Finally the weather cooled off this weekend. Saturday I went to a ladies’ birthday brunch for a friend at the vegetarian restaurant Il Margutta. Everyone got dressed up and the food was very good. A. cried when we surprised her with her gift. We had a great time.
After brunch we went to Monti for coffee, window-shopping and to stop by Contessa Rock Style salon. I had referred A. to my hairdresser, Elena, who did an amazing job.
We drove to Monti via scooter. I usually get very nervous on scooters. I don’t know if it was the glasses of prosecco, the fact that it was stunning day or just the positive vibes from the birthday (in the top photo driving with M.) girl but I had a blast.
We kept talking to random Italians at the stoplights. I know some were thinking, “who are these loud Americans and Italians?”
In Monti I ran into my infamous friend G. and his girlfriend. Later as we walked past a restaurant, I saw another friend and realized that G. knew him. I cracked up as every time I’m with G. we bump into someone he knows.
As us ladies sat at a café, a man was sitting on the ground nearby ranting and raving. At the same time several of us said, “Wow he’s very attractive. Too bad he’s crazy.” Then I saw him standing on the ledge of the fountain. He later sat down and was shouting into what I thought was a cell phone. There was no phone. Another man walked over to him and the two other them started screaming together. He must be a local, as several people nodded to him.
After window shopping and stopping by a friend’s place for more prosecco, it was off to apertivi. I wasn’t going stay long or drink but wanted to at least stop by. We had to drop another friend off at a metro stop. As we rode scooters down the street toward the Coliseum the sun was setting. It was a surreal moment. I thought about how amazing this summer has been.
Here I am broke as hell, not knowing if I will ever make it as a screenwriter and single. Next month I will be one year older and at age where I should be settled and stable.
However, when two summers ago I wrote this POST I had a job, money in bank but I was absolutely miserable.
As we zoom passed the Coliseum N., who’s Italian and was just complaining about how nothing works in Rome compared to New York, yelled, “I love this city.” I agreed and we started laughing.
The birthday girl excited about her cake.
Taking a photo on Via Margutta
27 comments:
Hey - there's no age at which we should be stable and settled! You've made a great life for yourself in the best city in the world (imho) and you sound happy - there's no amount of money or stability that'll give you that. You go, girl.
I have to ask - "Brunch" in Italy? What did this consist of and what did Il Margutta serve and what meal did they think you were eating and...and...and...
Brunch?
fern - I've been better since the move but it's hard to let go old habits. I come from a family of overachievers. I have a lot to live up to. sigh.
anna - there are some places that offer brunch. However, after reading Kitchen Confidential I avoid all "brunch" menus. This was probably a regular lunch menu. It's buffet style and excellent. There were frittatas, lots of grilled veggies, veggie lasagna, salads, etc. We all eat meat but this place was perfect. I called it brunch because there was alcohol.
ooops forgot to add if you're looking for an American type brunch with pancakes and stuff...I know there are places like that. Never been and probably won't. I make a killer pancake but my eating habits have changed so much since the move. I can't eat that like that anymore (pancakes + eggs + bacon + etc.)
*This* sounds like a fabulous day. I loooove the photos -- friends on scooters, friends in funky dresses. The whole things sounds energizing and wonderful (talking to folks at the stoplights, etc.). This is something that is not a part of my life right now -- good girlfriends right around whom I can enjoy and relax with. Treasure them!
I want to see what you wore!!
Yes, it looks like fun! Can we do this when I come down? :)
oh you're right....this does look like a perfect Saturday. What fun. Plus that skirt on the birthday girl is SO adorable.
Never seen the show, but the dress is what is referred to as so "Sex & the City", no? VERY sexy! And the scooter! Very "Roman Holiday".
It's hard not to give in to mainstream ideas of age and achievement, but try to resist! There's not just one template out there. Consider Frank McCourt (RIP), who didn't write his bestselling work until he retired from teaching.
kim b - the timing couldn't be more perfect. As you know I'm going some "things" and even though I really couldn't afford it, it was nice to have a fun day out and about.
gibber - nothing special...you've seen this green dress. I'm pretty sure I wore it in SXM.
sara - ha. You know I don't have a scooter. But drinking in the middle of the day? Yeah we can do that. :)
erin - I agree that skirt is fab.
viajerao - yes I can see that. The lead of the show wore a tutu in the opening credits.
fashion survivor - you're right. I try to resist but then the doubt kicks in. I need to look at the McCourts of the world (RIP) and not the Conrads (LC's "book" is on the NYTs bestsellers list)
First itme I was in LA I used to hang out in a place called "Boulangerie", it was at the end of Pico, neat the beach. It was my first time in the States, I was 20 and I tought I was living in a dream.
Many years after I have come to the conclusion that, no matter how I like the States, I belong here: the land of motorino, granita and supplì.
I have it on good authority that stable and settled is bor-ing ;) Sounds like a *fantastic* time!
Hello lady!
What a fun day. We have days like that in New Orleans (probably a tad more humid, but almost as exotic) -- and somehow they didn't happen so much in DC. the NYT piece on Frank McCourt quoted him telling his kids, "You are your own best material" -- and I know the same would be true of you. I think you are brave and fabulous and fascinating, and I bet the world will too!
xo,
Ash
I'm with the Gibber -- I want to see what YOU wore! (she may know it, but the rest of us don't!)
!!
Seriously, this day just looks so great -- you can FEEL the laughter from your writing and the photos. You deserve INNUMERABLE days like this full of wit and fun!
Ciao Patata Hollywood;-)
Best Saturday ever.
xoxo.Ms.34.
Now thats like a scene in a movie! Everyone is gorgeous carefree and happy.
pizze - While I miss my family and friends this is where I'm supposed to live.
michelle - ha...you do?
ashley - wait you don't count stuffing envelopes in your office or freezing in N.H. as a fun time? Miss you. Thanks for the McCourt quote.
kimb - really it was nothing special. I didn't have money to buy a new dress. Oh well. I had a great time anyway. :)
Annie - I'm glad you had a great time on your birthday! x
glamah16 - We completely lucked out with the weather. That had something to do with the giddiness as well.
hey... you're suppose to live... why? Do you want to or not? Do you really feel like you belong here or not? There's good and bad on both sides of the ocean... it all depend on where you feel "at home".
I really wish that, whatever you feel, you'll be happy!
pizza - something was lost in translation. When I said "supposed to live here" it meant this is my home. I was never an Italophile and have traveled to London, Paris, Amsterdam and quite a few cities in the USA yet the first time I came to Rome I felt like I finally found my place. It makes no sense but moving was one of the best decisions I've made in my life.
her dress! it's fab! like the dress the bachelorette wore last week during a rose ceremony! LOL
and where is YOUR outfit, senora?
Love the birthday girl's dress. Wow!
As I sit and read this, I think you have a wonderful life filled with friends, laughter and amazing experiences. Who cares about being settled or following societies norms?
Rock on.
dalia - she found the dress at a little boutique in Monti. I agree it's fab.
Ms. violetta - okay...I'm going to try and rock on instead of worrying about the things that are not happening in my life.
yay! happyhappy is good :)
tracie b - yes it is!
Sounds like a fun day. So funny you mention the crazy guy in the piazza in Monti. He's a definite regular. I think it's been about 2 years now that he's been there on and off.
Jessica - no way. he's a trip.
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