i+alia a to z :: a - ask ann how to do abroad

this is the first of several lists i plan to make in preparation for and about my adventures in italy+ this summer. my dear ann has spent the better part of her life 'abroad,' so i thought it valuable to ask her to name her top five suggestions for doin' it and doin' it well. this is what she said:

1 - less is more

do not try to do too much. be selective about your activities, and you will be satisfied with the ones you choose. take your time. don't rush about. one is enough for one day. okay maybe two.

2 - pack wise

essentials (but definitely these) only! plan ahead for weather and activities. you need what you need, but that is all you need.

3 - follow the cultural rhythms

avoid the afternoon sun. like the locals, take an afternoon siesta. if you don't, you will find the town closed down anyway.

4 - eat well

eat local. avoid food in tourist areas. it is generally overcrowded and overpriced.

5 - don't talk to any attractive italians!

enough said.

dissolution

a year it's been, a queer year indeed.

the things i've been writing...not fit for public utterance. may be they've slipped out a time or two.

but here is the abridged version in 7 sacraments:

baptism - swimming the chicago tri under a magenta sky one week after departure.

confession - telling my mom.

eucharist - sunday dinners, chocolate covered bacon, granola, asparagus risotto, hot dogs and chicken noodle, cheesy rice, roasted cauliflower, hand spun pasta - you know who you are...

confirmation - on the day it was 'official,' letting the greek mama at the chanel counter anoint my lips with a new shade of gloss.

marriage - buying said shade, #119 wild rose.

holy orders - teaching my first college course [on time for every class because that is truly a miracle].

last rites - taking the vera wang to the brown elephant.