Future look from the front door.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Sunday at the Pantheon
As I approached the Pantheon I just could not believe I was here. I kept thinking I must be looking at the set of a play. After all I have seen so many plays... I have even been in a few. It just has to be a set! It is massive! It is unreal! There is a huge hole in the top and when it rains there are drainage holes in the floor for the water to drain into. There is also artwork inside and kings and queens are buried here too. This is also a functioning Catholic Church! Masses are held here on a regular schedule.
I have a note in my book on Rome that says the Pantheon was dedicated as a church on November 1, 608. All Saints Day. The church was christened and dedicated to all the martyrs. The bones of manys martyrs and other relics were brought there from the catacombs in honor of the event.
I got a chance to talk with Tom on the phone today. I told him about the night walk we took last night. We saw the Pantheon then too... we had to come back and get some day time shots. It was interesting to see the life of the city at night.
There is a statue in Campo de' Fiori of Giordano Bruno. He stands in the center of the plaza there with his cowl on overlooking everyone. He was a humanist and a scholar who was burned at the stake in 1600 for believing the world was round and not the center of the universe! Whoops... I bet someone wishes they could make that decision over again!
Performers... musicians, magicians and photographers are there to make a quick Euro as people come to see Bruno and enjoy a meal in the square.
In Piazza Navona there is a huge fountain that has the Four Rivers that were known at the time. The Nile is depicted with his head covered because the head water location was not known at that time! The Rio de la Plata appears to be looking up in shock at the church... although the church was built several years later, hmmmm!
This Piazza was also the artist hang out. I picked up some water colors here of the Vatican that were done by a man named Alessandro. He showed me the difference between ones that he had done in the daytime, afternoon and evening. He had one straight on that showed the key to the city and one view from across the bridge. He was selling the small ones for 10 Euros each so I chose two that I liked and thanked him for sharing his art with me. He seemed so happy to have someone stop and talk with him. Tom said it is like showing off your children. Artists love to explain all the different things they have done.
Erin and I made it as far as the Trevi Fountain which is spectacular at night. Everywhere we went the police were out in full force. They were at every monument... Bruno had four gaurds watching over him! At the Trevi Fountain the plain clothes police were there too; with ear pieces in and everything! I suppose they were not to be noticed... but, I saw them. I chose not to photograph them though!
I have a note in my book on Rome that says the Pantheon was dedicated as a church on November 1, 608. All Saints Day. The church was christened and dedicated to all the martyrs. The bones of manys martyrs and other relics were brought there from the catacombs in honor of the event.
I got a chance to talk with Tom on the phone today. I told him about the night walk we took last night. We saw the Pantheon then too... we had to come back and get some day time shots. It was interesting to see the life of the city at night.
There is a statue in Campo de' Fiori of Giordano Bruno. He stands in the center of the plaza there with his cowl on overlooking everyone. He was a humanist and a scholar who was burned at the stake in 1600 for believing the world was round and not the center of the universe! Whoops... I bet someone wishes they could make that decision over again!
Performers... musicians, magicians and photographers are there to make a quick Euro as people come to see Bruno and enjoy a meal in the square.
In Piazza Navona there is a huge fountain that has the Four Rivers that were known at the time. The Nile is depicted with his head covered because the head water location was not known at that time! The Rio de la Plata appears to be looking up in shock at the church... although the church was built several years later, hmmmm!
This Piazza was also the artist hang out. I picked up some water colors here of the Vatican that were done by a man named Alessandro. He showed me the difference between ones that he had done in the daytime, afternoon and evening. He had one straight on that showed the key to the city and one view from across the bridge. He was selling the small ones for 10 Euros each so I chose two that I liked and thanked him for sharing his art with me. He seemed so happy to have someone stop and talk with him. Tom said it is like showing off your children. Artists love to explain all the different things they have done.
Erin and I made it as far as the Trevi Fountain which is spectacular at night. Everywhere we went the police were out in full force. They were at every monument... Bruno had four gaurds watching over him! At the Trevi Fountain the plain clothes police were there too; with ear pieces in and everything! I suppose they were not to be noticed... but, I saw them. I chose not to photograph them though!
Saturday, July 09, 2005
There were all in on it!
All three of them! I spoke with the guys last night and found out that they were all in on the gag together! Even Nathan helped with editing the text!
Oh well, I know how loved I am!
Tonight Erin and I are doing the night walk across Rome. I hope to get some great photos.
I think the Italians have the cure for the common cold. I took the medication I was given and was down for two days and now I am all better!
I will let you know how the walk went
and Tom..... I think the Mark Twain Lilies look great!
Oh well, I know how loved I am!
Tonight Erin and I are doing the night walk across Rome. I hope to get some great photos.
I think the Italians have the cure for the common cold. I took the medication I was given and was down for two days and now I am all better!
I will let you know how the walk went
and Tom..... I think the Mark Twain Lilies look great!
Friday, July 08, 2005
Can someone call an Ambulance?
Ok... Tom, way to give your wife a heart attack! I should have known a joke was coming. But, then it's Russia all things are possible!!!
I am glad we still have a building. This is what happens when you share your password with your husband! You never know what to expect....
Now that I can breathe again I will continue... all over the news here the London bombings are still at the forefront. I could not understand all that was being said however, when they show large German Shepards patroling the Metro station I think that means the bomb sniffing dogs are working. And they were at some of the tourist sites too. Like the Colosseum. I stayed in another day to get rested up and let my medicine work. Erin had a short rehearsal and came home early. We may go to another city for a visit tomorrow. It is an hour TRAIN ride away! They do have the trains under surveillance so I am really not worried. Besides, I don't believe it is my destiny to go that way!
I cannot believe that I have ten days left here in Rome. I cannot imagine what will happen to the apartment in Russia before I get back! Who knows what I will see next time I sign in to my blog!?
I am glad we still have a building. This is what happens when you share your password with your husband! You never know what to expect....
Now that I can breathe again I will continue... all over the news here the London bombings are still at the forefront. I could not understand all that was being said however, when they show large German Shepards patroling the Metro station I think that means the bomb sniffing dogs are working. And they were at some of the tourist sites too. Like the Colosseum. I stayed in another day to get rested up and let my medicine work. Erin had a short rehearsal and came home early. We may go to another city for a visit tomorrow. It is an hour TRAIN ride away! They do have the trains under surveillance so I am really not worried. Besides, I don't believe it is my destiny to go that way!
I cannot believe that I have ten days left here in Rome. I cannot imagine what will happen to the apartment in Russia before I get back! Who knows what I will see next time I sign in to my blog!?
The Flat is FLAT OUT GONE!!!!!!!!!
Ervand & Tonya & I met with a Pastor from 'Befany' church Friday morning. Pastor Gennady is retired militsia (police) with a huge heart for addicts & alcoholics. He also is very limited in the resources and programs to offer hurting people. His nephew is the contractor who is doing the remont on our flat. They offer 3 church services for recovering people, publish a recovery-oriented newspaper, have a hospital in Krasnodar with 1,000 addicts & alcoholics, a local rehab center with no program, & want to build more rehab centers in other cities. The main problem is lack of knowledge & experience. Pastor Gennady was ready for us to team up together right away!! I will go with him to the hospital next Wednesday when he goes to preach.
After the great meeting, we went to the flat to check on the progress. We were all in for a very big shock. Words can't really describe what we found, so I'll let the photos explain what we saw:
After the great meeting, we went to the flat to check on the progress. We were all in for a very big shock. Words can't really describe what we found, so I'll let the photos explain what we saw:
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Hair!
Well, I finally did it... I have talked about it for at least a year. But, now it is done. My dreadlocks are no more! I have a very short Fro'. It is so hot here & I could not take one more day of the heat bearing down on top of my head. So I cut of the dreads myself and then went into a salon to have my hair trimmed up. I feel so much lighter and free!
I caught Erin's cold... so other than the hair salon I was at home with Rhianna today. I was glued to the TV watching the news about the bombings in London. In the long run how I feel about my hair is not so important!
Four London Blasts Kill 40, Injure 700
By JANE WARDELL, Associated Press Writer 18 minutes ago
Four explosions rocked the London subway and tore open a packed double-decker bus during the morning rush hour Thursday, sending bloodied victims fleeing in the worst attack on London since World War II. At least 40 people were killed, U.S. officials said, and more than 700 were wounded.
A clearly shaken Prime Minister Tony Blair called the coordinated attacks "barbaric" and said they were designed to coincide with the G-8 summit opening in Gleneagles, Scotland. They also came a day after London won the bid to host the 2012 Olympics. A group calling itself the Secret Organization of al-Qaida in Europe claimed responsibility.
The four blasts went off within an hour, beginning at 8:51 a.m. (3:51 a.m. EDT), and hit three subway stations and the double-decker bus. Authorities immediately shut down the subway and bus lines that log 8.4 million passenger trips every weekday.
The bus explosion seemed to go off at the back of the vehicle, said bystander Raj Mattoo, 35. "The roof flew off and went up about 10 meters (30 feet). It then floated back down," he said. "There were obviously people badly injured. A parking attendant said he thought a piece of human flesh had landed on his arm."
Doctors from the nearby British Medical Association rushed into the street to treat the wounded from the bus. "The front of BMA house was completely splattered with blood and not much of the bus was left," said Dr. Laurence Buckman.
"It was chaos," said Gary Lewis, 32, evacuated from a subway train at King's Cross station. "The one haunting image was someone whose face was totally black and pouring with blood."
As the city's transportation system ground to a near-halt, buses were used as ambulances and an emergency medical station was set up at a hotel. Rescue workers, police and ordinary citizens streamed into the streets to help.
Some central London streets emptied of traffic. Groups of commuters who had been on their way to work gathered around corner shops with televisions, watching in silence. The mood was somber and subdued.
At the request of Queen Elizabeth II, the Union Jack flag flying over Buckingham Palace was lowered to half staff.
Blair, flanked by fellow G-8 leaders, including President Bush, read a statement from the leaders. "We shall prevail and they shall not," he said.
"Whatever they do, it is our determination that they will never succeed in destroying what we hold dear in this country and in other civilized nations throughout the world," he said earlier.
Returning to London, he promised an intense police hunt for those responsible. He said he knew most Muslims worldwide "deplore this act of terrorism."
"They are trying to use the slaughter of innocent people to cow us," he said. "They should know they will not succeed."
In Scotland, police evacuated a section of Edinburgh's main shopping street after a suspect package was found on a bus.
In Scotland, Bush warned Americans to be "extra vigilant," and his administration raised the terror alert for mass transit a notch to code orange. Security also was stepped up in the U.S. Capitol and in train and bus stations around the country.
Much of Europe also went on alert. Italy's airports raised alert levels to a maximum. The Czech Republic, Hungary, Russia, the Netherlands, France and Spain also announced beefed-up security at shopping centers, airports, railways and subways.
The U.N. Security Council was expected to pass a resolution condemning the blasts later Thursday, an official said.
A group calling itself "The Secret Organization of al-Qaida in Europe" posted a claim of responsibility, saying the blasts were in retaliation for Britain's involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The statement also threatened attacks in Italy and Denmark, both of which have troops in Iraq. It was published on a Web site popular with Islamic militants, and the text was republished on Elaph, a secular Arabic-language news Web site, and Berlin's Der Spiegel magazine.
The statement's authenticity could not be immediately confirmed, but terrorism experts said the blasts had the trademarks of the al-Qaida network.
"This is clearly an al-Qaida style attack. It was well-coordinated, it was timed for a political event and it was a multiple attack on a transportation system at rush hour," said Lawrence Freedman, professor of war studies at King's College in London.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Brian Paddick said there had been no arrests, and it was unclear whether suicide bombers were involved.
Asked about the claim of responsibility, Paddick said: "We will be looking at that ... at the moment we don't know if that's a legitimate claim or not." He added British officials had received no prior warning or advance intelligence that the attacks would occur.
European stocks dropped sharply after the blasts, with exchanges in London, Paris and Germany all down about 2 percent. Insurance and travel-related stocks were hit hard, and the British pound also fell. Gold, traditionally seen as a safe haven, rose.
The explosions also unnerved traders on Wall Street, sending stocks down sharply.
Three U.S. law enforcement officials said at least 40 people were killed. They spoke on condition of anonymity and said they learned of the number from their British counterparts.
In London, police said they could confirm at least 37 people had been killed, including two in the bus attack.
Buckman, the London doctor, said ambulance staff told him about 10 people died in the bus blast. BMA doctors treated about nine seriously wounded people in the building's courtyard, two of whom later died, he said.
London police said at least 700 were wounded. Among them, at least 45 were in serious or critical condition, including amputations, fractures and burns, hospital officials told The Associated Press.
London Mayor Ken Livingstone said the blasts were "mass murder" carried out by terrorists bent on "indiscriminate ... slaughter."
"This was not a terrorist attack against the mighty or the powerful ... it was aimed at ordinary working-class Londoners," said Livingstone, in Singapore where he supported London's Olympic bid. Giselle Davies, an International Olympic Committee spokeswoman, said the committee still had "full confidence" in London.
Jay Kumar, a business owner near the site of the bus blast, said he ran out of his shop when he heard a loud explosion. The bus's top deck collapsed, sending people tumbling to the floor, he said. Bloodied people ran from the scene.
"A big blast, a big bomb," he told The Associated Press. "People were running this way panicked. They knew it was a bomb. Debris flying all over, mostly glass."
"I was on the bus in front and heard an incredible bang, I turned round and half the double decker bus was in the air," Belinda Seabrook told Press Association, the British news agency.
Traces of explosives were found at two explosion sites, a senior police official said.
Explosions were reported at the Aldgate station near the Liverpool Street railway terminal, Edgware Road and King's Cross in north London, Old Street in the financial district and Russell Square, near the British Museum.
"I saw lots of people coming out covered in blood and soot. Black smoke was coming from the station. I saw several people laid out on sheets," office worker Kibir Chibber, 24, said at the Aldgate subway station.
Simon Corvett, 26, on an eastbound train from Edgware Road station, described "this massive huge bang ... It was absolutely deafening and all the windows shattered."
"You could see the carriage opposite was completely gutted," he said. "There were some people in real trouble."
On March 11, 2004, terrorist bombs on four commuter trains in Madrid killed 191 people.
I caught Erin's cold... so other than the hair salon I was at home with Rhianna today. I was glued to the TV watching the news about the bombings in London. In the long run how I feel about my hair is not so important!
Four London Blasts Kill 40, Injure 700
By JANE WARDELL, Associated Press Writer 18 minutes ago
Four explosions rocked the London subway and tore open a packed double-decker bus during the morning rush hour Thursday, sending bloodied victims fleeing in the worst attack on London since World War II. At least 40 people were killed, U.S. officials said, and more than 700 were wounded.
A clearly shaken Prime Minister Tony Blair called the coordinated attacks "barbaric" and said they were designed to coincide with the G-8 summit opening in Gleneagles, Scotland. They also came a day after London won the bid to host the 2012 Olympics. A group calling itself the Secret Organization of al-Qaida in Europe claimed responsibility.
The four blasts went off within an hour, beginning at 8:51 a.m. (3:51 a.m. EDT), and hit three subway stations and the double-decker bus. Authorities immediately shut down the subway and bus lines that log 8.4 million passenger trips every weekday.
The bus explosion seemed to go off at the back of the vehicle, said bystander Raj Mattoo, 35. "The roof flew off and went up about 10 meters (30 feet). It then floated back down," he said. "There were obviously people badly injured. A parking attendant said he thought a piece of human flesh had landed on his arm."
Doctors from the nearby British Medical Association rushed into the street to treat the wounded from the bus. "The front of BMA house was completely splattered with blood and not much of the bus was left," said Dr. Laurence Buckman.
"It was chaos," said Gary Lewis, 32, evacuated from a subway train at King's Cross station. "The one haunting image was someone whose face was totally black and pouring with blood."
As the city's transportation system ground to a near-halt, buses were used as ambulances and an emergency medical station was set up at a hotel. Rescue workers, police and ordinary citizens streamed into the streets to help.
Some central London streets emptied of traffic. Groups of commuters who had been on their way to work gathered around corner shops with televisions, watching in silence. The mood was somber and subdued.
At the request of Queen Elizabeth II, the Union Jack flag flying over Buckingham Palace was lowered to half staff.
Blair, flanked by fellow G-8 leaders, including President Bush, read a statement from the leaders. "We shall prevail and they shall not," he said.
"Whatever they do, it is our determination that they will never succeed in destroying what we hold dear in this country and in other civilized nations throughout the world," he said earlier.
Returning to London, he promised an intense police hunt for those responsible. He said he knew most Muslims worldwide "deplore this act of terrorism."
"They are trying to use the slaughter of innocent people to cow us," he said. "They should know they will not succeed."
In Scotland, police evacuated a section of Edinburgh's main shopping street after a suspect package was found on a bus.
In Scotland, Bush warned Americans to be "extra vigilant," and his administration raised the terror alert for mass transit a notch to code orange. Security also was stepped up in the U.S. Capitol and in train and bus stations around the country.
Much of Europe also went on alert. Italy's airports raised alert levels to a maximum. The Czech Republic, Hungary, Russia, the Netherlands, France and Spain also announced beefed-up security at shopping centers, airports, railways and subways.
The U.N. Security Council was expected to pass a resolution condemning the blasts later Thursday, an official said.
A group calling itself "The Secret Organization of al-Qaida in Europe" posted a claim of responsibility, saying the blasts were in retaliation for Britain's involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The statement also threatened attacks in Italy and Denmark, both of which have troops in Iraq. It was published on a Web site popular with Islamic militants, and the text was republished on Elaph, a secular Arabic-language news Web site, and Berlin's Der Spiegel magazine.
The statement's authenticity could not be immediately confirmed, but terrorism experts said the blasts had the trademarks of the al-Qaida network.
"This is clearly an al-Qaida style attack. It was well-coordinated, it was timed for a political event and it was a multiple attack on a transportation system at rush hour," said Lawrence Freedman, professor of war studies at King's College in London.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Brian Paddick said there had been no arrests, and it was unclear whether suicide bombers were involved.
Asked about the claim of responsibility, Paddick said: "We will be looking at that ... at the moment we don't know if that's a legitimate claim or not." He added British officials had received no prior warning or advance intelligence that the attacks would occur.
European stocks dropped sharply after the blasts, with exchanges in London, Paris and Germany all down about 2 percent. Insurance and travel-related stocks were hit hard, and the British pound also fell. Gold, traditionally seen as a safe haven, rose.
The explosions also unnerved traders on Wall Street, sending stocks down sharply.
Three U.S. law enforcement officials said at least 40 people were killed. They spoke on condition of anonymity and said they learned of the number from their British counterparts.
In London, police said they could confirm at least 37 people had been killed, including two in the bus attack.
Buckman, the London doctor, said ambulance staff told him about 10 people died in the bus blast. BMA doctors treated about nine seriously wounded people in the building's courtyard, two of whom later died, he said.
London police said at least 700 were wounded. Among them, at least 45 were in serious or critical condition, including amputations, fractures and burns, hospital officials told The Associated Press.
London Mayor Ken Livingstone said the blasts were "mass murder" carried out by terrorists bent on "indiscriminate ... slaughter."
"This was not a terrorist attack against the mighty or the powerful ... it was aimed at ordinary working-class Londoners," said Livingstone, in Singapore where he supported London's Olympic bid. Giselle Davies, an International Olympic Committee spokeswoman, said the committee still had "full confidence" in London.
Jay Kumar, a business owner near the site of the bus blast, said he ran out of his shop when he heard a loud explosion. The bus's top deck collapsed, sending people tumbling to the floor, he said. Bloodied people ran from the scene.
"A big blast, a big bomb," he told The Associated Press. "People were running this way panicked. They knew it was a bomb. Debris flying all over, mostly glass."
"I was on the bus in front and heard an incredible bang, I turned round and half the double decker bus was in the air," Belinda Seabrook told Press Association, the British news agency.
Traces of explosives were found at two explosion sites, a senior police official said.
Explosions were reported at the Aldgate station near the Liverpool Street railway terminal, Edgware Road and King's Cross in north London, Old Street in the financial district and Russell Square, near the British Museum.
"I saw lots of people coming out covered in blood and soot. Black smoke was coming from the station. I saw several people laid out on sheets," office worker Kibir Chibber, 24, said at the Aldgate subway station.
Simon Corvett, 26, on an eastbound train from Edgware Road station, described "this massive huge bang ... It was absolutely deafening and all the windows shattered."
"You could see the carriage opposite was completely gutted," he said. "There were some people in real trouble."
On March 11, 2004, terrorist bombs on four commuter trains in Madrid killed 191 people.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
I wish I were home?
I just got off the phone with Tom. Erin and I were eating lunch at a Chinese Restaurant next door to the internet cafe. I know Spencer will get a kick out of that. I ate Chinese food in Italy and the people in there spoke Italian perfectly it was creepy!
Anyway, Tom said I needed to go read my email and check my blog.... So I finished my food, gave Erin money for my part of the bill and dashed over here to check it all out. I am not wishing I was home that's for sure!!!! I knew Tom would want that tile! I have know him long enough to figure that one out. He didn't tell me on the phone about the fall. I read that in his email! Oh well. At least he is alright.
Tom is going to need a vacation by the time I get home. There is so much work to be done and we are not able to talk about everything though the time difference between the two countries is only two hours the telephone lines do not always work. I tried to call him last night and could not get through and he said he tried to call me as well!
The internet has been the most reliable connection between us all! I was excited to see what he had posted! I had to wait for almost ten minutes for a computer to become available for use here at the cafe... and now I have to get back to work! Erin has a rehearsal in 20 minutes... Ciao!
Anyway, Tom said I needed to go read my email and check my blog.... So I finished my food, gave Erin money for my part of the bill and dashed over here to check it all out. I am not wishing I was home that's for sure!!!! I knew Tom would want that tile! I have know him long enough to figure that one out. He didn't tell me on the phone about the fall. I read that in his email! Oh well. At least he is alright.
Tom is going to need a vacation by the time I get home. There is so much work to be done and we are not able to talk about everything though the time difference between the two countries is only two hours the telephone lines do not always work. I tried to call him last night and could not get through and he said he tried to call me as well!
The internet has been the most reliable connection between us all! I was excited to see what he had posted! I had to wait for almost ten minutes for a computer to become available for use here at the cafe... and now I have to get back to work! Erin has a rehearsal in 20 minutes... Ciao!
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Russian Remodeling
BlackPurl has chronicled many things that are different in Russia than in the States. Russian remodeling (remont) is also a learning experience. Spencer & I went with Tonya the translator & Ervand the foreman to the flat. When we arrived, the work crew was busy scrapping years & layers of wallpaper off the walls! Later Alexei the contractor showed up.
Tonya communicated the changes that were to be made to the flat & general prices were agreed upon. The overall process of Russian remodeling is this: "In two days we will have everything torn down & cleaned up. Then we will decide how to rebuild."
Am I glad that BlackPurl is in Rome!!
The foreman & contractor couldn't agree on how far to extend the bathroom & what angle to make the new bathroom wall. Their tools for discussion? Broken pieces of baseboard angled on the floor! Nothing is written down...rooms aren't measured & recorded...no floorplan has been drawn - except by me! & I've been told to go home, relax & leave it all up to them. That's not the easiest thing to do in any language...especially with a wife in Rome!
Hope you enjoy the photos of this stage of the Russian Remodeling.
Tonya communicated the changes that were to be made to the flat & general prices were agreed upon. The overall process of Russian remodeling is this: "In two days we will have everything torn down & cleaned up. Then we will decide how to rebuild."
Am I glad that BlackPurl is in Rome!!
The foreman & contractor couldn't agree on how far to extend the bathroom & what angle to make the new bathroom wall. Their tools for discussion? Broken pieces of baseboard angled on the floor! Nothing is written down...rooms aren't measured & recorded...no floorplan has been drawn - except by me! & I've been told to go home, relax & leave it all up to them. That's not the easiest thing to do in any language...especially with a wife in Rome!
Hope you enjoy the photos of this stage of the Russian Remodeling.
Spencer & I showed up at 8pm to claim some of this old tile. It's from the Soviet days, as is the bathroom floor tile. The babushka showed up to pick up more of her stuff - cacti this time. I told her how 'intruda' (difficult) moving must be for her. As I was taking up tile from the floor I told her it was 'chris-see-va' (beautiful), & the remont crew can tear things up & I was an artist & would use it to make mosiacs. I think she appreciated this. She handed me her set of keys to the flat & left with her bags of cacti.
A Flat Tour...
While BlackPurl somehow manages to tour Rome as we begin remodeling our flat in Krasnodar, it's time for an update about the real work going on in the humidity & heat! We're not visiting museums & looking at art here.
These photos were taken on Friday, 1 July 2005. Nathan, Spencer & Tom viewed the flat w/ the foreman, contractor & translator. Although the babushka was supposed to have moved out the weekend before, she's had a hard time leaving! You can see some of her belongings in the pictures. These are things her family wanted to throw out when they moved her, but she wanted to keep. Enjoy the tour!
These photos were taken on Friday, 1 July 2005. Nathan, Spencer & Tom viewed the flat w/ the foreman, contractor & translator. Although the babushka was supposed to have moved out the weekend before, she's had a hard time leaving! You can see some of her belongings in the pictures. These are things her family wanted to throw out when they moved her, but she wanted to keep. Enjoy the tour!
Babushkas in Italy?
What did the Russian babushka say to the Italian babushka?
"why do you walk so fast?"
What did the Italian babushka say to the Russian babushka?
"why are you so tall?"
Babushkas must have an international society where they meet to discuss being grandmothers. The babushkas here in Rome all stop and pinch Rhianna's cheeks, ask her name and age. They also say they want to eat her! It is an Italian thing, I guess. She is so cute they want to eat her up! Some of them look like they have eaten a few unsuspecting little ones!
My guys had a good 4th of July... Tom made cheeseburgers and fries. Lena was back from the Ukraine so she came over for dinner. Alexei had sinus surgery in Mycop and he is still there recuperating. The apartment was supposed to get measured yesterday but they guys never showed up for that. I hear that we will have to live at the BLTC, the school Tom will eventually teach at, for a while until the renovations are complete. So, we leave one temporary home for another one! But, language school starts in a few weeks so hopefully the floors and walls will get done and we can at least get moved in before August!
I found a huge office supply store! I know that is not what I came to Rome for. But, we don't have such a creature in Krasnodar. I bought paper with lines, pencils and pens. I don't understand why they don't use paper with lines.... it is easier to find graph paper than ruled paper. They also have peanut butter at the grocery store. I am going to try some and if it passes the test I will take some of that back home with me too!
I saw the Coloseum today, the Mamertine prison (where Paul & Peter were imprisoned) and the Forum. I have some babushka shots too! I think I am a people watcher at heart... and you know the great thing about the zoom on my camera? I can catch these gals from across the street!!!!
"why do you walk so fast?"
What did the Italian babushka say to the Russian babushka?
"why are you so tall?"
Babushkas must have an international society where they meet to discuss being grandmothers. The babushkas here in Rome all stop and pinch Rhianna's cheeks, ask her name and age. They also say they want to eat her! It is an Italian thing, I guess. She is so cute they want to eat her up! Some of them look like they have eaten a few unsuspecting little ones!
My guys had a good 4th of July... Tom made cheeseburgers and fries. Lena was back from the Ukraine so she came over for dinner. Alexei had sinus surgery in Mycop and he is still there recuperating. The apartment was supposed to get measured yesterday but they guys never showed up for that. I hear that we will have to live at the BLTC, the school Tom will eventually teach at, for a while until the renovations are complete. So, we leave one temporary home for another one! But, language school starts in a few weeks so hopefully the floors and walls will get done and we can at least get moved in before August!
I found a huge office supply store! I know that is not what I came to Rome for. But, we don't have such a creature in Krasnodar. I bought paper with lines, pencils and pens. I don't understand why they don't use paper with lines.... it is easier to find graph paper than ruled paper. They also have peanut butter at the grocery store. I am going to try some and if it passes the test I will take some of that back home with me too!
I saw the Coloseum today, the Mamertine prison (where Paul & Peter were imprisoned) and the Forum. I have some babushka shots too! I think I am a people watcher at heart... and you know the great thing about the zoom on my camera? I can catch these gals from across the street!!!!
Monday, July 04, 2005
Madrina goes to work
In Italian, Madrina, means Godmother... as opposed to GodFather! It is a thought provoking job to be someone's Godmother. I am supposed to help Rhianna in her spiritual development. Well, we started today at St. Peter's Basilica. We were able to get right through the line. Italians love babies... everyone made sure I stayed in the shade. I was not even scanned with the hand wand and did not have my bag checked. Instead the guard was saying "Ciao, Bella" to the baby! Which means "hello, beautiful!" Sometimes they call her "bambolo" which is 'doll'. Even on the metro to get there an older gentleman gave up his seat for me. And then sat down next to me once that seat opened up. I asked him where the Basilica was (it was too hard to reach my map in my bag and hang to the baby!) So, Erin taught me a few key phrases and I am speaking minimal Italian... "Doveh, Basilica?" He told me that he was getting off a stop before and that if I went one stop too far it would take me to the Museum. I thanked him and he went back to playing with the baby. With Italians you must include your thumb when counting. He asked me how old she was and I showed him with my fingers... I only know numbers in English, Spanish and Russian! I did not use my thumb but my index finger for the sixth digit so I thought he would get that she was 6 months old. Nope, he assumed the thumb and said " 7 months!" I had to do it again using the thumb for the sixth digit and he got it! So remember in Italy they start with the THUMB!!!! If you put up your index finger to ask for one of something you may get two!!!! Babies make you slow down. Babies make you remember you will be here for 15 more days and can come back if you want too. Babies make you stop and look. Babies make you stop and think. |
Sunday, July 03, 2005
St Peter in Chains
Acts 12:1-11
Peter's Miraculous Escape From Prison
1 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3 When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 4 After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.
5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance.
7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists.
8 Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.
11 Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating."
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At the Church St. Peter in Chains; I beheld the chains that bound Peter.
I wept at the sight. As we approached the front of the altar we heard the congregants who were attending mass reciting "Holy, Holy , Holy is the Lord". What else can I say? The Bible was made plain for me today. I saw the chains, I felt the Spirit of the God moving at that moment in that church. Someone asked me once how I can know if God is real... all I can say is that: today I felt the magnificent, awesome, presence of God. I know that my going to Russia will never compare to what Peter and the early believers went through to follow God as they understood Him. I don't have to be like them.... I only have to follow my God as best as I can... one day at a time, for the rest of my life. Ciao!
Peter's Miraculous Escape From Prison
1 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3 When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 4 After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.
5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance.
7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists.
8 Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.
11 Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At the Church St. Peter in Chains; I beheld the chains that bound Peter.
I wept at the sight. As we approached the front of the altar we heard the congregants who were attending mass reciting "Holy, Holy , Holy is the Lord". What else can I say? The Bible was made plain for me today. I saw the chains, I felt the Spirit of the God moving at that moment in that church. Someone asked me once how I can know if God is real... all I can say is that: today I felt the magnificent, awesome, presence of God. I know that my going to Russia will never compare to what Peter and the early believers went through to follow God as they understood Him. I don't have to be like them.... I only have to follow my God as best as I can... one day at a time, for the rest of my life. Ciao!
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Erin & Rhianna arrive!
The girls are all together now! We cause quite a stir when we go out. I thought that Russian people love babies. You should see Italians... everyone wants to touch her, talk to her & make faces at her... it's a scream. "Ciao, bella" is heard from almost everyone we come across. Today at lunch the restaurant owner brought pillows for Rhianna to lay down on the table. And then gave us a fan to cool her off. We were allowed to stay in the place until she finished her nap... all the customers in the joint came over to talk with us. One woman even sat down beside me and spoke passionately to Erin. She is fluent in Italian. A poster for the Opera she is in was up in the restuarant. The gal who sat down to talk with Erin was not happy that they don't give discounts to seniors! Not that Erin can control that!
I was given some beans by the owner for me to plant we I get home. They are the beans used to make Italian soup. They are called Borlotti. One of her recipes, in fact the dish I had for lunch was featured in Bon Appetit. When I get to post my pictures I will show the dish... of course I took a picture of the food; it was gorgeous and tasted as good as it looked. I had Tortelloni Ricotta Spinaci. Maria Theresa is one of the best cooks I have ever enjoyed! She asked me if I understood her; I told her I understood a little. She wanted to know what languages I spoke. I told her Russian and English. She told me she speaks only Roman not Italian! I had to ask Erin later what the difference was. Roman is almost the same as Italian just some of the words are pronounced differently!
We went to the chapel that holds the wood that is supposedly from Jesus manger. It was incredible inside! Is the wood really from the manger.... I don't know but there were many faithful people inside praying in front of the wood. I couldn't help praying there myself!
There is so much to see here and to do each day. It is almost too much for the senses. But, you cannot turn off Rome and make it go away. Another day we will go to St. Peter in Chains Church. Erin has not been there. Peter's chains from when he and Paul were in prison are there. I hope I can handle that sight!
I was given some beans by the owner for me to plant we I get home. They are the beans used to make Italian soup. They are called Borlotti. One of her recipes, in fact the dish I had for lunch was featured in Bon Appetit. When I get to post my pictures I will show the dish... of course I took a picture of the food; it was gorgeous and tasted as good as it looked. I had Tortelloni Ricotta Spinaci. Maria Theresa is one of the best cooks I have ever enjoyed! She asked me if I understood her; I told her I understood a little. She wanted to know what languages I spoke. I told her Russian and English. She told me she speaks only Roman not Italian! I had to ask Erin later what the difference was. Roman is almost the same as Italian just some of the words are pronounced differently!
We went to the chapel that holds the wood that is supposedly from Jesus manger. It was incredible inside! Is the wood really from the manger.... I don't know but there were many faithful people inside praying in front of the wood. I couldn't help praying there myself!
There is so much to see here and to do each day. It is almost too much for the senses. But, you cannot turn off Rome and make it go away. Another day we will go to St. Peter in Chains Church. Erin has not been there. Peter's chains from when he and Paul were in prison are there. I hope I can handle that sight!
Friday, July 01, 2005
Fountain De Trevi
Water... brings out the best in people. I found a cooler place to hang out today. The Trevi Fountain is enormous, gorgeous and fabulous! And any other "ous" word you can think of! I watched little kids playing nearby, the nuns giggling as they photographed each other and couples snuggling up to one another while they got the picture taken too! It was fun to just sit there with my camera and take in the scene. A TV station showed up and I captured them as well. The camera man patiently listened to his producer and went for each shot as he was told. I was happy to have the freedom to sit back and just zoom in to whatever I wanted! The police seemed to enjoy harrassing whomever they chose. It seemed random.
I walked around after a while to explore more of the city. My vacation was short lived.... my job starts as soon as Erin picks me up! I came here to work. 6 days a week for 12 hours a day for the next two weeks I will be with a 6 month old baby! Erin has a job in an Opera and I am here to help. It will be too hot to spend long days out in the sun with a baby. And believe me it is HOT here!
Yesterday, I watched a western on TV with Jimmy Stewart, Henry Fonda and Shirley Jones.... I didn't know they could speak Italian! I thought cowboys spoke AMERICAN!
I purchased a painting today for our new apartment. A small one that I think Tom will love. I know how much he misses all the art pieces we left behind. The gal at the art shop was so sweet. She was very careful in wrapping it up for me. Then she had to apologize because her credit card machine was not working. SO, I had to walk to a bank to get cash. I met up with a very tall young blonde from Wisconsin. She escorted me to the bankomat! She may have been almost as tall as my oldest brother; and he is 6 feet 4 inches tall. She told me she plays basketball for the University of Wisconsin. She said it would just be easier for her to show me where the ATM was than to explain it to me. She was right... I could not have gotten there on my own! She dashed away before I could ask her what she was doing in Rome. I wish her the best; maybe I will see her on TV someday.... surely the WNBA is calling her name!
When in doubt follow the signs to McDonalds! I was trying to understand the small map I was using but I got the streets wrong. Or the direction... I am not sure. Then I saw a sign for McDonalds. I remember from a marketing class in college that McDonalds always tries to locate themselves near the busiest intersections. I thought if I just follow their signs I will find my way to the subway! It worked... it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out why McDonalds wants to be where the people are!
My guys are without hot water! Our section of Krasnodar is doing repairs. Tom said they are having to heat water on the stove to do the dishes. And they are eating leftovers for meals.
Even babies like to hear their own language!
"ello, ew walkin abow yersel now?!" said the Irish lady to a little toddler.
The baby stared at her blankly.
"ello, ew walkin abow yersel now?!" she repeated.
Finally, after a long cold stare the baby turnd and walked away.
I think the translation for the Irish lady's words is:
"Hello, you walking about yourself now?"
Did you get it right?
I walked around after a while to explore more of the city. My vacation was short lived.... my job starts as soon as Erin picks me up! I came here to work. 6 days a week for 12 hours a day for the next two weeks I will be with a 6 month old baby! Erin has a job in an Opera and I am here to help. It will be too hot to spend long days out in the sun with a baby. And believe me it is HOT here!
Yesterday, I watched a western on TV with Jimmy Stewart, Henry Fonda and Shirley Jones.... I didn't know they could speak Italian! I thought cowboys spoke AMERICAN!
I purchased a painting today for our new apartment. A small one that I think Tom will love. I know how much he misses all the art pieces we left behind. The gal at the art shop was so sweet. She was very careful in wrapping it up for me. Then she had to apologize because her credit card machine was not working. SO, I had to walk to a bank to get cash. I met up with a very tall young blonde from Wisconsin. She escorted me to the bankomat! She may have been almost as tall as my oldest brother; and he is 6 feet 4 inches tall. She told me she plays basketball for the University of Wisconsin. She said it would just be easier for her to show me where the ATM was than to explain it to me. She was right... I could not have gotten there on my own! She dashed away before I could ask her what she was doing in Rome. I wish her the best; maybe I will see her on TV someday.... surely the WNBA is calling her name!
When in doubt follow the signs to McDonalds! I was trying to understand the small map I was using but I got the streets wrong. Or the direction... I am not sure. Then I saw a sign for McDonalds. I remember from a marketing class in college that McDonalds always tries to locate themselves near the busiest intersections. I thought if I just follow their signs I will find my way to the subway! It worked... it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out why McDonalds wants to be where the people are!
My guys are without hot water! Our section of Krasnodar is doing repairs. Tom said they are having to heat water on the stove to do the dishes. And they are eating leftovers for meals.
Even babies like to hear their own language!
"ello, ew walkin abow yersel now?!" said the Irish lady to a little toddler.
The baby stared at her blankly.
"ello, ew walkin abow yersel now?!" she repeated.
Finally, after a long cold stare the baby turnd and walked away.
I think the translation for the Irish lady's words is:
"Hello, you walking about yourself now?"
Did you get it right?
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