Firenze Caldo! Caldissimo! Troppo Caldo!

Here are a few photographs I've taken (please remember I have no photography experience) of tourists and Italians around Florence in the summer. I asked some, and others were far. But they all looked great to me!

Summer School

I'm currently on vacation with my folks ... so the following pictures are a bit old. But I still love them! I shot them at school. These are a couple of my classmates - just looking amazing at summer school :)

Baby on Board!

My best friend's look a likes have to be the Kardashian sisters. Lushes Long black hair, Petite, HourGlass body, Big booty, and just damn Sexy! Too bad she's married and pregnant now ... and a she. LOL - Anywayssss ..... although she has amazing style, she asked me to help her with her baby shower look. Therefore, I went through my celeb-preggo archives. I have personally loved the baby bump styles of Ashlee Simpson, Nicole Richie, and Kourtney Kardashian.

I think pregnant women should flaunt their unique curves (no matter how big they get) - but don't let the girls too out and seem like Pamela Andersons; I'm talking about showing off the baby bump! Like Kourtney does; I think its extremely sexy how she rocked the red carpet with this simple white dress and well what's a hotter accessory than your bump?! Ashlee also goes simple with her day to day look; showing off the baby bump skin just a tad - again looking very sexy.

When I was going through my celeb preggo pics, I found Jennifer Garner. I just don't like her pregnant or normal style at all! In spanish, we call her "Papa sin Sal" - literally: unsalted potatoe. LOL - It means: Plain Jane. Pregnancy is the most beautiful experience! and after looking at her pics, I was just disappointed. She wore jeans, plain shirts, t-shirts, and turtle necks. I have no problem with monochronic t-shirts or stretchy jeans - but COME ON woman! Ayyy she's just so plain for me. She probably shops at Pea in a Pod. Fashionista moms hate that place!

Now I've never been pregnant, but I like pregnant women in:

• Maxi dresses
• Tight Cocktail dresses
• Empire or Grecian inspired dresses
• Black Leggings or Cig Pants with a great top and Blazer
• Fitted Blazers or Jean Jackets over SuperSized Cardigans (because you don't want to appear bigger)
• Horizontal Stripes
• NOT too much cleavage (save it for the baby. the world already knows your expecting - but they aren't expecting to see your nipple drip)
• Flowy hair down (not tied up in a knot, just because you can't seen your feet doesn't mean you can't reach your hair dryer)

Hats Down ... It's Crazy Small!

While going through the smelly sales racks and funky accessories of H&M, Crystal and I found a couple of funny miniature hat/hair accessories, which we couldn't stop laughing at. Now I wonder from who did H&M steal this idea from? I know Miu Miu & Ban.Do create amazing headband and hair accessories. But then it hit me! H&M loves Lady GaGa (they have a lot of printed t-shirts of her) !! ... and Lady GaGa loves Philip Treacy! She even applied for an internship back in May, after having worked with him on many of her extravagant red carpet and concert looks. However, these little hats suck compared to Jennifer Behr, Ban.Do, Philip Treacy and Miu Mius amazing creations .... don't you think?

Philip Treacy's Unique Sculptures

 

Pink Bow Headpiece, Philip Treacy, Retail Price: 934 euros

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/78727

LOVE to Splurge on Hair Accessories? I HIGLY recommend:

http://www.shopbando.com/

http://www.jenniferbehr.com/index.php

http://www.philiptreacy.co.uk/

White Summer: Black Intimates

At the height of the Florentine summer many prefer to wear head to toe white. As kids, we are told in art class that white is the lightest and coolest color to wear during melting summers and as adults, wearing white is the most refreshing and ethereal feeling - but why is it that we detach this unique sensation by wearing black intimates which can clearly be seen by all?

The first time, I remember seeing a black bra and white shirt combo was on Sex & the City by Carrie. She did it all the time and since the show was very influential everyone (including myself) started doing this. It quickly went from faux-paux to sexy & outrageous to plain normal.

Here are a few pictures that I managed to find on Ashley Olsen and "Carrie Bradshaw" (I know picture quality sucks but it's just an idea)

Honestly, I like the black bra and white top look (only black bra not hot pink, red, or any changeable detailed strap like skateboarders who change their Converse shoe laces do) but what I don't like is when women wear black underwear (thong, shorts, boxers, etc) with a beautiful white dress or linen pants - not a good look. This past weekend, Crystal and I spotted this woman. All I have to say is - if you do this, stop! It looks terrible. There are many amazing nude colored panties that can remain unseen when wearing white linen pants. or you can also go commando - even more refreshing! ;)

Interview Dress Code Pointers

Here are some tips on how to dress for an interview from what I've learned.


MEN & WOMEN:

• Should always have a Sharp, Clean, and Tailored Pant, Suit, and/or Blazer
• Solid classic colors like Gray & Black (you'll never go wrong)
• Closed Shoes (A little peep toe isn't too bad)
• Minimal detail (exception explained later)
• Mani & Pedi
• Natural makeup (and shower)

WOMEN DON'T even try this:

• No-No to Tight, Body-Con dresses (unless you are looking into the late night entertainment industry)
• No-No to Sheer or Cleavage baring tops (its an interview not a party)
• No-No to worn out shoes, thigh high boots, flippy-floppies, sneakers (if you are going to show a little peep toe make sure you have a presentable pedicure)
• No-No to excess and bright makeup
• No-No to New shoes? or do you only have sky-high heels? If you can't walk in them, you might look like a drunk so leave them at home.
• No-No to Animal print (I love love animal print but for some reason I don't its acceptable)
• No-No to Boring suits (Be original!)
• No-No to Tank tops and jeans (they are for BBQs)
• No-No to showering yourself with your perfume bottle
• BIGGEST NO-NO to FAKES of the company you want to be hired to

WOMEN try this:

• Bow tie tops
• ONE Statement piece (ring, necklace .... this is a great conversation starter)
• Graphic print dress or blouse
• Vintage handbag

Here are some more ideas from Net-A-Porter & Forever 21

Paul & Joe Petitpot Ruffled Dress from Net-A-Porter for 360 euros

Blue Basic Silk Top from Forever 21 only for $22.80

Most importantly be on TIME, dress to IMPRESS, keep it REAL, .... you want to be memorable just like that amazing cover letter you wrote to get the job you want. GOOD LUCK! ;) 

Patrick Robinson, Creative Designer for the Gap, says "You need to dress in a style that works for the brand you're interviewing for. If you're going into the Gap, you should look like the Gap. but don't come in dressed like one of the ads. You need to express you own style as well." (Source: Teen Vogue, An Insider's Guide to Careers in Fashion) 

What to Wear to an Internship Interview

Last week, I had no idea what to wear to my internship interview with Pucci and started googling and going through Vogue, Elle, and WhoWhatWear for ideas but not a lot came up. So I'll give you some ideas based on what my friends and I wore, plus some rules on what to wear and what not to wear.

First Look (Me): Gray Tee (H&M), Black&Blue skirt (Forever 21), Bib (MaxMara), Shoes (Stella McCartney)

My Inspiration: Lauren Conrad of The Hills

 

Second Look (Megha): White short sleeved Top, Brown Houndstooth stretch skirt, Tan pointy pumps

Megha's Inspiration: "50s Secretary" Let's take Joan Holloway from Mad Men. She's viewed as a mature, stylish woman who knows how to use her sexuality to control her life.

Third Look (Crystal): Graphic dress (H&M) with Sergio Rossi Oxford "Shoeties"

Crystal's Inspiration: Pop Abstract Expressionist with a Jackson Pollock inspired print dress

 

Welcome!

Hey Everyone! I've decided to experiment like the rest of the world by starting a fashion blog. I already have my Italian Life Blog http://beatriceitaliana.blogspot.com/ but lately I've been wanting to start this new one. I love The Sartorialist, Fashion Toast, Jak&Jil, and +50 more fashion bloggers. I live in a city where fashion was born and I'm planning to move to a city where fashion is a must (NYC) - therefore, I'm going to try to catch it and show you. Being in Italy, I have traveled to a lot of places and seen how fashion changes from Florence to Milan to Athens to Berlin. In addition, to my travels, I also attend a very fashionable school. Right now we are on our summer break and there are less students but during the Fall I should have captured a lot of amazing looks. My pictures will not be professional but they will give you an idea of what I see, like, don't like, trends, looks, etc. Hope you like!

Getting ahead in a difficult profession requires avid faith in yourself. That is why some people with mediocre talent, but with great inner drive, go so much further than people with vastly superior talent. 

Sophia Loren   

Internship, Interviews, Jobs, ... Oh My!

This is where it gets tough, emails are sent to us from our Internship Office if we are interested in working with XX company or we send emails all day through our own connections or craigslist in order to be one of the many trying to get a piece of that pie. I can probably say I have sent out +30 emails to internships mostly in NYC and have only received 2 feedbacks and just recently an interview that couldn't have gone more wrong or awkward.

Through school I have only applied to 3 of the 10 internships they have sent me. Why? Well most of them ask for STRONG command of Italian and mine isn't as strong. I also do not want to stay in Italy. I think I'm pretty much done. I have seen and conquered and I'm ready to hit NYC - I love that city! It's a fast-paced, walking, subway, historical, lively, and most importantly fashion city! The 3 internships I've applied to are companies I believe in, know of, or the position opening was very interesting - Ferragamo, Pucci, and Tom Ford. Our of these 3, I wish I could have gotten the Pucci one. My 1st designer bag was a Pucci and I can totally relate to their consumer. However, I had to turn it down because they needed some immediately and my parents are coming soon and our plans are booked. When I had to give it up - I remembered the episode of The Hills when Lauren said no to Paris so she could be with her love, Jason. LOL Its a completely different situation! But it's like I missed an opportunity of a lifetime. But like Tupac says "Keep Your Head Up" - powerful words to live by - something better will be around the corner, I know it. - The Tom Ford job is a dream! But there's strong competition, the guy is interviewing all over Europe and UK for the perfect merchandising assistant! This interview went very very well but it also went as well for the rest of the girls ... so its hard to tell.

These internship openings are tough because you know who your "competition" is, where they worked, how long they worked there, if they have the right experience, what languages they speak - YOU KNOW IT ALL! It's stressful. You know who wants it, who applies to it, and how it went for them. Stressful, Scary, and Competitive. - I didn't get the Ferragamo interview. I applied but not called. That was a wake up call! I fixed my resume and doubted myself for a second - but know I know what my strengths and weaknesses are. Like I said, some jobs just won't be meant for me and there are million more openings, and few hundred that want me - I just have to find them!

The awkward interview I was talking about was weird because it was on the phone. First I had technical difficulties calling and ran down to the corner shop, so the guy could explain the calling card procedure to me, I was 5-7 minutes late to my phone interview, and as I was talking as I was going up the stairs to my apartment (4 flights of stairs) and I couldn't stop panting. I thought phone interviews were easier but they're not! You obviously can't see the persons face (therefore read them), shake hands, personal presentation, or the possible office. What a disaster!

I just want an internship!

Let Me Be Real

 Quote: "In the deepest hour of the night, confess to yourself that you would die if you were forbidden to write. And look deep into your heart where it spreads its roots, the answer, and ask yourself, must I write?'" 
- Rainer Maria Rilke
 (this script is written on Lady Gaga's inner left arm)

Song: "Let Me Be Real" by Fedde Le Grand featuring Mitch Crown

Lyrics: You know very well who you are
           Don't let em hold you down, reach for the stars
           You had a goal, but not that many
           'Cause you're the only one I'll give you good and plenty

                                                                      - "Juicy" by The Notorious BIG

In the Summer Time When the Weather is Cool ....

School is cool, the girls will be girls, and we are almost at the end. Its been 6 months! I can't believe it. I think after all Polimoda did teach me a few things (I wish a couple classes and professors would have been better) but at the end of the day I came, I saw, I conquered - sounds like I'm leaving soon but not yet! I'm still looking for the perfect internship and mainly looking in NYC. 

We are now down to a few classes a week and our final group project, Phard (say it slowly and it sounds gross :S ) and Zu (like Zoo) Elements - tween casual clothing and jean companies from back in the 90s - kinda like the Tommy Hilfigier for Italian kids. Our mission is to re-launch them - this will be tough because we are not excited at all. However, its quite the challenge - helping a company re-launch their ghost company.

Its also June and the climate finally decided to settle for melting hot. My poor parents are going to die in my A/C-less apartment but at least my landlord gave me a standing fan, algo es algo! I wish I had a pool here. I hear there's a public pool in the city ... but that doesn't sound too much fun - All I picture is kids running and jumping into the pool and spilling my mojito. I called a few hotels but they reserve their pools for their guests (damnit!) I need to figure this out!

Just 3 more weeks and I'll see my folks! :D

Windy Isle of Ventotene

I never got to tell you guys about my trip to Ventotene. Well I had found a student travel site with great prices and structured by girls, so everything looked amazing and well planned. Therefore, I decided to give it a try and pick their weekend trip to Ventotene Island. I had to try something simple to see if their other pricier options are worth it.

Therefore it was a 2 hour train trip to Formia and another 2 hour boat trip to the island. We were a Saturday group and there was already a Friday group on the island. My group had 7 chicks all from Jersey (Italy is full of Jersey girls...the "Jersey Shore" arrives) and 1 guy, an Australian. The girls were all on a 1 month summer abroad program and the guy was older. Overall, the girls were a bit of a bore and the guy laughed at all their boring jokes. I thought he wanted to hook with them (again because he laughed at their yawn jokes) but he was just lame-o himself. Anyways, as we were arriving to the island - just like my tone so far, my thoughts on the trip so far were going downhill. Something told me, it was going to suck. (pic 1: the "long" coast beach)

At the island, we had to walk about 1.5 miles (the island is very very small) o sea casi llego al otro lado de la isla! Our little apartments were far from town and for a 0.5 mile, the apartment owner jammed packed us into his 1989 minivan - terrible! At the apartment, we had 45 mins to get ready and head out for a walking tour of the island. My roommates quickly left the apartment and I had to figure out how to get to the meeting point...but I made it! (pic 2: st. stefano island and other volcanic rocks)

Walking tour...lame-o! The "tour guide" had no idea what to talk about. She would say "sooooo this is the beach" (no sh*t sherlock!) , "that over there...is another island we will see tomorrow" (yeah i know, i read the program and you told me like 5 times already), "a hot guy works here, I come here to check him out!" (sounds like you come here too much), "ummmm" (take your time, i'm here till tomorrow), "what is that called? (seriously! you're a tour guide!)" .... ok thanks, there goes my walking tour.

After the walking tour (20 mins later), they tell us to chill out and "get to know" the island or have lunch. we all had lunch, food was good - the only good thing about the trip was the food (wait till u hear about dinner!) - after lunch, i went over to the beach. (pic 3: hot restaurant owner on the left)

I guess the tour company didn't care to take into account that the island is invaded by JELLYFISH! asi que no me puede meter al agua! i love the beach and i was forbidden to go! everyone on the beach was obviously tanning and all the little kids had nets to catch jellyfish; so I had a little girl clean the area and I jumped in for a milli second and got out!

After 30 mins, we had a boat tour of the island. We hopped on and again the tour guide had no idea what to tell us. All you have to do is 'wiki' it! i told her this after i asked if we could scuba dive at the shipwreck - she had no idea what i was talking about. so just FYI:

Wiki: It is the remains of an ancient volcano, and is part of the Pontine Islands. In Roman times it was known as Pandataria and Pandateria. Best known as the island to which the emperor Augustus banished his daughter Julia the Elder in 2 BC, as reaction to her excessive adultery, where she was to spend five years. (Other girls were also exiled here). During WW2, the island also served as home to a 114 man German garrison that defended a key radar station. On the night of September 8, 1943, an American PT Boat silently slipped into Ventotene's harbor and offloaded 46 American Paratroopers. Terrified, the German commander demolished his own positions and weapons, and then surrendered to the weaker American force before realizing his mistake. Ventotene was liberated without a shot being fired at 3 AM September 9, 1943. In July 2009, archaeologists announced the discovery of a "graveyard" of five ancient Roman ships in the deep waters off Ventotene.

(pic 4: spot the jellyfish! - pic 5: Julia the Elder's home)

The boat stopped for a while out at sea and again I jumped into the water for a milli sec so I wouldn't be stung like the others

At night, we had an amazing 4-5 course meal (without dessert grrrrrrrr! enjoy the pics!) and the restaurant quickly turned into "nightclub"- - the  night started great but one girl had to ruin it and close down the club by passing out in the bathroom and everyone thinking she had been slipped a pill but she was only drunk after wine, jager, and 2 screwdrivers. - this is when i think "ayy americanos! learn how to drink!" - this ordeal lasted for more than an hour. at the end of the night it was just me, the aussie, and the 2 tour guides and we continued to party it up ..... at a club that brought me back to San Juan del Sur; it was like I was at Crazy Crab - con los ultimos indios borrachos. LMAO! (pic 6: gnocchi and mussels dinner)

Next day: I had to be at the port at 11am to leave my bags at check out and get on a boat to see the Roman Jacuzzis but I missed it! damn gringa roommates did not wake me up! I ran to the port and as I was going to get on the boat, they told me to leave my bag in check and when i turned around SE FUERON LAS HP! can u believe!?! i was so mad!!!!! - after waiting more than an hour, I had to catch another boat to catch up with them to discover the St. Stefano Island. (pic 7:sunset with girl group, i'm so happy :P)

Wiki: It is dominated by an old prison built by the Bourbons, completed in 1797 and in use until 1965. It has 99 cells 4.50m by 4.20m around a central watch-tower. Built for 600 inmates, it had 800 in 1817 (and 400 on Ventotene). People imprisoned included the anarchist Gaetano Bresci who killed King Umberto I in 1900.

Once I got to the island, I had to walk through the weeds and climb a crapload of stairs! When I got to the top - the group was coming down! NOOOOOO! I only got a few pics of the prison and missed the nameless graveyard (the prisoners imprisoned & buried were never identified). (pic 8: stefano prison)

And this was my trip to Ventotene. Medio lame-o I know. Ni modo, ahora ya se - no viajar con este grupo. 

Not For All Audiences.....

The following content is not for all ages nor eyes. I am not at fault for what you are about to see ....

.... I've been to 2 Italian beaches so far. The men (no matter what age or body type) love the speedo. The women (no matter what age or body type) love the bikinis. I also noticed I can't tan as much as they do. I don't even think they use bronzer...I don't know how they get the 'umpa lumpa' look? Im not saying I wanna be that tan! I'm just wondering. - I know for a fact most fake tan with machines and creams that change their skin tone from morning to sunset. De dia puedo ser blanca y de noche puedo ser naranja. However, I am mostly astounded at the courage most big or wrinkly people have here to flaunt at the beach.

Come On the Train & Ride It (woot woot) !!

Why is it that something always happens to me when I ride the train. My 1st train trip was to Seina - I forgot to validate the ticket and was fined 40 euros on the spot! P*ta! Por suerte andaba riales, I wonder what would have happened if we had no cash because there was no way out of that fine, the ticket guy was unforgiving. (2) When I was going to Milan with my friends, we almost missed our train by a minute! But it was my friends fault, she was late. (3) Then a few weeks ago, I ended up going to Viareggio beach alone after my friends ditched me for their beds. I was on time, walked calmly, and on the train's third stop I quickly realized I forgot to validate my damn ticket - AGAIN! I got off the next stop (por suerte no habia pasado el ticket guy yet) with my bags and luckily there was a validating machine nearby and I was able to check it and get back on! Pfuey! Vaya Suertecita!

(4) Now I arrived 40 minutes before to double check everything, validate my ticket, and pick a great seat - knowing my way around ..... WRONG! I got my ticket, took my time, validated, and asked if this was my train. "It was" ... So I hop on and think "Whoaaaa! This is a fancy train for 16.20 euros! Great comfy seats and my own table. FANCY!" ... but something didn't feel right. So I asked the guy in front of me "I know this is a weird question, but how much did you pay for your ticket?" - "44 euros" he says - "F*ck! Can you help me get my bags down!" ....... damn! I got off just on time sino de cuanto hubiera sido la multa!?  - - Ok. Think! Look at the train departures, which one leaves next? and for my price! - - The next "Regional" train leaves in 1.20 hour. Great! So much for leaving early to enjoy Rome. (After this I arrived safely to Rome and no fine).

(5) My way back was cansadisimo! The ferry leaving Ventotene Island was at 3pm and 2 hours long. From Formia train station to the Rome train station (with an uncomfortable pullout chair) it was another 2 hours. By the way, a guy from tour group was joining me because he was also headed back to Florence. From Ventotene Island to Florence se me pego como chicle! So annoying! - Anyways. This train ride was hot, suffocating, and very tiring. Once we arrived to the Rome train station, we looked for the next (and fastest) train back home to Florence. As we looked and looked on over 10 machines, the only and last train was SOLD OUT! Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo! I cannot stay in Rome! I have class at 9am and I want to be in my bed!  ....... De tanto joder con las maquinas, I eventually find seats in first class for 62 euros (ni modo!) I bought it and ran to the train, I only had 8 minutes left! As I'm hopping on, the train guy says to me "This ticket is for next Sunday" - "Whattttttttttt, Nooooooooooooo! I need to leave now! Pleaseeeeeeeeeeee!" - The other guy even bought the same ticket as me! Wrong day! - I must have talked to 4 different train guys and the train wasn't even full! They told me to stay on the train and just talk to the captain. So I did. Apparently what happened is that the last train doesn't show up on the machine system - Oh Great! Oh the hell was I suppose to know that?! .... pero bueno I was on the train home in a comfy seat. I had to buy a new ticket (and even help the guy buy it porque andaba sin riales).

Man! Clase trip-eo! Now I have to go to the Florence train station and get my money back for the wrong ticket, but I got home (and the guy paid me back as soon as we arrived to Florence) :)

I guess I still haven't caught on the train system, I don't know if I ever will. What can I say, I get too overwhelmed.

Rome, You are One Scary B*tch!

I skipped class on Friday to getaway...I'm tired of Florence! My weekends are short and I can't really travel as much as I wish. So I said, f*ck it! I need to see Rome because it's been 6 months and I still haven't gone. Traveling to and from Rome will have its separate post - you know something ALWAYS happens to me!

I arrived at Rome around 6 and relaxed and settled into my hostal till 7. Yes! HOSTAL! This was my 1st time at a hostal! I picked a female only hostal and it was very very clean and nice! I've always been afraid of hostals ever since the movie, Hostal (obviously, who wasn't freaked out by that movie?) but Thank God it was a great experience. I talked to some of the girls for a while, one was from Holland and told me she just came back from Nicaragua! She was living in Nicaragua for 6 months with a family in Jinotega and Leon. She says she went on a coffee growing and carving trip. I didn't even know they offered that as a travel package! How random! Before I started walking, I posted the last post "Open Book" - the train ride to Rome got me thinking as I stated.

So I started walking at 7pm and headed to Vatican City about 5 subway stops away. Once I was there, it was surreal! I couldn't stop thinking of the Angels & Demons movie. LOL I know me and my movies! I couldn't stop picturing the part when Tom Hanks was jumping in the fountains and running around finding "the signs" LOL - It was also funny to see how they have fences to separate the masses for Mass. They have a VIP seating area (I wonder if you have to pay to sit there?) Asi que ya saben, hay Grama y VIP en el Vaticano ;) .... I was there for about 15 minutes moved onto my next stop.

I got so lost trying to find the Trevi Fountain but I found a 4-way stop that had these sexy Roman gods and goddesses statutes, called Quattro Fontane. It must have taken me 30 minutes to find the Trevi Fountain. I just started following people, it seemed like they were going there. It was incredibly packed with tourists! I was probably there for 20 minutes. Another surreal moment. It was beautiful!  I think it was like 8:30 already, it was amazing. I actually had a senior couple next to me, say to each other "Well here we are babe, in Rome, our second honeymoon and it's been perfect" (then they kissed). They were probably 75 years old. I think I almost cried! It was too sweet! I can't wait to find my husband, find a picture perfect moment at 75 years old and for him to call me babe! ooo000ooo love! (le sigh) 

... anyways! I got a great picture there and started looking for a place to eat not in the Trevi Fountain area because I wasn't getting any service there! I'd look into the restaurants and I guess they thought "Loner, please leave! You won't tip!" .... Eventually, I found a place and same thing. bad service. I had an Indian family next to me and they spent the whole time talking to their waitress in English. When I ordered a beer from her, she was like "What? No No I don't speak English" - WTF! Seriously!? - Once I oredered my food, the calzone's cheese was still cold inside, so I had to tell them to reheat it, GREATTT! Ahora si no te voy a dar propina HP!

As I was walking back to the hostal, I was scared. Rome is kinda scary. Here in Florence, you can walk around at any time and it feels very safe but Rome is dark. I had a guy follow me! No I'm not paranoid! I noticed him following me. So I stopped and walked the other way around, so when I stopped, he stopped and said "yummmm you are so pretty" - GROSS! STALKER! SCARY! - Thank God he kept walking his own way after ... I couldn't stop looking over my shoulder and speed walking.

I didn't do much in Rome. I was leaving the next morning to Ventotene at 6am. I only saw a few places and there is soo much more to see - so I'll be back!

At the hostal, I talked to the girls a little more. I don't understand what these girls do for a living. They all told me, they were just traveling from place to place. De donde sacan el dinero? This hostal was not cheap (25 euros a bed). I was in a room with 5 other girls (bunk beds). One of the girls was like "I've been staying at a 300 euro/night hotel but I decided to stay my last night in a hostal for old times sake" - WTF? 1. How old are you? 2. What do you do for a living? - I didn't ask her though, I thought it would a weird question....I should have though. - - - Man! It was the worst sleep of my life! NO habia aire so I just slept in my undies y me estaba muriendo de calor! Ademas, those 5 chicks were snoring soooooooooooo f*ckinnnnn loudddddddd! and I think one of them was sucking her thumb, she was making the weirdest noise! I tried to peak but she had the covers over her.

so yeah. that was my nite in Rome. I will be back. I missed a lot of sites, I need to go to the Pope's Mass, and go with someone because Rome is scary! It's too dark, lonely in most areas, and dirty. I didn't like it that much. However, I need to see the sites.