Ode to Fit Culture Studio

You are probably wondering, what does Fit Culture Studio have to do with Italy?  A lot, I tell you.  If you have known me longer than the 2.5 years I have been going to Fit Culture, you know that fitness was not a priority of mine.  Aside from playing team sports growing up, I simply went through short...very short spurts of activity, but I never fully committed to anything that related to my health.

Like many people, it took a health issue to wake me up and get me going.  Through diet and exercise, I have been able to change my mind and body for the better.  You have seen my numerous posts and check-ins at the gym.  Maybe it's annoying to some.  In fact at least one person told me it was...until she tried it.  Now she is also a die hard member of the Fit Culture Nation.

But this is not fanaticism.  This has become a way of life for me and many other people.  Joey Bratton has created a culture of fitness, feeling good, and caring about ourselves.  Hello...it is called Fit Culture.  It isn't about filling a gym with a bunch of super hot lunks who intimidate any chubby who enters.  It is a place that helps us to learn how to make fitness a part of our culture... our tradition...our way of life.  So, with that said, being overseas is simply not an excuse to give up this tradition I have been participating in over the past few years.

Upon doing some research, I found what I thought was the prefect gym.  I stopped by Klab and was amazed at the beauty.  It looked like a 5 star gym.  It felt like a spa.  I was super pumped and ready to go.  That will be 185 Euro for one month, plus a 75 Euro Sign-up fee.  Plus, you have to go to a certified doctor for a physical at 60 Euro.  I will do the math for you: it's about $450.  I was disheartened.  Felt I wasn't cool enough to hang and I left.  As I collapsed in woe at home, Alex told me, "Dude, there are more gyms in Florence."  Of course, of course there are. Duh.  So, we found Swan and for 12 Euro per day, I could use it as much as I wanted.  12 Euro per day is still expensive, but worth it for the short time.

My first day.  I could only think of all the times I have heard people ask me, "But are people nice at Fit Culture?  Are they going to watch me and make fun of me?"  I laugh when I hear this, as I have come to know and love all the people there and it is such a safe space.  But on my first trip to a Total Body class at Swan, I was put right back into that place, asking all these questions in my head:  where do I stand?  Do I need a mat?  How do I say mat in Italian? Weights?  What if I really don't understand the directions?  Will people think I am an idiot if I can't pick it up?  Are they watching me?  They are going to watch me, aren't they?  Sure, I speak Italian ok, but I don't know gym speak!  I got there early to get a spot in the far back corner, my own little den of safety.  I simply sat and watched.  As people funneled in, I knew which direction to face.  As it turns out, I have had plenty of gym experience and was able to catch on just fine.  Five minutes into the workout and I realized the hardest part was over.  Despite there being no AC and it being a hot, humid day...the hardest part was over.  I even stayed for Pilates and have been to six classes in less than a week!  The teacher knows me and has never once spoken to me in English and I have gotten by just fine!

It's Getting' Hot in Herrrrre

Is red my color?

When it comes to fitness, why do we feel such fear?  We are told we have to look a certain way and if we don't, then we aren't allowed to participate.  What a cycle.  The biggest lesson I have learned on this journey is that it isn't about anyone else but me.  If becoming a super sexy model is your goal, then go for it.  But for most of us, fitness needs to be about health and nothing should keep us from that if we want it.

So, what I want to say in my Ode to Fit Culture is thank you so much to Joey, John, Steven and Wendy for instilling in me an understanding of the importance of making this time and effort for myself.  No matter how hard, uncomfortable, intimidating, hot, humid or new it is.  I am worth it!

If I have inspired you in the tiniest way to check it out, I will absolutely come with you to Fit Culture Studio.  I'll show you where to stand and how things work.  No fear!  Click here to learn more about Fit Culture Studio.

Grazie a St. John and That Time I Drank That Thingy 'Cause Everyone Else was Doing it!

I have to say thank you tonight to Saint John the Baptist and the Italian's devotion to him.  They had a lovely celebration in his honor throughout the day (June 24th), culminating in an unbelievable fireworks show.  All around, Alex and I had an amazing day.  I was finally feeling better from the crud and feeling human.  I was starting to think all I was going to want to do here is sleep.

I actually began the day by sleeping in a bit and taking the time to do all the things girls do in the morning, like shower and blow-dry their hair.  I went to the shop and we were lucky to have two wonderful visitors:  Abramo, Alex' boss, brought his daughters in for the day.  Tamara is 22 and amazingly brilliant and Yara is 3.  Her eyes are the most gorgeous eyes you have ever seen and we had a very nice day.  Oh, and I am aware being jealous of a 3 year-olds hair is shallow, but, there you have it.  Call me Shallow M.  Abramo took us all to lunch (Risotto al Funghi if you care) and Yara definitely warmed up to me.  By the time we left for the day, she was actually talking to me and not just staring blankly when I asked her questions.  She even posed for some photos.  Alex and I took her out for a soda and everyone thought she was ours...not that far fetched, as I would imagine our child would look like Yara. We shall see, we keep saying to everyone...we shall see.

Growing tired of sitting in the shop, I decided to head out for a jaunt.  Did a little shopping, finding the perfect gift for Stella.  Being around Yara made me miss her and the twins so much.  As I walked, and in the few days leading up to it, I kept seeing people sitting at sidewalk cafes, drinking something orange that looked very refreshing. I suppose having spent so much time here, I should have known what it was, or at least noticed it before.  So, I couldn't hold my curiosity andy longer and I decided to splurge and have a seat outside Rivoire in Piazza Signoria, overlooking Pallazzo Vecchio.  Yes, I am aware I could have ordered the same beverage at half the price elsewhere, but elsewhere wouldn't have given me pistachios, ham and cheese croissant bites and olives, so there.  Luckily, some people were having the drink I had been seeing, so I asked the server,  He said it was an Aperol Spritz.  Now, in my old age, I have learned to stay away from things called Schnapps, Jagermeister, Pucker and...let's be honest, Aperol?  It sounds like a bad idea.  But I did it and it was delicious.  After some research, I learned that an Aperol Spritz is very similar to a Campari Soda, but instead a soda, they use Prosecco (sweet bubbly wine).  Don't get too excited.  Aperol has about half the alcohol content of Campari, so different mixers, same kind of party - ish ;)  It is sweet, with a tiny bitterness to it.  The garnish, I have not figured out quite yet.  And orange slice, which makes sense, and one green olive......And can I just say, "Go home umbrella...you're drunk."  Laugh if you get it.

Finally it was nap time...I mean, let's be real here.  Alex arrived home form work around 8:30 and off we went to a wonderful dinner at Gato e la Volpe, a casual favorite.  Like, oh my gawd, the people next to us were, like, so oh my gawd.  It was a little laugh.  There was another table who kept looking to us for reassurance...like we all were on the same team and this group was killing the mood all around.  But I remembered back to my time here as a student and what my perspective on life was like then.  I am sure I was in a very different place than I am now and we all grow and change.  It certainly didn't stop us from enjoying our pasta and mozzarella!

Finally, as we were finishing up, we could here the fireworks begin.  I, of course, got all antsy and upset we would miss them, but Alex assured us all they would last.  We busted a move the the river and were able to find a tight squeeze to see the glory.  They were setting them off from Piazalle Michelangelo, allowing a view of San Miniato al Monte and one of the best fireworks displays I have ever seen.

We ended our wonderful day with a trip to our favorite gelateria, Gelateria dei Neri where Italian Buck Rainey works.  He's this guy, who is Italian, but looks like my friend Buck!  It is crazy.  Same voice too.  He's worked there for at least 10 years.  I had Cookies and Cream and Alex had Chocolate...as always.  The highlight of the night was seeing young Tommy Chong!

Hope you are all doing well.  Missing home, but loving my time with Alex.  Ci vediamo!

ZM

I Rode a Bike

For those of you who recall the fateful Easter of 1994, me on a bike isn't an everyday thing.  As I was cruising at a mere 35 mph on Smartville-Hammonton Road with my dad and a family friend, off to the Baker's Easter party at their ranch, something dreadful happened.  My wheel started to wobble furiously.  As I looked down to see it moving uncontrollably, I had two options; fight or flight.  My body chose to pass out, plain and simple.

I awoke to find my legs tangled in the bike (really it was just sort off on top of me) and I immediately flashed to the scene in that film Alive where a plane has crashed in the tundra of Alaska and this woman's foot is caught in a seat.  I mean, really caught.  Really no option for her other than cutting her whole foot off.  I think she ended up starving or having a heart attack.  Oy!  But not to worry, I was not stuck.  I was, however, a bloody mess.

Since then, I have been pretty fearful of bikes.  Yes, I have ridden them here and there, but never again like I used to, racing up and down my driveway for hours.  However, it appears the shop has a company bike and it was suggested I take it for a spin.  Mind you, the only reason I considered this is because Florence now has a new rule that there are no cars in the center...for the most part.

So, I thought, "Why not?"  It took some time to reacquaint myself with the feel of the bike, but like they say...it is like riding a bike.  I was cruising and loving the feeling of the wind in my hair.  What's that I see?  A tourist walking straight towards me.  I should break...break...break.  Dude, there is no break!  Well, there was, but as Alex put it upon my return, "You need to break for a long time before it stops."  Let's just file that in the helpful UPFRONT info box.  In the end, I was fine, never going fast enough that I couldn't stop with my foot.  The most dangerous part was people darting out in front of me.  Florence is so flat, having a good bike is a real treat.  If we ever move here, I will have to invest in a good one.

Now, if you are not aware of the importance of a bicycle in Italian history, I recommend you watch Bicycle Thieves or Ladri di Biciclette (1948) by Italy's son, Vittorio de Sica.  This is one of the most gorgeous Italian films of all time, as well as heart wrenchingly sad.  This man's entire livelihood depends on finding his bike that he manages to get out of consignment for his new job, only to have it stolen by another man whose life is equally dismal.  To say the bicycle has a symbolic significance in Italy is an understatement.  Perhaps the most poignant thing to have come from this film is the concept that if someone steals your bike, it is somewhat natural to steal someone else's.  I guess if I do own a bike here, someday, I won't invest too much in it.

Hope all is well and ci vediamo, possibly on my bike somewhere soon.

ZM

Living the Life Italian Style

Finalmente!  The internet in the apartment has been so spotty, I am finally sitting down in the shop to write.  It has been an exhausting, but fun few days.  My trip was surprisingly smooth.  I slept most of the time, so arrived ready to go!  Alex and hs co-worker Luca picked me up at the airport and drove us to the center.  The studio Alex has rented in the center, 5 Via del Corso, is small, but perfect.  The location is unbeatable and we can be anywhere we want within minutes.

My first request was a stop at Istanbul, a Doner Kebab spot.  I know, it is Italy, but I love this kebab, which is essentially a burrito with lettuce, french fries, ketchup, shriracha, taziki and hummus.  Yum!

And then I hit the wall.  I decided to return to the studio for a nap while Alex went to work.  My nap turned into a five hour crash and I was awakened by Tocatta and Fugue in D minor being played on the organ across the street.  And, oh, guess what?  They play it all the time. It is like an organ fest there 24/7.  OK, more like 8/7.  But you catch my drift.  One of the joys of living in the center of Firenze.

Meals have been amazing to say the least.  We enjoyed a lovely dinner at Il Barroccio on my first night.  This is where Alex and I had our first date and I was so excited to see the the owner, Gianni, is really making it a nice place over the years.  He finally got permission from the city to have outside seating.  And even though it is no longer on the menu, he made me my favorite dish: Spaghetti ale Vongole con Zucchini.  We had a lovely time catching up and recreated the moment as best we could, even with Alex overpaying for a red rose that is probably dead by now.  Oh, romance!

Unfortunately, as usual, I seem to have gotten the Florence crud.  It seems I fall ill everytime I arrive, likely not used to the germs I encounter, either here or on the plane.  So, we have been mello and I am taking a lot of naps.  I got some medicine at the pharmacy and it never ceases to amaze me how pseudoephedrine can make me feel both exhausted and anxious as all get out at the same time.   

It did not stop us, however from a wonderful dinner out on Saturday night at Acqua al Due.  This is an old favorite and it really did not disappoint.  We walked in and were greeted by old friends, procured a lovely seat and had a truly Italian meal, highlighted with candle light, atmosphere and service that lingered in the perfect way.  We enjoyed my favorite Insalata Greca, shared the Tortelli Tartufo (which was plate-lick worthy), and our favorite, of course, Petto di Pollo al Porto.  By the time we left, I almost needed to be carried home, reminding me that in the years of becoming more active and healthy, overeating is fun while sitting down, but not when you have to make an escape ;)

Other than that, been taking leisurely strolls, acclimating and relaxing.  Went on a mission today to find a gym.   I have to work out and am going nuts.  It is too hot to run and, quite frankly, it smells like pee everywhere.  It is proving challenging to find a drop-in spot and I cannot convince myself to pay a 129 Euro per month + 50 Euro starter fee + 60 Euro doctor's fee to get a physical.  I would like to blame the pee on the homeless, but let's be real here: drunk students walking home late from the bars is the main culprit......not that I speak from experience or anything.  We hear them all night long passing under our window at all hours.  If it isn't the organ, it's the drunk people yelling.  When did I get so old?  Oh wait, what's that I hear?  It is 10:18 pm and, you guessed it, Tocatta and Fugue in D Minor is revving up again.  Go home organist, you are drunk!

Hope you are all doing well.  I promise to check in more often and offer exciting tales of Italian life.  And by that I mean, details about what I am eating.  You know that's what you wanna hear about.

Love to you all,

Michelle

Leavin' Tomorrow!

Here I sit in my classroom, waiting for my final check-out, annoyed at how much work I have to do before I depart tomorrow.  I am exhausted.  I feel like this trip is a final exam and I just have to remind myself the hard part is almost over!  It reminds me of a field trip with the kids: leading up with all the preparations, packing, paperwork....it's mind boggling.  But then...you arrive and a new adventure starts.

I am ready for that spot.  I cannot imagine how I will turn off my brain while I am there, worrying about all the things to get ready for the 2014/15 school year.  Yet, I know I need to turn off my brain if I am to be any use to anyone.  I hope regular writing will help me to focus, relax and reflect.

I leave tomorrow from San Francisco at 9:55pm and fly overnight to Washington, D.C.  I hope they have a fun airport, because I will need to fill my 6 hour layover somehow.  It is a good thing that time is irrelevant in airports and that a 7am breakfast with a Bloody Mary is perfectly acceptable.  Next stop: Ottawa.  I have never been to Canada, so 3 hours in the airport will likely be thrilling, ay?  Finally I board and head to Frankfurt where I hear I can find some of Germany's best brats, so there will be no need to cab into the city and back (you know who you are ;).  And finally I arrive in Florence, 9am local time on Friday.  Yes, Friday.  I leave Wednesday and arrive Friday.  But guess what...I do not care about a long trip.  All I care about is seeing Alex for the first time in 6 months!  When you have been in a relationship for 8 years that has been affected by distance and waiting from the start, you learn to grow patient.  Whether it is waiting for paperwork or to see each other, we have learned it is all worth it because there is simply no other way for us to live.  Being together is that important.

So, now that I have bored you with my "route talk" (if you don't know what I mean by "route talk", I highly urge you to listen to a hilarious podcast by clicking here), I would love to hear some ideas or questions.  Comment and let me know what you would like to see as I journey along!  Most time will be spent in Florence, with a road trip to Amsterdam to see Alex' family.  Believe it or not, I have still not met his mom, dad and brothers in person.  I know, 8 years!  Ridiculous. I am very excited about it and will be sure to post all about it.

I hope you all enjoy my journeys!  Some of you may be new to my blog and some are old friends!  I love sharing this with you.

ZM