Roma, What I Was Looking For

Roma. I did not quite know what to expect from the Eternal City, but as I leave I found what I was looking for in my two days here. If you have not had the opportunity (yet) to walk Via Corsa or strolled through St. Peter’s this post provides a glimpse of Roma until you get there. Roma has its twists, turns, history and hands down the best Gelato in the world. No discussion. In Roma wine is less expensive than water or a Coke in many places! And if I spent another second on Via Corsa or Condolitti, this blog would read “Please send money, they have shut off the lights in my flat.”

I don’t think I could ever forget / describe the first time I saw the Coliseum or walked through Saint Peter’s. I can see why every developed nation, empire after Rome is tempted to establish itself as the next one to grab the world’s attention. As for today’s Roman’s, they all seem to have a vice in some combination of the following: vanity, wine and cigarettes. A few Jeff Foxworthy-esque observations come to mind. First, you know you are not Roman if you don’t own a pair of sunglasses. You know you’re Roman when you wear them at all times of day. Second, you know you are Roman if you believe someone has terrible taste, but you are wearing the same outfit! Lastly, you know you are Roman if you eat at the Gelateria more than restaurants, then you are me.

I threw one coin in Fontana di Tevi…until we meet again, new friend.

Denis

Czech For Me

It is official. I am part of a select group known to most as the “most certain randomly search” travelers. It’s about 9:49AM (Ahem 3:49EST) in Prague and I am waiting to catch my flight back to Manchester after ANOTHER gratuitous search of my bags and person. No AR (old-school Da Band jk)! Two highlights to delight my (3) readers. First, in Prague locking your hostel doors will ensure drunk people don’t walk in and use the restroom who are not your hostelmates! Second, and equally important, Prague’s economic engine is everyone else’s vices: Rare buildings, gambling and of course…prostitution. I engaged in the rare building vice…a lot J Will share details on request only.

Europe has reminded me what I loved so much about New York: every turn of the corner, a new journey begins. Prague was certainly no different. My flight in landed just before the last bus downtown…guess who missed it? Everything is in Czech, except my favourite sign “Beware of Thieves…Better Safe than Sorry”–come on! Where are the US signs with such jewels of knowledge? Well the price for my mistake was cheaper than my TWO nights in London. I am rambling, I know my cab ride to the hostel was 553 CZK (about $30) and an equally long bus + tram ride–try $4.

Here is where it is important to remember why the Czech is considered an emerging market - - because the currency is cheap and no one takes Euros! After the taxi SNAFU, I immediately dropped my bags and went walking through the city at night. Armed with my camera, scarf and biscuits (called digestives–gross name but they taste good) I embarked on a two day picture fest. My first meal (of 2) was a hotdog and a shot of some alcohol from a street vendor @ like 1AM for like $5US. Prague has many wonderful places like that, but more importantly places to see. Wikitravel guide in tow, here are the fruits of my labor…Next up Roma

Later Breezy’s

Alice Russell, Multi-Nationalism and A Whole Bunch of Traveling!!

Hello All,

Two weeks since my last update, apologies - -I hope a 20 second snippet of Alice Russell will be enough to ease your frustrations. Well who is Alice Russell? In person she sounds like she hung out with known Etta James and drank Scotch with Billie Holiday... Seven Nation Army is a good introduction to her stuff...Her vocals are to be experienced. She does not have the fan base of Winehouse, Allen or Bailey Rae, but I think her voice is by far the Strongest. And those of you who know me, know how much I like Winehouse…




Well it is almost November and that means - - my travel season starts, don’t tell my Profs! Every week starting Nov. 1 I hope to be treating you all to a picture show of Prague and Rome, followed by a two-week break for Finals and trips to Africa, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands. I know I can’t wait either. My how fast three months goes when you’re studying…and exploring your inner wine and cheese connoisseur.

Cheers,

Denis

Randomness in the UK and I missed my Train!!!

Amy Winehouse and husband with the two last names have split - - why do I care…A Back to Black part deux must be follow. I also picked up her first album Frank and it’s a keeper. Now to the good stuff: tonight London hosted the Celts vs. T-wolves at O2 Arena. By the end of the 3rd Ray Allen had 28 and KG had about 7 - it was a blowout...In true blow out fashion (foreshadowing the entire T-wolves season next year) my main man Ricky Buckets (ahem Davis) was giving out the business…only in the first half. Well let me put it more clearly, he had 16 of the team’s 22 1st quarter points and then punched out for the night. I rarely get to appreciate his ability to score at will and do NOTHING else for 20 minutes in person.

Speaking of curious performances, 1st round pick Corey Brewer was beasted (e.g. made to look like a child among men) by The Truth (Paul Pierce)– he had 3 fouls and 2 points in 5 1st half minutes. The coaches response--throw Gerald Green in! He wanted to dunk on everyone...but couldn’t even do that with KG in the middle. For those who care, no Big Baby Davis sitings, he looked winded after warm-ups.

I hate to say this about a Railsplitter, but Bassy Telfair had better get used to playing overseas, he looked awful tonight. His moment was a three pointer at the 3rd quarter buzzer. Prior to this he had more fouls than points. T-wolves are going to be tough to watch, Celtics fans enjoy. On balance, I had a blast! Crowd was real mellow and the stands were packed (see photos). My favourite moment was a massive wave in the 3rd which was dope. We Boo’d all who dared not participate!!

Did I mention in all the excitement I missed my train from O2 Arena? Well its true. So I literally spent a few hours wandering around London hours after the game. It was so much fun! Like Manchester, London is an old city. The city is massive, but not too many NY-esque sized buildings. As world cities go, London takes advantage of curves. It definitely adds to the environment. I felt like every street was leading to a new place I never expected. I think there needs to be a campaign that calls for US cities to adopt 'curves and courts' with limited car access.

Well it’s about 330AM and I am in a place called Milton Keynes Centre on a cold bench typing. I left London with the hopes I would catch my connecting train – to no avail. So, for now my first trip to London is not quite over! Didn’t go according to my ticket, but the trip went exactly as I had hoped! I hope you enjoy my photos!

Feeling Anglo-cized?

Apparently the phenomenon of cultural diffusion in Europe has drawbacks - - in cuisine. Here is my rant: Of the many Manc restaurants today I went to my first Indian restuarant. We had a bit of a global discusion about how India and China are from an on the ground perspective. It sounded a lot like the U.S. - people feeling overworked, reaching for social status and chafing at those who find value in a different lifestlye - very interesting needless to say.

Fun India fact: 50% of the population is below the age of 25. Umm, in context there are 300 million US citizens in total and about 500 million kids that also apparently like to keep up with the Joneses, U.S. style and work 13hr days.

Back to the food. I had the BEST vegetable samosas ever. Period. But my Indian friends have been using the 'A' word to described Indian food served in the UK. Apparently, fish, chips and less flavor were the tradeoffs to genuine cuisine. Another fact: Most of the Indian restaurants in Manchester are actually operated by Pakistani's - - so it's not Indian food. Pakistani food is a bit of a mash-up, part-Indian and Middle easern (i.e. Barynani - apologies for bad spelling).

Enough culinary chat, this Wed is my first trip outta Manchester to - London. I will be taking in an NBA game and getting to See KG in action before they head back to the states. Pictures will surely follow!

Cheers

A week of rubbish! Rubbish I tell you...!

Hello all - -



Alright first week of class in the bag here is what I learned. I love coffee breaks! I didn't realize how much more alert I am in class when I am allowed to catch my breath.

Other news...I love wine from the Sainsbury...yes the supermarket chain. Who am I? I drink wine and read text books lol.

So before I buy an ascot and eat cold fish...I am off to find a place to enjoy - -Guiness!!! Cheers...

I might have some super good news soon - - stay posted!

Denis

I know (Some) of you missed me!

Been awhile since the last update (very unblogger of me), but so much has happened–classes started, learning more about my international colleagues and of course most of all exploring the Manchester night life, with 10 of my closest international mates! It’s so cool we each like to party. Some longer than others-eh we’ll see if we can keep up the pace from this past weekend after classes get into full swing.

Weekends here begin Thursday and end pretty much Sunday(ish) - good for me, bad for my Monday technology and strategy class. No worries, I will be attending it EVERY TIME…except when I am in Rome early November! Side Note: The Hilton in Manchester has an entirely glass façade, but that is not important–it also has Cloud 23! A swank bar, people here are a mix of young pros and older established folk who enjoy stiff drinks and complimentary bar snacks. I will visit often, its right around the corner from my flat!

Checked out BONOBO at Mint Lounge the other night-it was packed and for good reason! They are a Brit band (simply glad it was not Pop) whose music is a mix of jazz, soul and rock. They put it down HARD. Good job, now if can find it on iTunes...Let me know people!!!

Also that night I also heard a jazz/hip hop remix to John Lennon’s “Imagine.” I don’t know how to describe it, except to say it is, as my Norwegian flatmate would say “dope.” Must listen for you music lovers out there.

This Tuesday I am off to Matt and Phreds in the Northern Quarter–an area of Manchester which reminds me of the Lower East. I feel like I have equal chances of getting mugged or finding a great deal on exclusives fashion!

Heading to London early Oct. to pay my respects to the Queen Mother, High Fashion and speed walking Brits! Look for once a week updates, unless something ‘dope’ happens...

Cheers