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Feeding Firenze-Florence and Pisa

- - -- by Hotel @nyware»

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Renaissance Man

Florence (Fierenze) is a beautiful city. I kept saying to myself "Gee it's great to be Roman Catholic, especially in Italy--and I mean anywhere-Rome Sweet Rome, Florence, and even in Pisa.".

(Visited three churches today-so I am definitely going to heaven)

I had some Chianti, the national beverage, along with a Veggie lasgna for an appetizer. The rest of the meal...well I'll get back to you on that...I had too much wine.

Money-centri Florence was the New York of the Middle Ages. The House of Medici, the Godfathers of the Renaissance, funded many of the buildings, statues and paintings that makes this place an Art History 101 class.

Seeing Michelangolo's David made me think of going to the gym--his body fat percentage--even in marble is mos def under 10%

.

WWMD? What Would Machiavelli Do?

In the spirit of the law instead of the letter, I thought it would be better to ask for forgiveness rather than permission: No photos I 'thought" was only a suggestion. LOL

I think it's time I broke out my copy of The Prince, and get in touch with my inner "Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli" civil servent to the Florintine republic.

Here we go: Quotable Mac on "Mainting a Princedom"

I'm not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.

It is much more secure to be feared than to be loved.

One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others.

The ends justifies the means

Feeding Firenze-Florence and Pisa

- - -- by Hotel @nyware»

A Post Without Image

Renaissance Man

Florence (Fierenze) is a beautiful city. I kept saying to myself "Gee it's great to be Roman Catholic, especially in Italy--and I mean anywhere-Rome Sweet Rome, Florence, and even in Pisa.".

(Visited three churches today-so I am definitely going to heaven)

I had some Chianti, the national beverage, along with a Veggie lasgna for an appetizer. The rest of the meal...well I'll get back to you on that...I had too much wine.

Money-centri Florence was the New York of the Middle Ages. The House of Medici, the Godfathers of the Renaissance, funded many of the buildings, statues and paintings that makes this place an Art History 101 class.

Seeing Michelangolo's David made me think of going to the gym--his body fat percentage--even in marble is mos def under 10%

.

WWMD? What Would Machiavelli Do?

In the spirit of the law instead of the letter, I thought it would be better to ask for forgiveness rather than permission: No photos I 'thought" was only a suggestion. LOL

I think it's time I broke out my copy of The Prince, and get in touch with my inner "Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli" civil servent to the Florintine republic.

Here we go: Quotable Mac on "Mainting a Princedom"

I'm not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.

It is much more secure to be feared than to be loved.

One change always leaves the way open for the establishment of others.

The ends justifies the means

Italy Heaven-Pizza on Earth Good Will to All!

- - -- by Hotel @nyware»

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Anyway you slice it-the best pizza is here
From a wi-fi hot spot to a real hot spot-Portofino is a picturesque sea resort and tourist destination located in the province of Genoa on the Italian Riviera.
Let's face it, there are only two types of pizza, good and great. So I formed pizza posse and ate...
First of all, The pizza in Italy is awesome, even the cold pizza I had in Portofino; but earlier in the day, somewhere between Santa Margherita and La Spezia, Liguria, I had an awesome slice of Pizza heaven. So what made this Italian Pizza GR8--fresh ingredients, thin crust, the sauce, the cheese-Neopolitan style. In a strange sort of way--Italian pizza actually qualifies as New York Style Pizza

Italy Heaven-Pizza on Earth Good Will to All!

- - -- by Hotel @nyware»

A Post Without Image

Anyway you slice it-the best pizza is here
From a wi-fi hot spot to a real hot spot-Portofino is a picturesque sea resort and tourist destination located in the province of Genoa on the Italian Riviera.
Let's face it, there are only two types of pizza, good and great. So I formed pizza posse and ate...
First of all, The pizza in Italy is awesome, even the cold pizza I had in Portofino; but earlier in the day, somewhere between Santa Margherita and La Spezia, Liguria, I had an awesome slice of Pizza heaven. So what made this Italian Pizza GR8--fresh ingredients, thin crust, the sauce, the cheese-Neopolitan style. In a strange sort of way--Italian pizza actually qualifies as New York Style Pizza

Taking it Eze-Nice

- - -- by Hotel @nyware»

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Just Doing It

Nice(pronounced Neese) is greek for Nike, goddess of victory

Greetings from some of the most picture-post-card pretty, most photographed places in Provence, where any wish can come true.

U2's Bono chose Eze as his home forever.(He actually bought two houses in the new part of town) Walt Disney came for two days and liked it so much that he stayed two weeks. Here's a picture (below) of the old Medieval town.

"If it doesn't kill you, it makes you stronger" Nietzsche wrote Thus spoke Zarathustra here. Alfred Hitchcock, Jack Cousteau, Bill Clinton, Lenny Kravitz, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have all been here done that.

So I figured as long as I am in the The French Riviera /slash/Cote d'Azur, let's go check out this tiny medieval village perched on top of a 1400' rock overlooking the Med, between Nice and Monaco.

Earth School Kills All of its Students

In the background( from Eze) is this twisty mountain road above the tiny Mediterranean principality of Monoco. This is where American film and stage actress & fashion icon, who later became Princess Grace Kelly, crashed and died in September of 1982.

Taking it Eze-Nice

- - -- by Hotel @nyware»

A Post Without Image

Just Doing It

Nice(pronounced Neese) is greek for Nike, goddess of victory

Greetings from some of the most picture-post-card pretty, most photographed places in Provence, where any wish can come true.

U2's Bono chose Eze as his home forever.(He actually bought two houses in the new part of town) Walt Disney came for two days and liked it so much that he stayed two weeks. Here's a picture (below) of the old Medieval town.

"If it doesn't kill you, it makes you stronger" Nietzsche wrote Thus spoke Zarathustra here. Alfred Hitchcock, Jack Cousteau, Bill Clinton, Lenny Kravitz, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have all been here done that.

So I figured as long as I am in the The French Riviera /slash/Cote d'Azur, let's go check out this tiny medieval village perched on top of a 1400' rock overlooking the Med, between Nice and Monaco.

Earth School Kills All of its Students

In the background( from Eze) is this twisty mountain road above the tiny Mediterranean principality of Monoco. This is where American film and stage actress & fashion icon, who later became Princess Grace Kelly, crashed and died in September of 1982.

Coming Home To Starbucks In Catalonia

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Out To Launch

I voted for Starbucks today. Sure I am in Barcelona, romanticised as Cafe life, where dudes smoke Havana cigars with a post-lunch carajillo (Coffee/Congnac).

I miss , what the Italians call "Dirty Water", Cafe Americano. More than that, I was looking for my Epiphany chair like @ SBUXS USA, where life changes in an instant, as I drank from a paper cup.

It's not just about the coffee; it's about the lifestyle. The Urban Monk attitude, no stri

ngs attached, living in this world but not of this world, telecommuting at location neutral, Hotel @nyware from a wi fi hot spot. I am back to that place that I have never been before.

Same Shirt Different Day

Here I am biking around town, in the Barcelona Football Jersey. Accidently passed a Antoni Gaudi building-cool.

I am wearing my music, listening to my ipod as Train's, Drops of Jupiter becomes my soundtrack for today

Can you imagine no love, pride, deep-fried chicken
Your best friend always sticking up for you even when I know youre wrong
Can you imagine no first dance, freeze dried romance five-hour phoneConversation
The best soy latte that you ever had . . . and me

Coming Home To Starbucks In Catalonia

- - -- by Hotel @nyware»

A Post Without Image

Out To Launch

I voted for Starbucks today. Sure I am in Barcelona, romanticised as Cafe life, where dudes smoke Havana cigars with a post-lunch carajillo (Coffee/Congnac).

I miss , what the Italians call "Dirty Water", Cafe Americano. More than that, I was looking for my Epiphany chair like @ SBUXS USA, where life changes in an instant, as I drank from a paper cup.

It's not just about the coffee; it's about the lifestyle. The Urban Monk attitude, no stri

ngs attached, living in this world but not of this world, telecommuting at location neutral, Hotel @nyware from a wi fi hot spot. I am back to that place that I have never been before.

Same Shirt Different Day

Here I am biking around town, in the Barcelona Football Jersey. Accidently passed a Antoni Gaudi building-cool.

I am wearing my music, listening to my ipod as Train's, Drops of Jupiter becomes my soundtrack for today

Can you imagine no love, pride, deep-fried chicken
Your best friend always sticking up for you even when I know youre wrong
Can you imagine no first dance, freeze dried romance five-hour phoneConversation
The best soy latte that you ever had . . . and me

Oye Como Va-Mallorca-TLC-Tastes Like Chicken

- - -- by Hotel @nyware»

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Kentuckey Fried Movie

When it comes to venturing out of your CZ, Comfort Zone cuisine, Did you ever notice everything tastes like chicken? That common declaration used when trying to describe the flavor of a food I've never tasted will now be applied to visiting new places.

Despite the language differences and the geographical distances, everywhere I am visiting lately looks like Hawaii, or MDR, Marina Del Rey, Or Venice,California. Strange...I am going back to places I have never been before..WTF?

Oye Como Va-Mallorca-TLC-Tastes Like Chicken

- - -- by Hotel @nyware»

A Post Without Image

Kentuckey Fried Movie

When it comes to venturing out of your CZ, Comfort Zone cuisine, Did you ever notice everything tastes like chicken? That common declaration used when trying to describe the flavor of a food I've never tasted will now be applied to visiting new places.

Despite the language differences and the geographical distances, everywhere I am visiting lately looks like Hawaii, or MDR, Marina Del Rey, Or Venice,California. Strange...I am going back to places I have never been before..WTF?

The Teaches of Beaches-Mahon Menorca,Spain

- - -- by Hotel @nyware»

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La Vida Loca

Three more daze of Spain.

Dubai or not Dubai--I just turned down a GR8 gig in the M.E.. Good or bad, I am always doing my best at the moment.

You need three things traditionally to travel-time, money and opportunity(resources). Since I am a non-traditionalist, it has never been about resources, but resourcefulness.

I still have Egypt and Israel on my itinerary. This is the way to go.

Hair Today. Gone To Maui

What Am I On? My bike...as I head over to the beach...

Shaving My Skull From The Inside Out

The Teaches Of Beaches

You can't "own" the beach, but you can "tune in" to the beach.

The Teaches of Beaches-Mahon Menorca,Spain

- - -- by Hotel @nyware»

A Post Without Image

La Vida Loca

Three more daze of Spain.

Dubai or not Dubai--I just turned down a GR8 gig in the M.E.. Good or bad, I am always doing my best at the moment.

You need three things traditionally to travel-time, money and opportunity(resources). Since I am a non-traditionalist, it has never been about resources, but resourcefulness.

I still have Egypt and Israel on my itinerary. This is the way to go.

Hair Today. Gone To Maui

What Am I On? My bike...as I head over to the beach...

Shaving My Skull From The Inside Out

The Teaches Of Beaches

You can't "own" the beach, but you can "tune in" to the beach.

Tunisia-Northern Exposure

- - -- by Hotel @nyware»

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Afro-Mediterranean Clearance Sale

A day without plans

A bit of "Where not in Kansas Anymore Toto" came over me as I touched foot on the Northern most part of African soil, Tunis, Tunisia.

I have no idea who I insulted by wearing this ethnic inspired Berber garb, (besides the woolly sheep who was fleeced),but I did it anyway. Since I didn't buy the magic coat (the hat was free!), extortion began at 20 euros for the

picture. The shop owner refused 3 Euros, and I left.

Heavy rains and flash floods were on tap--good for the semi-arid landscape and bad for my big plans to convert to Islam.

I can't say there are any postcard moments here. It's pretty flat. Here's a 'point and shoot' shot anyway.

I'd like to teach the world to sing...A Bizarre Bazaar

The Souq was a gautlet of "Buy my carpet". The price was wrong Bob, er I mean Ali Bobba. The haggling and bargining for things I never even wated started to annoy and confuse.

The old adage" Don't drink the water" applied. So I bought a bottle of Coke. Here this guy trys to sell me it for 8 Euro:

Ali, Ambassador of The Souq سوق, tried to sell me a carpet after this "tour". Here's a vista of Medina, the city center:

Tunisia-Northern Exposure

- - -- by Hotel @nyware»

A Post Without Image

Afro-Mediterranean Clearance Sale

A day without plans

A bit of "Where not in Kansas Anymore Toto" came over me as I touched foot on the Northern most part of African soil, Tunis, Tunisia.

I have no idea who I insulted by wearing this ethnic inspired Berber garb, (besides the woolly sheep who was fleeced),but I did it anyway. Since I didn't buy the magic coat (the hat was free!), extortion began at 20 euros for the

picture. The shop owner refused 3 Euros, and I left.

Heavy rains and flash floods were on tap--good for the semi-arid landscape and bad for my big plans to convert to Islam.

I can't say there are any postcard moments here. It's pretty flat. Here's a 'point and shoot' shot anyway.

I'd like to teach the world to sing...A Bizarre Bazaar

The Souq was a gautlet of "Buy my carpet". The price was wrong Bob, er I mean Ali Bobba. The haggling and bargining for things I never even wated started to annoy and confuse.

The old adage" Don't drink the water" applied. So I bought a bottle of Coke. Here this guy trys to sell me it for 8 Euro:

Ali, Ambassador of The Souq سوق, tried to sell me a carpet after this "tour". Here's a vista of Medina, the city center:

Yaba-Daba-Do- Malta 2009 is a Twinkie

- - -- by Hotel @nyware»

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Mr. Science And The Knights Of Malta
A Tale of Two Twinkies

The list of ingredients of a Twinkie is a veritable Who's Who of the food chemical world, but Malta is a what's what of the industrial one.
For all their shortcomings, even though they are worthless nutritionally, Twinkies are still fun to eat. Try fried Twinkies! But Malta wasn't fun to visit.

I shot two videos of "regular" shopping mallTA, the treadmill of consumption was like visiting stuffed animals in a zoo--a connect the dots R&D, ripp off and duplication that starts in non-union made China and ends in Indonesian Sweatshops... but just across the way was "Extra Crispy": The hidden costs of fossil fuel---

Forget about Madd Cow dis-ease and Bird Flu salad, (Watching the flying rats,aka Pigeons),It was a pleasure (not) watching countless American tourists being poisoned by their their wild albacore sandwiches . Mercury in Tuna fish is no baloney in Malta, neither is cancer . Oncology Summer Camp was in full bloom. Benzene levels in Malta must be insane, as traffic exhausts and the power station leave their carbon footprint. I believe my IQ got lowered from inhaling their dirty air.

Mounds of Barney Rubble-Combustion

I would like to rename Malta, Fred, as in the stone-age caveman Fred Flintstone.
Mountainbiking around the capital,Vallenta, there’s old mattresses, burnt out cars and used shotgun cartridges. The place smells of bus diesel and asbestos brake dust, as sewerage drains belch out vapors stench; and there’s used motor oil on the roadside. The stray cats and dogs, and horses in the streets add to the random acts of defecation.

The leached contents of months of garbage bags give way to the first rain…

Yaba-Daba-Do- Malta 2009 is a Twinkie

- - -- by Hotel @nyware»

A Post Without Image

Mr. Science And The Knights Of Malta
A Tale of Two Twinkies

The list of ingredients of a Twinkie is a veritable Who's Who of the food chemical world, but Malta is a what's what of the industrial one.
For all their shortcomings, even though they are worthless nutritionally, Twinkies are still fun to eat. Try fried Twinkies! But Malta wasn't fun to visit.

I shot two videos of "regular" shopping mallTA, the treadmill of consumption was like visiting stuffed animals in a zoo--a connect the dots R&D, ripp off and duplication that starts in non-union made China and ends in Indonesian Sweatshops... but just across the way was "Extra Crispy": The hidden costs of fossil fuel---

Forget about Madd Cow dis-ease and Bird Flu salad, (Watching the flying rats,aka Pigeons),It was a pleasure (not) watching countless American tourists being poisoned by their their wild albacore sandwiches . Mercury in Tuna fish is no baloney in Malta, neither is cancer . Oncology Summer Camp was in full bloom. Benzene levels in Malta must be insane, as traffic exhausts and the power station leave their carbon footprint. I believe my IQ got lowered from inhaling their dirty air.

Mounds of Barney Rubble-Combustion

I would like to rename Malta, Fred, as in the stone-age caveman Fred Flintstone.
Mountainbiking around the capital,Vallenta, there’s old mattresses, burnt out cars and used shotgun cartridges. The place smells of bus diesel and asbestos brake dust, as sewerage drains belch out vapors stench; and there’s used motor oil on the roadside. The stray cats and dogs, and horses in the streets add to the random acts of defecation.

The leached contents of months of garbage bags give way to the first rain…

The Geekfather Part II-Taormina,Sicily

- - -- by Hotel @nyware»

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Il Padrino-Pulp-free Fiction

"The Godfather is the greatest American movie ever made" Film critic Ed Reif

It's been two months since I visited The Old Country-Sicily (Messina, last time) . Taormina is beautiful.

Put the Sicilian hat on, to get in touch with my inner VITO, er, I mean Michael Corleone, and took the local Godfather tour. This is where Al Pacino and Cast walked as Francis Ford Coppola actually filmed the Sicily part of The Godfather Film here.

Vino Veritas-The truth serum

Following their footsteps and visiting the places that were so often shown throughout the movie makes fiction better than fact today.Of course, there were a few momentary lapses of sobriety---pizza, wine and of course: I left the gun, but took the Canolis.

The Geekfather Part II-Taormina,Sicily

- - -- by Hotel @nyware»

A Post Without Image

Il Padrino-Pulp-free Fiction

"The Godfather is the greatest American movie ever made" Film critic Ed Reif

It's been two months since I visited The Old Country-Sicily (Messina, last time) . Taormina is beautiful.

Put the Sicilian hat on, to get in touch with my inner VITO, er, I mean Michael Corleone, and took the local Godfather tour. This is where Al Pacino and Cast walked as Francis Ford Coppola actually filmed the Sicily part of The Godfather Film here.

Vino Veritas-The truth serum

Following their footsteps and visiting the places that were so often shown throughout the movie makes fiction better than fact today.Of course, there were a few momentary lapses of sobriety---pizza, wine and of course: I left the gun, but took the Canolis.

CAPri Limoncello Quest

- - -- by Hotel @nyware»

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On the Italian Express

The isle of Capri is as expensive as Oslo, Norway.

Taking a hydrofoil over from Sorrento, I flew on the water instead of floating. It costs 27 euros($60).

When I reached port-Marina Piccola , I didn't take the Funicular (a cableway). I ran up the mountain to get this

great view from The Piazzetta Umberto, the center of the island of Capri for tourists and locals alike.Here's a nice shot of the clock tower in the town square.
Running back down wasn't as easy. I got lost but it was fun speaking Italian with all these Amicos and Amicas.

Taxi

L8R, I was on a Limoncello Quest, the Italian lemon liqueur. I wanted to find Louie De Palma,er I mean, Danny Devito's Limoncello Premium Lemon Liqueur (He was on Jimmy Falon's show last night promoting it). but I had to settle for the local variety, made of course in Sorrento, from lemons whose trees overlook the Mediterranean.

Makes me think of Taxi, the TV show. A bunch of NYC cabbies doing their job while dreaming of greater things.

Quotes like,

Alex
I'm not really a cab driver. I'm just waiting for something better to come along. You know, like death.

Louie

I know what love is 'cuz' I watch talk shows. Love is the end of happiness!

Some men climb mountains, others date 'em!

Jim

When I think of me, I smile.

CAPri Limoncello Quest

- - -- by Hotel @nyware»

A Post Without Image

On the Italian Express

The isle of Capri is as expensive as Oslo, Norway.

Taking a hydrofoil over from Sorrento, I flew on the water instead of floating. It costs 27 euros($60).

When I reached port-Marina Piccola , I didn't take the Funicular (a cableway). I ran up the mountain to get this

great view from The Piazzetta Umberto, the center of the island of Capri for tourists and locals alike.Here's a nice shot of the clock tower in the town square.
Running back down wasn't as easy. I got lost but it was fun speaking Italian with all these Amicos and Amicas.

Taxi

L8R, I was on a Limoncello Quest, the Italian lemon liqueur. I wanted to find Louie De Palma,er I mean, Danny Devito's Limoncello Premium Lemon Liqueur (He was on Jimmy Falon's show last night promoting it). but I had to settle for the local variety, made of course in Sorrento, from lemons whose trees overlook the Mediterranean.

Makes me think of Taxi, the TV show. A bunch of NYC cabbies doing their job while dreaming of greater things.

Quotes like,

Alex
I'm not really a cab driver. I'm just waiting for something better to come along. You know, like death.

Louie

I know what love is 'cuz' I watch talk shows. Love is the end of happiness!

Some men climb mountains, others date 'em!

Jim

When I think of me, I smile.

My Life In Ruins-Pompeii

- - -- by Hotel @nyware»

A Post Without Image

Wish You Were Here

Driving the bus

Made my way over to the ancient city, via Sorrento, by train, and bus.

I got mistaken for the driver twice. Some local gave me their bag and another Aussie man asked me how to get to the Amalfi coast. I responded in American(English) and he said, "Grazie Milleu". I don't mind getting mistaken for an Italian--It's part of my DNA, but a Bus Driver---well, I guess I am that guy" Driving the bus".

Thinking of Pink Floyd, Live at Pompeii; the 1972 film of them performing in the Roman amphitheatre.

If you build it, they will come.

Living the dream-Shine On You Crazy Diamond

My Life In Ruins-Pompeii

- - -- by Hotel @nyware»

A Post Without Image

Wish You Were Here

Driving the bus

Made my way over to the ancient city, via Sorrento, by train, and bus.

I got mistaken for the driver twice. Some local gave me their bag and another Aussie man asked me how to get to the Amalfi coast. I responded in American(English) and he said, "Grazie Milleu". I don't mind getting mistaken for an Italian--It's part of my DNA, but a Bus Driver---well, I guess I am that guy" Driving the bus".

Thinking of Pink Floyd, Live at Pompeii; the 1972 film of them performing in the Roman amphitheatre.

If you build it, they will come.

Living the dream-Shine On You Crazy Diamond