BBQ and stuff. . . .yum

So I've checked off one box, Kansas City Barbecue. I was starving by the time I got unpacked and has missed lunch at the convention center. This was probably for the best if the food last year is any indication. I got a recommendation from a born and bred KC native, Jack Stack's. Man oh man was it good; we're talking plate licking good. I had beef burnt ends, the tips of the roast cut bite size and put back on the fire to slow roast in sauce for 5 hours, and 4 pork ribs. It was a good thing I had about a 20 minute walk back to the hotel; I needed it. Took some pictures along the way. . . .

Cool add on the side of a building on 12 street.

Interesting looking restaurant/club behind my hotel. Will get to it later!

the top of the convention center where I'll be spending unspeakable hours grading essays.

Who knew. . . casinos in Kansas City.

Lovely, lovey wine shop a block away. Shocking I should find such a thing!

Kansas City!

The top of the TWA building.

L'estate Cominicia!

Summer has finally arrived. I'm finished work, at least finished with kids, and now I'm off to Kansas City for the AP Reading again. After 9 days there, in which time I must get to a Royals game, hang out in 18th and Vine's jazz clubs, attend a BBQ & Jazz festival, and I suppose do the work I'm being sent there to do, I'm back home for 2 weeks and then off to Italy, Croatia, Sicily, and who knows where else. Let the games begin!

Buon Compleanno, Mama!

Happy 21st birthday, Mom. Now I don't have to buy your wine for you anymore. Ti amo!!

Ho trovato un appartamento

Finally, I have found and reserved my apartment in Trastevere. Its different than last summer, on the other side of Trastevere, actually. Its always a gamble, as photos are totally misleading, but I suppose that's part of the adventure. Its got a sofa bed in case any of you get motivated to come join me in Italia. Stop complaining and fork over a months salary for your airline ticket!

Cute!!

Yup, that's a pool. Ok, its only a meter deep but its something, at least, when the temp is over 100!

A table for two, me and you. Buy the damn ticket, already.

The "kitchenette" where I have no intention of cooking dinner. . . Carlo Menta for lasagna, Cafe Artu for spaghetti cacio e pepe, and Pizzeria San Calisto for shitgodamn good pizza. Will probably keep some vino in the itty bitty fridge, just in case you show up to have un bichierre con mio by the pool.

Where all the magic happens (totally joking, Mom and Dad)!

Haaaaaaaaa

I think it speaks for itself!

Quindi, ritorno

Decision made; I'm going back to italia for the summer. The general plan is same time frame (June 30 - Aug. 15), perhaps same flat, definitely Trastevere, different adventures, same level of wine consumption! You are all welcome to haul your respective asses across the Atlantic for a visit. I suppose you should bring your whole selves and not just your asses; unless of course you drink with your ass. Liz is already in for 2 weeks in July and we are heading south, maybe to Sardinia, Sicily, or Elba. Get yourselves sorted and be there!

Dieci cose non conosci riguardo mio

I got tagged by a friend to write a post detailing 10 things most people don't know about me. Allora. . . .

1. I'm terrified of flying. I do it often and over long distances, but I absolutely hate every minute of it. In fact, I got to fly in the cockpit of an Iceland Air flight on the way to Paris and freaked out and had to leave.
2. I love animals more than most humans. They are simple and don't play games.
3. I abhor routine. It drives me out of my mind to engage in repetitive tasks, like making lunch for the next day, setting out recycling, taking attendance in my classes, etc.
4. I also detest getting gas (no not digestive gas, freaks), stopping at the bank, and grocery shopping. Maybe this one goes along with routine?
5. Deep down I am a romantic. I do believe in/hope for happy endings (again, no not the kind that comes with an Argentinian massage), soul mates, and being swept off my feet.
6. I got arrested in Ocean City when I was 21 and left for Europe instead of doing my community service. My record still got expunged!
7. I get crazy when my hands have sticky stuff on them. I can't tolerate cotton candy for that exact reason. Continue on with what ever nasty reference you deem necessary on this one.
8. I was offerred a gig being a hair model, but declined because I had to agree to let them do anything they wanted with my hair, including shave it.
9. I stole a brand new bottle of Sky Vodka from a bar. When the bartender was looking the other way, I reached over the end of the bar and snagged it right off the shelf, pourer and all!
10. I'm a complete sucker for a guy with tanned feet, flip flops and a great pair of hotty jeans. De-Li-Cious!

And now to pass the tagging favor on to Lala. . . .