Author: akintsucrooner

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_ffVMZaxO0U&feature=youtu.be

ALL THE THINGS

A LAUNDRY LIST, LUCCA STYLE

August 2-August 16, 2019

By E. Perryman

#akintsucrooner

THINGS I DID……..

1. Explored Lucca, San Gimingnano, Siena, Volterra, Torre del Lago, and Montecatini. Soaked in the architecture, people, and food. Ate at the delicious Casa Puccini, Giglio, Peruca, and tasty wall restaurant, San Colombano. Partook in one delish meal at McDonalds and viewed the entertaining meet the parents/fockers with my friends.

2. Ate delicious chocolate gelato (cuz it’s my fave,) drank hot spring waters from Roman baths (salty,) and rode a bike along the wall of Lucca (so fun.)

3. Enjoyed a boat ride, saw Puccini’s birthplace/villa, and drove in Tuscany and Rome. Driving in Tuscany was easy despite roundabouts. Driving in Rome was bottom clenching. Roman pedestrians/drivers are reckless. Window washers are annoying. Note: Listening to Tosca while driving can be hazardous.

THINGS THAT MADE ME GO HMM…..

1. Plural spelling is suspect here. Words like shrimps/baggages are used often and printed. And graffiti is everywhere. Bummed me out.

2. Sequin excess; shiny bedazzlers are everywhere. Even the high end shops were sporting sequin accents. It’s not just for the disco loving gays like myself anymore.

3. Opera singers at Torre del Lago. Despite the lead tenor and Musetta, I was underwhelmed by the singers, including the famous Mimi. Her voice is an echo of what it used to be. You know Mimi isn’t good when you are ready for her Act 4 death.

THINGS I’LL REMEMBER….

1. My singing coachings. My vowels were energized, breath-ignited, phrasing-motivated, toolbag-filled, and brain-stuffed. I look forward to implementing and future work with Massimo Morelli and Stefano Teani.

2. Food here is smack my behind fresh. No factory production for these folks. It’s made from scratch daily. If you don’t get it in time, no decadent Italian donut for you.

3. Thou shalt not tip thy waiters but thou shall put forth at least a 2 euro per person coperto charge at each meal for the dining privilege.

THINGS I WAS DUMB ABOUT……

1. Bathroom door hardware. It is unintuitive to operate. It engaged my fear of getting locked in a low oxygen, window free bathroom.

2. Not bringing a big enough suitcase. I am a significant participant in stimulating the tourist economy. I always forget this when I pack.

3. Not using google translate enough. When I did, it was really helpful. I mostly know how to pronounce Italian so I could be understood. It was fun to communicate with the teenage worker at the candy booth.

THINGS I’D LIKE TO DO HERE IN THE FUTURE….

1. Visit with Elizabeth. I missed her terribly. She is my person and partner in crime.

2. Sing/coach here. My big girl singing pants are washed and ironed.

3. Visit more of Tuscany, go to a movie here, experience the Italian auto grill rest stop, and eat more gelato.

THINGS I NOTICED….

1. Dreadlocks are a thing; not just for reggae rockers. I saw this hairstyle on a diverse group of people.

2. Trash here is hyper regulated and difficult to dispense. It feels prohibitive to conscientious recycling. Way too many rules and uptight waste infrastructure.

3. Lights normally go off automatically in the bathroom. I often found myself waving my arms to turn the lights back on mid rest room visit.

THINGS I BOUGHT….

1. Clothes, shoes, and jewelry.

2. Magnets, perfume, and masks.

3. Alcohol, tote bags, and Fanta.

THINGS I ENCOUNTERED…..

1. My natural teacher, peacemaker, leader, do-er, fixer, earthy, and gregarious self.

2. My sensitive and vulnerable side. Expectations are fickle fellows.

3. I’m happier in the morning. I credit my wife for helping me with a morning attitude-ectomy.

THINGS THAT ARE DIFFERENT FROM MY ITALY TRIP IN 2000….

1. Bye bye Internet cafe, hello WiFi. It’s everywhere, even pricy restaurants.

2. Many locals are covered with tattoos. This wasn’t true when I backpacked here in 2000. Huh.

3. Fans whether battery, usb, or geisha style is a travel necessity for me in 2019, not so much in 2000.

ELEVEN THINGS WE ENJOYED…..

1. Day trips.

2. Meals.

3. Gelato, Donuts, and Crepes.

4. Conversations.

5. Biking.

6. Watching lizards.

7. Kids, dogs, and cats.

8. People watching.

9. Rando turtle in town.

10. Opel insignia car.

11. Shopping.

THINGS TO LEAVE YOU WITH….

1. If Scatman can do it, so can you.

2. Every day is a borrowed time with its good, bad, and ugly.

3. “Wherever you go, there you are”-Love, my inner pop up Buddha.

I have come to the party late. Today I was baptized by the vocal giants of last century. Admittedly, tenors are the ultimate database of great singers and command performances through the ages. Sopranos, not so much. I listened and laughed while London, Del Monaco, Tebaldi annihilated act 2 of Tosca. Their prowess isn’t human. As with profanity in music, there should be a warning on this recording. Do not listen to Act 2 while operating a motor vehicle. One does not simply listen to this going a meager 70 mph. #akintsucrooner

https://akintsucrooner.wordpress.com/2019/08/12/lead-foot-puccini/

Tonight, I was fortunate to visit Torre del Lago (town of Viareggio) in the province of Lucca, Tuscany, Italy. It is between the Lake of Massaciuccoli and the Tyrrhenian Sea. This is where opera composer, Giacomo Puccini, lived and worked. He is buried inside of a small chapel in the villa there. I was happy to read that this area is well known for being a gay-friendly summer resort of national and international appeal.

I saw a La Boheme tonight at the Puccini festival held there. I loved the sets and the outdoor setting. It was ethereal to be in that setting knowing the history. I was all about clapping for act 2 cafe momus cuz the sets were cool but alas the audience was more of the stuffy sort. I was especially impressed by the Musetta Micaela Sarah D’Alessandro and Rudolfo (whose name I didn’t catch because no programs were distributed.) The kids in act 2 were great too!

Good news, by the looks of the throngs of opera goers tonight, albeit stuffy, opera is alive and well at least in Tuscany. Giddy up.

Sunday morning on the Lucca streets….

1. No need to put the seat down on toilets here, there is one option. Perhaps this avoids cohabitation challenges between the sexes.

2. Kitten patrol is in effect during the early Sunday hours.

3. Beer, it’s what’s for breakfast. No stinkin’ NJ Bergen country blue laws for these wise folk. You don’t like it? Don’t drink it. Basta.

4. Cool air contraptions on cafe umbrellas for Tuscan August comfort is enjoyable.

5. Nuns walking through the piazza and beautiful music from a nearby Chiesa is a treat to experience on this lovely Domenica, Agosto 11, 2019.

By E. Perryman 8.8.19

ATTIRE: I have come to realize in my 50 years on this planet that my regular dressing attire is pretty casual unlike like the Italia fashion plate locals.

BOHEMIAN-Bohemian-esque young musicians can be found jamming together in the piazzas. It’s really cool to witness their communal mash up.

CHICAGO-The south side of my Chi-town homeland has far less graffiti than Italy. Holy spray paint, Italian Batman.

DIRT-Somehow, no matter how many times I wash my hands, my hands are always dirty here.

ELIZABETH-I miss my wife Elizabeth very much. I shall include her in the Italy album since she is here in spirit. And this Elizabeth, your truly, has a hard time being a follower. I like to lead.

FACEBOOK-Facebook is the root of much evil HOWEVER, the networking possibilities are a genuine blessing. Through mutual singer friends and professional musician groups, I was able to work Italian arias with accomplished local Lucca coaches on this trip.

GONE-Gone are the days of travelers checks on overseas trips; the ones I clearly recall my Dad purchasing during my childhood. Good riddance I say. Many people also speak English. It feels much less foreign than it used to 30 years ago.

HYDRATE-I can’t seem to drink enough water even after the 5th day here. It’s very dry.

ITALIAN KIDS-They are freaking adorable. Their style and speech patterns make me want to bite them.

JUNKIE JUICE-It’s not good; it’s a bad habit for sure. I don’t smoke. I don’t drink alcohol. I don’t even drink coffee. But I do drink diet soda. At least two a day (40 ounces.) And ice. I like ice. In the fresh soda. Tis my nectar. Its bad. But so good. The 2019 Italia Coke Zero cans are delightfully chilled. I applaud the implementation of this western custom.

KITTENS-There are lots of them inside the walls of these medieval towns; many of whom are chillin’ like a villain in the midst of the active Lucca nightlife.

LIZARDS-Cute little lizards can be easily found crawling on the walls of the city buildings. They are difficult to photo. The critters always seem to sense my overactive iPhone camera because they scamper with a quickness before I can capture their adorable image.

MEZZO MEZZO GULP-Not too much Texas sizing in these parts. No big gulps here. A medium soda is considered large even at the Italian McDonalds. From clothes to drinks to food portions, moderation seems to be the key. Huh, novel concept.

NAPPING-The first few days on this trip were definitely the hardest on energy as we abruptly entered a time zone six hours ahead. Lord, did my aging mortal coil need much more shut eye than I got. I feel more human on day 4.

OPEL-Our rental car is an Opel Insigna. Me mucho likey.

PROTOCOL-Even on vacations (perhaps especially,) I need structure and protocol. Loosey goosey days does not a happy Liz make. I have self administered an “attitude-ectomy” and found some order and structure.

QUEST-The quest for good food is a successful one here. It’s so fresh. It isn’t that expensive. It is so savory. You feel fed but not stuffed. They really get it right here.

ROUNDABOUT-Roundabout traffic patterns have invaded the Tuscan roadways. They are everywhere. You can’t find home without riding these circular arteries. I have been told that those in the circle can complete as many rotations as they want because they always have the right of way. Hmmm.

SIENA-This city is incredible; it has astounding architecture. It is hard to fathom the feet that have trod these ancient avenues.

TATTOOS & TOLLS-Tattoos are everywhere. It seems to be more prevalent here than the US. No simple flower for these folk. Many people are covered with body ink art. Go big or go home. And TOLLS aren’t just for the US turnpikes anymore. Italy roads are pothole free and nice to drive but you will have to play a hefty toll if you want to travel the main highways.

USURY-The gas prices here are unreal. 70 plus US dollars to fill up a Ford Focus. At least they could pump it for you like Jersey does. Jeez.

VERISMO-Italy is all about verismo aka truth. And I love being able to share wonderful pictures of this trip on FB. But don’t let this electronic mirage mislead you. FB pictures should be gently sniffed like fine perfume, no deep inhalation of the perfect life BS. Life happens even on trips. I still have Perryman pita-hood moments as I can have in NJ. I’m still flawed but fun seeking me with my deep insecurities; just in a different, much more aesthetic setting. We are all just bozos on the bus. In this case, there is delicious gelato on that ride.

WALL-The wall around Lucca is da bomb. It is SOOOOOO cool. All roads lead to the wall. I want one. Daddy! Get me one now! Please excuse my inner Veruca. As you were.

XL-There ain’t many folk who have an x on their clothing size tag. Trust me. I’ve been looking for my people; those bread loving material girls. This has not been an easy feat. There are only a smattering of these gals walking the streets of the piazza.

YOUNG-Everyone looks so dagnab young to me now. Well, I guess I can enjoy the wisdom that goes with increasing birthdays eg sensible shoes, fiber, and a good breakfast.

ZERO-I have had ZERO food sensitivity issues since I left the states. Boy I wish good food was less expensive and more available at home.

#akintsucrooner

Blog: akintsucrooner.wordpress.com

“UM, HELLO LUCCA!”

Saturday/Sunday August 3 & 4, 2019

Day 3 & 4

Alas, I was only able to scavenge an hour of plane sleep after much seat contortion but overall, our flight arrived successfully in Rome. We had 5 hours to wait for Giovanni to arrive from Sicily so we putzed around terminal c; a modern looking airport. I enjoyed a made to order pizza in their food court. Very few ingredients were used while it was prepared in front of me. The result was magnifico.

After my boisterous US style made the self effacing Italian rental car employee chuckle, we drove none other than a European style Ford Focus to Lucca from Rome. The views en route were extraordinary. The rich heritage of these historic towns and architecture is almost too much to process. I was enamored of the tunnels. Soooo cool. I didn’t even think of the Will Smith “I am legend” zombie scene much at all;-)

So we have arrived and nested in a lovely B&B in Lucca. We parked outside of the city wall and lugged our suitcases to the city. It wouldn’t have been this 50 year old’s first choice as I would have opted for a cab (Tis an Uber free city) but I acquiesced to these zany kids and took one for the team.

The history here is mind boggling. My motley self in sketchers is prancing through a Roman street plan dating back to 180BC. I FaceTimed live at Piazza San Michele, the site of the ancient forum with traces of the amphitheater near by. Like homeboy J. Caesar was hanging out in this town back in 56 BC. Heck, Jesus hadn’t even made his 33 year Christ cameo yet with his gospel messages that most of us christians misinterpret daily. The youngest kids on the block in this town’s historic timeline include famous 19th century resident composers like Puccini and Catalani. What the, indeed.

So, yeah. It been a day and a half of eating amazeballs food, being captivated by these gorgeous streets, people watching, and biking around the city wall. Even the local transients seem nice. A sweet older lady chatted us up for a good while and was very kind to me when I was having a sad moment. Perhaps there truly are messengers among us. Grateful.

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2019 LUCCA FASHION BLOTTER

1. WE’RE BACK: Jean mini skirts, wide leg millennial gauchos, and soul train one piece pant suits.

2. OH YOU BEAUTIFUL DOLL: Baby doll frock type dresses are rampant on the cobblestone walkway. I myself stay far away from such cut or lack thereof. Unshaped in a shape no no on this gal.

3. IT’S GLOBAL: Multiple tattoos, van shoes, sockless loafer look, and extreme length skirts-really short or really long.

4. BABY GOT BACK: Lots of back cleavage these days. Huh.

5. SHINY HAPPY PEOPLE: Sequins, sequins, and more sequins; they’re everywhere. They are on shirts, pants, tote bags, shoes, pillows…..sequins aren’t just for Xanadu lovers anymore. No need to come out of the closet here. Preppy, goth, tailored, or sporty folk….you most likely have something with sequins in your closet.

6. DOES THIS MAKE MY BUTT LOOK BIG: Why no, actually, I say to the Lucca locals. Perhaps there is some sort of fashion manual cuz these non heifers are turnt out on the piazza. Nary a sweat pant in sight in this town; makes for some good people watching.

7. UM HELLO? I am guilty of having 2 speeds; loud cigar smoking spinto soprano or she who attempts to make contact with others and fails miserably. My vintage latter side tried at least 3 times today to summon a waiter for Coke Zero but to no avail. Arm stretched out, knees leaning forward, while I utter “um excuse me, could you…..I guess not.” It isn’t such a bad idea to work on being assertively balanced…..

Here’s to making memories and living outside of the box. #akintsucrooner

Blog: akintsucrooner.wordpress.com

Friday August 2, 2019

Day 2: Day of flight to Rome

Today, Stephanie and I enjoyed a lovely day with the Longo family. We shall meet our travel compatriot, Giovanni, in Rome. He has been working at a sicilian opera program. I am proud of my quarter Sicilian heritage. My maternal grandfather, Michael, came over on a boat from Palermo. Our family name “Alongi” was changed to “Alonge” perhaps due to US phonetic challenges.

I love the lifelong connections musicians make in productions. Eliz and I met an opera program in 2003 and never parted. I caught her attention with my lipstick linebacker look, trucker laugh, and spintoliz pipes. I met my friends Stephanie and Giovanni 2 years ago and found wonderful friends. Music is an incredible unifier.

I had a come to Jesus moment today eating the Longo family meatballs. It was a bevy of savory flavors. My stomach has had 0 issues eating in Montreal the past 24 hours. Even Panera at home can make my digestion rebel. I deal with this often. We really deserve better food in the states; clean food that doesn’t break the bank.

Anywho, I sit one row away from Stephanie on the Airtransat plane as I write. Our basic economy seats didn’t grant us seat selection privileges. I’m just glad the seat has a cushion and isn’t located on the wing. We touch down in approx 5 hours.

OBSERVATIONS

IGA: Montreal has really nice IGA grocery stores. I remember going to IGA at Eastern Illinois in undergrad.

SWANK FACTOR: I needed some essentials from the Canadian Walmart today. My extra self noticed a far swankier shoe section than home. Got me some non essential leopard ankle boots with a silver edge. Oo la la.

MA BELL: Clark Kent would approve. I have seen 4 Ma Bell phone booths just today; 3 even with a circular design.

COST OF LIVING: I have to confess, yours truly, aka maverick economy stimulator, usually buys a magnet or pen at each airport I frequent. YUL Montreal’s prices are the most expensive I’ve seen.

FANTA NECTAR: The Fanta here is far superior to the US. Not too sweet. Just right. Le tasty.

PUFF THE MAGIC DONUTS: Canadian Mister Puff donuts are amazeballs. They are to munchkins as White Castle is to prime rib.

MAPLE MOTHERLAND: Maple items are everywhere. The quantity of maple items here makes Vermont look like slackers.

KITTY KAT KORNER: Folks enjoy kit kat bars in these parts. Prominent displays and eye catching fonts are prevalent.

AIR TRAVEL GOLDEN AGE: I dig the Air Canada flight attendant garb. Employees look like they stepped out of a posh PanAm steward/stewaress photo shoot from the 1960s.

CONTRARION: I like airplane and hospital food. It doesn’t make me sick. I like the little wrapped items. So sue me.

MATURITY LOADING: Effie, my wicked witch figurine, is accompanying me on our trip. She needed a plane selfie. I am making peace that this is an odd thing to do. I’m ok with that. I think. 😉

WALNUT GROVE AMENITIES: 2019 Planes are coach buses of the sky. We have NO WiFi and ya gotta get stickered to get snacks and ear phones. However the seats are comfy, seatbelts aren’t repressive, and the bathroom seemed to have more toucas room.

MR ROGER’S FOLK: Every employee I met at the Trudeau airport was genuinely friendly. From ticket taking and bistros, security to duty free, folks were pleasant. I encountered at least 9 employees. It took awhile to let down my NJ turnpike guard and process.

VIKING HAT WILL TRAVEL: It never fails. Whenever I board a plane, I want to sing to the captive passengers. This experience is on my bucket list. I need more nerve and perhaps add a few more years so I can blame it on senility shenanigans.

HI DAD: My dad has been gone for 18 years. I miss him so much. It made me smile to think about our similarities as travelers. I’m a rando whisperer and talk to strangers, I call young men “sir,” and I love noticing old beautiful trees.

#akintsucrooner

Thursday August 1, 2019

I am blessed to have just begun a special vacation with two close friends, Stephanie & Giovanni. We will visit Lucca, Italy for the next two weeks. I will greatly miss Elizabeth who wasn’t able to make this trip. Thank goodness for WhatsApp and rampant, worldwide WiFi so we can stay closely in contact.  We are leaving from Montreal to fly to Rome. When we arrive, we will rent a car to drive to Lucca, the hometown of epic Italian opera composer, Giacomo Puccini. Perhaps it is fitting that we drive to this town as Puccini loved his cars. Lucca will be our home base for 2 weeks while we explore the glorious Tuscany. I intend on savoring these moments as my inner pragmatic knows that tomorrow isn’t promised and these opportunities are precious. 

Day 1: Overnight in Montreal before our Friday evening flight.  

OBSERVATIONS

1. I have kilometers under the miles in my car.  Who knew. 100k is 60 miles. Figuring out this ratio greatly challenges my feeble ciphering skills. 

2. Canadian custom officers are tres scary. Ours sure was. No matter what question I answered, Officer Stoneface looked at me like the devil just came up from Georgia. No Midwest smiles for this American. Holy crime watcher, Batman. 

3. If you’re hankering for some KFC in Montreal, check your acronyms. Our northernly pals call the Sander’s staple PFK. 

4. We viewed a beautifully lit bridge, large illuminated ball, and Ferris wheel as we came into Montreal. 

5. The city seems very modern compared to my Chicago hometown.  

6. Signs are mostly in French. 

7. Street lights are different shaped than the US; less round, more square. 

8. The swiftness in which I become a night owl is startling. I am wide eyed and raring to go at the wee morning hour of 2:54am. 

9. I pumped my own gas tonight. There was a tv screen on the pump. What the. 

#akintsucrooner

I am more accepting these days that my unbridled personality can be an acquired taste. When I was younger, I was often apologetic for my will and intensity. I didn’t have the confidence to always be my full self. I would be self effacing and careful. Now that I’m older and more brave just to be me (good bad and ugly) there’s not a lot of in between. People either like me or I rub them the wrong way. It can get uncomfortable. I work daily to find balance. Some days are better than others. I think this is why I appreciate the villain/underdog edit from the bachelor/bachelorette show. As much as the public will greatly dislike a contestant, these people get redeemed and accepted more as time goes on. It’s probably why I am not always the one reacting right away because I could be that awkward, detached person, once upon a time.  We toss around these words pschopath/narcissist so easily these days. Sometimes people aren’t clinical. They are just scared, want to make the right impression, and are trying not to embarrass themselves. I’ve found though doing just that ends up only embarrassing you more. I’m so glad my younger self wasn’t televised on national TV and subject to modern day social media trial and jury. Yikes. And thank God for opera, I could be insecure during rehearsals but when it came time to perform I could disappear and give my all. No apologies. Life is no dress rehearsal. Giddy up.

#akintsucrooner