Happy Halloween

(Ponte Vecchio)

Happy Halloween (or All Souls Day)
31-10-2005
11:46 PM

Woke up yesterday around 9 AM and finally hit the streets at noon. Packed my iPod, camera, and DeNiro style aviators. This time, I hit it hard with a vengeance. My mission: capture the cities best sights, soaking up the warm sunny day. The plazas were packed full of people, locals and tourists alike. Monday and Tuesday are national holidays so people were out enjoying the wonderful weather.

Grabbed Micky D’s for lunch then headed to the river Arno. Ponte Vecchio is my favorite. Remember the European Grind and the huge mural in the back (where the psuedo stage was located?) Does this picture look familiar now?

For those who don’t know, the Grind was my second home throughout college and the year I lived on campus after I started working. If I wasn’t in class, working, or at my apartment, you bet the house that I was at the Grind. TJ (the owner) and I were good acquaintances.

It was at the Grind where I was introduced to such great music as Nelly Furtado, John Mayer, and Cold Play, and crazy energy drinks like Bawls and Red Bull. All my friends knew about the Grind and were regulars. We’d go to enjoy each other’s company, play board games (Trivial Pursuit and Life were popular), people watch (never will forget the mystery girl), or cram hard until 1AM. You never know who you’d run into at the Grind. One of the best parts was that it was a block away from my apartment, across the street from Harvard Market, and only 20 steps away from Perry’s. Damn, I miss the U.

Walked around for a good 4.5 hours. In total, I snagged over 475 pictures. Still rummaging through them and sorting out the posting qualifiers.

Came back the hotel around 5, then off to clean my beaters at 5:30. Hit up Mr. Kebab for dinner with Ashraf. If you ever make it out to Florence, be sure to check this place out. This was my second time. First time had the Kebab. Now to try something new; the Falafel and Mutabal, an eggplant, lemon and onion paste mix you eat with flat bread. That’s good eats.

This place is owned by a Lebanese guy. The other two workers are Palestinian. Ashraf comes in handy since he speaks Arabic. He says it’s the best Arabic food you’ll find, next to the authentic, home cooked meals. I don’t disagree.

Got home around 8:30. Prepped for the fantasy bball draft. Fell sleep around 11:30 and woke back up at 3:30. That’s how much I love fantasy basketball.

There are some interesting shows on TV at this time of night. This was the first time I actually appreciated Italian television. You don’t need to understand English to understand what that guy and two other girls were doing on the show. I love Italy.

I was slated with the 5th pick. Team is stacked with plenty of upside, and Tracy McGrady as my franchise player. Let’s hope he doesn’t get off to a slow start like 04-05. Mark my words now: I smell MVP candidacy for him. Unless of course Garnett leads the Wolves to the Western Conference Championships.

Fell back asleep around 6:30. Got up at 8:30 and in the office by 9. Monday night must be a slow night for the streets. Counted a record 10 escorts on the ride back home from the office. Or maybe they were just wearing costumes.

Shout outs to my Mighty Midwest district. Congrats to Dave for capturing the Brother of the Year Award. You deserve it. Kudos the Minnesoldiers for bringing home Chapter of the Year, 2 years running. I’m proud of you guys. LB!

UPDATE: 01-11-2005 8:56 AM

In Siena, I noticed at the gift shop that many souvenirs had jockeys and horses on it. Didn’t think much of it until I started googling Siena. Found out that the Palio races are held twice a year in Siena, in the Piazza del Campo. Check out this link for more information. http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/tuscany/siena_palio.htm

It only lasts 75 seconds, but from what I’ve read, looks like a great time. I think Giacomo would kill at this race. Rohan/Ausman/Sarah – Looks like we need to add this one to the list.

I also received a comment this morning from Cathy about a remark I made earlier. Just to cover my ass, the views and opinions of this blog are strictly of the blog’s author and the blog’s author alone. Firenze has rekindled my love for travel, and introduced me to the sudden changes that go on in our lives.

Prayers are with those who lost loved ones in the recent bombings in New Delhi and Iraq. Stop the Mad Bird Flu!