7 to create the Heavens and Earth, I am going to need more time! I am hoping to do some sort of exchange for teaching English and learning Italian, but while I'm here it the house, I am listening very carefully to all that is being said and trying to pick out words I recognize. I'm reading children's books in Italian and I'm going to have to take it from there. I would very much like to get out of these five months in Italy with a basic knowledge of Italian...more than the phrase book can offer me anyway. That being said, I've got some learning to do today while the kiddos are out so, ciao for now!
As Elena sat on the couch watching tv yesterday, I did a few things...run, walk the dog, research lesson plans, read, and then I pulled out my Rick Steves' Italian Phrase Book and Dictionary. I sat on the couch flipping through all the pages and trying to learn some new words/phrases. I highlighted a few of the basics that I already knew and also a few I needed to learn. My list includes things like:
Mi chiamo_________ "My name is_______"
Permesso "Excuse me." (to pass)
Quanto costa? "What's the cost?"
Me lo scrive? "Write it."
Dove posso comprare? "Where can I buy?"
Ripeta? "Repeat"
Capisco/Non capisco "I understand/don't understand."
Rick Steves says "a good phrase book should help you enjoy your Italian experience, not just survive it. " He also says that the Italians are forgiving of "linguistic fumbling" so not to be frightened by the language, but to embrace it, and attempt everything with a "per favore." Keeping this in mind, I have attempted at times to speak in Italian, but usually as soon as I do I quickly get an English response. For example, on Sunday night, I ordered a pizza from a take away place. I approached the counter and said, "Vorrei pizza funghi" but may have forgotten the all important please. The pronunciation on my "funghi" was all wrong and the guy looked at me like I was speaking Chinese instead of Italian. I repeated, then repeated again, and finally said, "mushroom." He of course spoke English so he made the correct pronunciation and sort of laughed at my mistake. By the way, "funghi" is pronounced "foong-gee" while I tried to make the "fung" sound. Lesson learned there. Well it got better of course because as I went to pay I handed the guy a 5 pound note rather than 5 euro note so I looked like a complete idiot...it happens.
Both yesterday and today I've taken Mia, the family's Border Collie, out for a walk. In doing so I've met two very nice fellow dog walkers. One was a young Italian man, but spoke English to me and then the other was a Croatian woman who spoke Italian and English. Here's where my frustration begins. In both cases the other person began speaking to me, "Ciao, Come sta? etc." I can reply up to this point and then nothing...my next line is always, "Parla inglese." The other either speaks English or doesn't, but more often they do. I speak English very slowly and make polite conversation...it's not so difficult. I say I'm an English teacher and then I feel like such a hypocrite. I'm teaching my language to others but I don't speak theirs. I can get by in French, but it has to be a very basic conversation, and a very slow one at that. I can tour Italy and get by on holiday, but I can't communicate with anyone outside of a tobacco store it seems (and for those of you who don't know...the tabacchi shops carry everything from stamps to parking permits to cigarrettes of course, because I don't smoke).
This morning, I was home alone and the front door rang..."Pronto" "Si" "Italian, Italian, Italian" "Si" and I rang the carpenter in. Now, I knew he was coming so although I didn't understand what he said, I knew he needed to get in the flat to fix something. He came in and we spoke the casual hellos and he went straight to work on his 3 minute job of using the electric drill to fasten the cabinet door back on where it had come loose. He left and said something along the lines of "Tutto finito. Buon Giorno." I replied "Grazie" and then he was off. I feel like such an idiot when I can't use more than 4 words in Italian and when it's time to use them, I usually freeze!
Ok, so I realize I've only been here 6 days and even if it only took God 7 to create the Heavens and Earth, I am going to need more time! I am hoping to do some sort of exchange for teaching English and learning Italian, but while I'm here it the house, I am listening very carefully to all that is being said and trying to pick out words I recognize. I'm reading children's books in Italian and I'm going to have to take it from there. I would very much like to get out of these five months in Italy with a basic knowledge of Italian...more than the phrase book can offer me anyway. That being said, I've got some learning to do today while the kiddos are out so, ciao for now!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Milan the Beautiful?
Before coming to Milan, I knew that it was an industrial city and I wasn't expecting much when I arrived on Thursday. I came in during the evening so there wasn't much to see on the drive from Linate to the flat where I'm staying. Friday morning, however, I was outside during the day (getting driving lessons in stick shift). I got my first taste of the neighborhood where I'm living. I was a bit shocked at how dirty everything looked in the area around the house and schools. It's reminiscent of a ghetto, or what I'd imagine one to look like. The apartment buildings are basic brick complexes, the walls of every building are covered with graffiti.
I'm am fortunate that the interior of the flat where I'm staying is very nice. The mother, Daniella, is an architect and she designed a great space. It's very simple with clean lines on all the furniture and lots of glass partitions. I really love the bathroom I'm sharing with the kids...green tile the walls, two simple basins for "washing up," and a great glass shower with two "rain" nozzles. I am extremely happy that the family is clean too; they are very organized which is a relief.
Saturday I had another driving lesson around the outskirts of town and then I was dropped off closer to the center where I met Connie, a friend from Charleston who is also working as an au pair here. She and I walked around the center and to a few "hot spots" in Milan. We were mostly complaining about how dirty the area is and how we were shocked to see such a thing because it's supposed to be a very wealthy city.
As we walked closer to the fashion district, were were relieved to see a bit more of what we originally expected...areas that reminded me of Florence and some other great Italian cities. Again today I drove into the center and then walked around, first with the family and then with Connie. We were near Via Dante which is close to the castle and is much nicer than the majority of what I've seen so far. Connie and I went to the Irish pub we found yesterday to have a pint and lo and behold, I met an Irish guy. I miss that accent so!
I've just gotten back to the flat and am quite tired after walking all afternoon, but slowly I'm starting to feel better about Milan. It may not be a beautiful city, quite the contrary really, but I think I'll grow to enjoy my time here. I have to keep in mind that even the graffiti can be considered art, and like the washed up boat on Folly, part of this city's culture.
I'm am fortunate that the interior of the flat where I'm staying is very nice. The mother, Daniella, is an architect and she designed a great space. It's very simple with clean lines on all the furniture and lots of glass partitions. I really love the bathroom I'm sharing with the kids...green tile the walls, two simple basins for "washing up," and a great glass shower with two "rain" nozzles. I am extremely happy that the family is clean too; they are very organized which is a relief.
Saturday I had another driving lesson around the outskirts of town and then I was dropped off closer to the center where I met Connie, a friend from Charleston who is also working as an au pair here. She and I walked around the center and to a few "hot spots" in Milan. We were mostly complaining about how dirty the area is and how we were shocked to see such a thing because it's supposed to be a very wealthy city.
As we walked closer to the fashion district, were were relieved to see a bit more of what we originally expected...areas that reminded me of Florence and some other great Italian cities. Again today I drove into the center and then walked around, first with the family and then with Connie. We were near Via Dante which is close to the castle and is much nicer than the majority of what I've seen so far. Connie and I went to the Irish pub we found yesterday to have a pint and lo and behold, I met an Irish guy. I miss that accent so!
I've just gotten back to the flat and am quite tired after walking all afternoon, but slowly I'm starting to feel better about Milan. It may not be a beautiful city, quite the contrary really, but I think I'll grow to enjoy my time here. I have to keep in mind that even the graffiti can be considered art, and like the washed up boat on Folly, part of this city's culture.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Ciao Charleston
It's here! One month in Charleston has passed and today is the day I fly to Milan. I'm so excited, but it's a bittersweet moment for me. I love Charleston and it's always hard to leave, no matter how fantastic my destination may be.
I may have been home in Charleston, but I haven't been to my home in a while (I rented my house for January). For the most part, I've lived out of my suitcases these past 4 weeks. In doing so, I thought it wouldn't be too complicated of a process to reorganize and repack. I was right, but waiting until this morning to get things done is totally unlike me, and even though I'm packed and ready to go the airport, I feel like something isn't right.
I'm not sure if it's the fact that I consolidated my packing so much that I only need to check one bag, or if it's the fact that I wasn't at my house to double check the items I left behind. I'm not sure if having so few bags makes me feel like I am missing things. I did a good job of putting my clothes in the air tight bags so I can put more in my suitcase and I think I have enough clothes to get me through the next five months, but something still feels weird.
Whatever it is, I'm sure I'll be feeling better once I get to Milan, meet the family I'll be living with, and unpack all my things. I need to head out to the airport now...I'll check in again soon and let you know what it's like "on the other side."
I may have been home in Charleston, but I haven't been to my home in a while (I rented my house for January). For the most part, I've lived out of my suitcases these past 4 weeks. In doing so, I thought it wouldn't be too complicated of a process to reorganize and repack. I was right, but waiting until this morning to get things done is totally unlike me, and even though I'm packed and ready to go the airport, I feel like something isn't right.
I'm not sure if it's the fact that I consolidated my packing so much that I only need to check one bag, or if it's the fact that I wasn't at my house to double check the items I left behind. I'm not sure if having so few bags makes me feel like I am missing things. I did a good job of putting my clothes in the air tight bags so I can put more in my suitcase and I think I have enough clothes to get me through the next five months, but something still feels weird.
Whatever it is, I'm sure I'll be feeling better once I get to Milan, meet the family I'll be living with, and unpack all my things. I need to head out to the airport now...I'll check in again soon and let you know what it's like "on the other side."
Monday, January 16, 2012
Moonshine Madness
Before heading back from Dublin to Charleston, I informed my sister of the two things I'd really like to have when I got home...oysters and moonshine. It was a rather "redneck" request, but I was really missing the "country" roots I formed when living in Hanahan. I tend to think of myself as an educated, well traveled woman, but sometimes you just get that feeling, that urge, for something a little bit country.
By no means is Hanahan the country, but having parties at the dogpins in highschool, attending mudruns with my brother or four wheeling at the farm, I have a bit of that in my blood. Luckily, I got my wishes granted when I returned home (my sister's good at paying attention to other's needs and going out of her way to meet them). I attended a party at her house where the oysters were in abundance (and most of them had been gathered by my brother so they were fresh and local).
I found myself laughing out loud quite a lot over the next few weeks as I listened to country music and admired (I guess that's the best word for it) all the camoflauge and pickup trucks I passed on the streets in and around my hometown. I have to say I'm now obsessed with the Toby Keith song "Red Solo Cup" and if you haven't heard it or seen the video, you must check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKZqGJONH68&ob=av3e
Last Friday night I got a little bit more of what I wanted when I attended a show at the "Moonshine Saloon" in Summerville, just north of my town. I went there to preview a band for my friend's wedding and the music was fantastic, but the entertainment (by way of other "concert goers") was the best I've seen in a long time. I honestly haven't laughed so much in one evening...my cheeks hurt when I left! I believe rather firmly that people can express themselves however they like and although I may not dress in biker attire or camoflauge, I admire those who do because it shows their personality and the bottom line at the Saloon is this...everyone was having a good time.
I think, for the time being, I've gotten my fill for country flare and I'm very excited to be heading off to Milan this week. I look forward to the other extreme dress code...I'm not very fashion forward, but I know I'll admire the clothes on those in Milan who truly know what to wear.
By no means is Hanahan the country, but having parties at the dogpins in highschool, attending mudruns with my brother or four wheeling at the farm, I have a bit of that in my blood. Luckily, I got my wishes granted when I returned home (my sister's good at paying attention to other's needs and going out of her way to meet them). I attended a party at her house where the oysters were in abundance (and most of them had been gathered by my brother so they were fresh and local).
I found myself laughing out loud quite a lot over the next few weeks as I listened to country music and admired (I guess that's the best word for it) all the camoflauge and pickup trucks I passed on the streets in and around my hometown. I have to say I'm now obsessed with the Toby Keith song "Red Solo Cup" and if you haven't heard it or seen the video, you must check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKZqGJONH68&ob=av3e
Last Friday night I got a little bit more of what I wanted when I attended a show at the "Moonshine Saloon" in Summerville, just north of my town. I went there to preview a band for my friend's wedding and the music was fantastic, but the entertainment (by way of other "concert goers") was the best I've seen in a long time. I honestly haven't laughed so much in one evening...my cheeks hurt when I left! I believe rather firmly that people can express themselves however they like and although I may not dress in biker attire or camoflauge, I admire those who do because it shows their personality and the bottom line at the Saloon is this...everyone was having a good time.
I think, for the time being, I've gotten my fill for country flare and I'm very excited to be heading off to Milan this week. I look forward to the other extreme dress code...I'm not very fashion forward, but I know I'll admire the clothes on those in Milan who truly know what to wear.
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