Montone Sunset

Sunset on hills
Originally uploaded by R.o.b.e.r.t.o.

Thought I'd share this dreamy shot from Montone, Italy. It can be seen in a bigger size here.

The Pinch Bar

I tend to spend most of my time in the Village when I'm in NYC. I usually walk around in random directions, wandering into the less-traveled nooks and crannies of the city, looking to discover places I've never been to before.

I believe I was on Sullivan Street, pretty close to Washington Square Park when I took this. Over to the left is The Pinch Bar, by the flag. Unfortunately, I don't know how to upload the picture in its original size, so it's tough to see the place with the photo at this size.

I have no idea if the place is still open, or if the locals even like the place, but I had a good time there. From what I remember, I really liked the ambiance. Then again, I was already three sheets to the wind by the time I got there, so I suspect I would've been happy anywhere, so long as they served alcohol.

I do recall being late meeting my friends there on the night I went.

When I got there, everyone within earshot had already become fast friends, apparently -- because the girl I sat next to already had a big, smiling grin on her face as if she knew my life's story.

"You're late!" she said.

I don't know what it is about alcohol, but it tends to induce people to raise their voices a few decibels for no apparent reason.

Without missing a beat, I playfully respond, "Welp, you may not know this about me yet honey, but that's kinda what I do..."

She laughs, "Is that so?!"

I give her my finest, charming smile.

"Aye, lass!"

I turn to the bartender with an eyebrow raised, shrugging my shoulders with my hands up, "What can ya do, fuggetaboutit..."

You know you've had too many drinks when you mix Irish and Italian accents within seconds of each other.

The bartender being on the ball says, "Soooo, you're saying you need a double then, aye?"

Considering the fact that I was well on my way to oblivion, I raise my voice a few decibels and gleefully respond, "Finally! Someone who understands me!"

"Cap'n Coke, please!"

From that point on, it's a bit of a blur...but I know we all had a great time.

Sigh. New York City. How I miss her so...

No Reservations

I love the show 'No Reservations' with Anthony Bourdain, which plays on the Travel Channel.

I happened to watch tonight's episode twice because he did a show on NYC's food, and well, I love NYC and it's food.

If you love learning about different foods and cultures of the world, this show is a must see. And it's not just the things you learn from watching the show that makes the show enjoyable -- the concept of traveling to different countries to film a show about their culture and food is great -- but it's Tony who really makes the show.

His genuine, down to earth, and honest prose is what really tops off an already interesting format, and is what keeps me interested. You can tell by watching the show that the guy is a true food afficionado, and he adds that intangible x-factor to the show's entertainment value.

Check out his blog. Better yet, check out the show. It's good stuff...

Buzzkill Suburbia

I live in a place called Davie, which I guess is considered a suburb of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I've lived here most of my life, in various neighborhoods throughout the years.

And when you live in a place like this for most of your life, you get used to the type of energy that exists within the suburban landscape. The stillness, or detached energy of these places doesn't really stand out if it's all you've known your whole life.

Until...

Until you go to a big city metropolis like NYC, Chicago, or even Boston (which in addition to NYC, I also love dearly).

For me, nothing can compare to the energy that oozes off the streets of these cities and into your senses. Just being there is an invigorating experience to me. In fact, I'd say it's even inspiring.

On my first trip to NYC as an adult, back in 2005, I called a friend to tell him about some of the adventures I'd gotten into while I was there. I was sitting at what I think was some sort of hybrid Subway/Dunkin Donuts shop, somewhere in mid-town around 33rd Street & Fifth when I made the call:

"What's it like up there?" he asked (after the obligatory greetings).

I replied, "Dude, this place is awesome! It just feels so alive here. I feel so alive! I've been here one day and it feels like home."

As if that weren't enough, I then proceeded to add, "Plus, it feels as if the ratio of women to men here is like 4 to 1!"

That finally got a rise out of him, and he replied, "No! Get the fuck outta here! I'm coming with you next time you lucky bastard!"

I was way too excited and had too much walking planned to talk for very long, so I kept the conversation short, and resumed eating my breakfast.

I left a few minutes later, and soon realized that every time I stepped out of any building...BAM! -- the city's vibe just hit me as if I drank 2 triple espressos, on top of my body giving me a healthy jolt of adrenalin to boot -- and they had all just kicked in at the same time.

NYC is completely alive with energy, adventure, conversation, romance, drama, comedy -- everything that makes life interesting. All in one shot. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before.

Then I came home.

Cue the sound of crickets. Literally.

Now, in my daily life, when I walk out of my apartment and into the parking lot...

Nothing.

I usually see no one from the time I walk out my door to the moment I reach the parking lot. There aren't a lot of cars driving by, almost never any people, and there's usually no movement at all. On some days, there isn't even any wind, so even the trees are dead still.

Coming home from NYC, or even Boston is like going from an utterly euphoric high to suddenly being completely miserable in less than 2 hours. It's the worst kind of buzzkill.

And now, every day as I walk out of my apartment and to my car...I feel that buzzkill all over again.

Meh.

Aside from the beach, Florida is so lame to me. And the people...well, that's another topic altogether.