its just a perfect day

I thought I'd share it with you. As fars as days go, today was pretty perfect. I slept in to my favorite time 11am. I woke up made coffee ate some breakfast and packed a lunch for my day at the beach. My fast pass for the vapporetto runs out tommorow, so I headed out to the beach for what may be the last time. The weather has been awful this week but today there was a break in the storm so I was very lucky. I spent the afternoon lying next to the new beach club, enjoying the music from the dj. After my day at the beach I headed back into venice and met some friends for coffee. After getting all jazzed on caffine and good coversation with english speakers, I headed home to make dinner. I had just finished cooking when I got a call telling me to get back on the vapporetto and meet everyone out at a huge party at the university. It was awsome!! There had to be at least 300 people there and hey had a band and some djs playing music oin the square. I ran into a bunch of people that have met over the last month and got to do my favorite thing, DANCE!! This time it was to crazy fast music from the Balkans that sound like a mix between ska, heavy metal, and the polka. It was so much fun!! I was just about finished dancing when the crew decided to move again, this time to the arcitecture academy, where there was an even bigger party, with two djs and about 1000 people. I could'nt belive how fun it was! It all happened on campus in the middle of the school! I crawled into bed at around 1:00am, legs tired, heart happy!!

the peggy guggenheim collection

This blog brought to you by the beautiful and talented Tatiana Bernardi, who sent me to the Guggenheim for my birthday! Thanks Cutie Sister!! I love you!!

Today I took a stroll over to Peggy Guggenheims old palace on the Grand Canal. Peggy is buried in the garden along with all of her dogs. Half of the palace was closed today because Matthew Barney is putting up his show that will open next week. I did get to see Peggy's collection and I learned a bit about the Futurist movement in art. There was a tour guide giving a group of seemingly uniterested american high school girls a chat abot the futurist movement that happened at the beggining of the last century. I was really excited to eavesdrop and hear about how the artists in Italy at the time tried to use their art as a way of getting Italy to jump on the bandwagon and join the industrial revolution. Apparently the Italians were slow to be industrilzed having only been an unified nation for a few years. The futurist's would hold art shows for the upper class art enthusist's, and when patrons arrived they would have terrible "noise" music playing and naked people rolling around, and people shouting about everything that was wrong with the country and after the riot broke out as a result of the patrons being offended, the artist's would revel their work. Anyone else excited?? Lets try it!!
I was also excited to learn about Peggy's love for art and artists. It was very important to her to buy works that she thought to be important even if know one else did at the time. She also gave a bunch of very famous artist's their first shows in New York. I really enjoyed seeing Jackson Pollacks and Magrite's work up close. I also am a big fan of Picasso, and loved seeing some of his drawings. The garden were beautiful as well. It is scattered with a diverse collection of sculpture, some very modern and some that was more classical. I loved all of the modern pieces against the classical arcitecture of the palace. All in all it was a very inspiring day! Much more art to come!! The Bianelle begins in a couple of days and artists from all over the globe will be in Venice. I can't wait!! Love and more Love!!
drea

rain

It rained all day yesterday. Well almost all day. For two hours the sun came out and I went to the post office. It took me two hours and two different post offices to mail my package. I sent some of my stuff back to the states to lighten my load for the next part of my adventure. It was an experience in itself. Way better than a tourist attraction. I felt bad for the people who worked at the post office. They couldnt speak english very well and there were some rather rude americans trying to mail stuff next to me. I did my best to communicate in italian, and even leaned over and offered some help to the rude american woman, but it didnt take away my total embarrasment for people from American who travel abroad and act like total idots.
I was feeling a bit homesick so I roasted a chicken and made some mash potatos. If you cook here the rule is invite everyone so they can come to dinner, so I did, and ended up dining with they lovely Benedetto and my fabulous host Pietro. We had a german gentelman staying with us from the school, but his wife got sick and he had to return to Germany this morning. He was in his 70s and I cant help but think we might have been a bit too much fun for him. Pietro is finished having people stay his house from the school. He said last night that he had the best experience with me and that once you have the best you should stop so you aren't dissapointed. Quit while your ahead! I was flattered and greatful that I could be a good experience instead of a bad one.
Today I headed out to Murano to see the island and check out some glass blowing. Everytime I see anyone doing anything creative I can't help but want to do it too! The glass on the island is beautiful! Its a sleeply little island perfect for relaxing and picnic's which is exactly what I did. Its rather chilly today, so I headed home to make some tea and have a nap. Tonight, who knows, maybe another dinner??
Just a quick note to my readers, I really apreciate any comments, even if its only one word. Its nice to hear from you. It makes my heart smile! Love and Light, drea ( and if your to shy to post a public comment e-mail me direct at dreabernardi@gmail.com)

gondola racing

Well today it happened. I was invited to watch the gondola races in a palace on the grand canal. It was one of the things on my list. Be invited to a palace. I met a lovely ex-pat named Steve through our mutual friend Bill W. Today there was a big gondola race thru the grand canal, and Steve invited a few people over to watch the races. Steve's palace is right on the canal and it was spectacular!! My timing was perfect, and I was invited to stay and join them for lunch. I just love all of the big meals with friends that happen here. When I get back to the states Im going to make sure that my life is full of home cooked dinners with friends! I am full of joy and gratitude and all of the amazing blessings in my life. What a gift everyday has been! Thank you Universe, thank you!

venice vs pisa

It took me a while but im finally over my broken camera. I just have to go back to the time before instant photos, and wait untilI get home to see what kind of pictures I took. I can manage. Today I went to my first ever European Soccar match. My friends Marco and Paulo ( If your giggling about the Marco Polo thing I am too!) felt it necessary for me to go with them to experience the excitement first hand. It was awesome!! I have a very big place in my heart for fans. I don't know where it comes from, but I just really love when people are super passionate about things. It felt very ancient, this ritual of men fighting, or kicking a ball, wanting to win at all cost. People cheering for there teams, weather or not they were winning or losing. The fans were insane!! They had tons of chants and flags and the orgnization was incredible. At one point a giant flag appeared out of no where everyone was holding a card of a differnet color. It was spectacular!

livin la lido loca

Today I went to the beach after school finished. It was a hot sunny afternoon and I decided to go for it and sunbathe topless like the european girls do. I found a nice spot that wasn't too crowded and disrobed. I must say that I really enjoy going topless. The sun, no tan lines, BUT, I don't enjoy chatting with strangers while I'm not wearing a shirt. First it was the guy selling jewlery on the beach. I mean please, I'm not even wearing a shirt do I really need to ascessiores?? Next it was the chatty 70 year old in the neon green speedos who looked like he had sunbathed every day for the last 40 years. He figured out that I was a student somehow and wanted me to practice my Italian with him and then to go for a swim. I declined, but that didn't stop him from stopping by on his way back from swimming to see how I was doing.
After I went home, showered and headed out to dinner with Elena and Pietro. We ate fabulous pasta at Massimo's house. Massimo works for the school that I went to and has a beautiful home near San Marco. After dinner at around 12:30 the group decided to head out to Lido again for the grand opening of the nightclub there. It was a beautiful outdoor club on the beach with beds and lovely lighting. I got my groove on for a bit, but wasn't too happy with the Italian style of dancing. Appearence is everything here and that is true on the dance floor. You had to look cool while dancing, something that I don't enjoy worrying about. I let my hair down anyway and hopped all over the place geting stares and looks from the crowd. Not a lot of smiling faces, but super cool looks that make hanging out and letting loose a bit uncomfortable. I guess it just wasn't my scene.
I managed to have a brillant time regardless, I love dancing, and haven't had nearly enough opportunites for it. Another
amazing night on the road.( the photo is of my host Pietro)

broken camera

so my beautiful camera dropped on the ventian marble floor and broke. It still works I just have no idea what setting its on cause the screens broken. It happened two days ago and Im still a bit sad. It has taken the fun out of blogging, and so im taking a small break untill I get inspired again. Probally in a day or so. School ended today, an Im very happy about it. My head was hurting. Now is up to me to learn the language on my own, which is thrilling and a lot more fun!!
love you

buon compleani!

As far as birthday's go this one was one for the books! It was the best birthday I've had in years! My new secret to good birthday's is: do something for someone else! I spent Monday night and Tuesday afternoon cooking for my wonderful new Italian friends. I wanted everything to be really yummy because everything that they have cooked for me has been so good, I wanted to give back something fantastic. I made Nonnie's lasgana from scratch ( except the noodles cause it was really easy to find good fresh noodles) To start we had Bruscetta with tomatos and basil, and fried artichokes( Francesca taught me how to make them last week and they are my new favorite food!) After, we all devoroured the Lasagna which went over better than I could have dreamed. They thought that putting ricotta cheese was weird but wonderful. Next we ate a giant salad with arugala and carrots. And finally a chocolate cake with strawberries and kiwi( that I made as well!) Pietro mentioned that he thought I'd make a good wife. (hee hee) After dinner they gave me the most wonderful gifts. I wasn't expecting anything and it was the sweetest thing ever! Dario, Benedetto, and Christina are sending me on a Gondola ride. Amanda and Gibo gave me a cute denim mini skirt, which was perfect because three days ago I was wishing I had brought mine along!! Elena and Pietro's gift was an Italian coffee pot, super portable and it makes a perfect cup everytime! Then Eliana and Francesca gave me a pair of beautiful earings, and Natasha and Riccardo found the cutest tank top that says Mind the Gap and its a person about to fall in the canal trying to get in a gondola! Later in the evening Gianni arrived with two of my favorite things coffee and italian cookies!!! As I write this I am again full of joy and gratitude for the thoughtful beautiful people I am surrounded with. We all were up way to late, 3am to be exact, and still managed to go to school/work this morning. Im off to take a nap and I will with the biggest smile on my face knowing that I truly am blessed and loved by the Universe, and that everything I need will be provided for me. Thank you to everyone, for your love and prayers, and generosity of spirit. I can't begin to express my gratitude for each and everyone of you!! Goddess Bless!!
Drea

be apart of the dream!!

I know you've all be asking yourselves,
"What can I do to contribute to Drea's amazing journey??"
We'll heres your chance to sponser a trip to a museum.
One of my personal goals for this next phase of my life is to better understand exchange rates. In planning for my trip I failed to really grasp that particular concept and now I find myself on so tight a budget that museums are out of my means.
Here's where you can help!!
Sponser a trip to a museum and you will get the satisfaction and joy of knowing you enriched my life with art and culture.
I will also dedicate a whole page of my blog to my trip to the museum and the beautiful person who sponsered it!
Here's how it works:
-mail your donation to
Drea Bernardi
P.O. Box 1539
Fallbrook, CA 92088
-Drop me an email at dreabernardi@gmail.com
and let me know that you sent the donation
and how much it was for so I can plan my trip!

Any amount will be graciously accepted!
Thanks for your continued love and support!!
L+L
drea

drea returns

As most of you know today is my 29th birthday. In astrological terms it means that I am entering into my Saturn Return. What does that mean, you may ask? Well let me explain. It takes the planet Saturn 29ish years to return to where it was when you were born. Internationally respected astrologer Rob Hand calls Saturn Return, " one of the most important times in your life...a time of endings and new beginnings." It is a time to turn inward and reflect on your individual destiny. One astrologer says that "the Saturn Return is every individuals search for the Holy Grail."
Which brings me to my trip to Italy and the movement that has incapsulated my life in the past few months and in the months to come. As I make this important passage into adulthood, I am searching for self knowledge of where I came from, and looking inward to find the answers of where I'm going.
Thank you for joining me on this path.
I look forward with joy to the next phase of my life and the secrets that will be reveled to me along the way!
Love and Light!
Drea

sunday part due

After I got home form the boat ride, I took a quick shower and headed out for Maghera, a small town just outside of Venice. It’s a quick bus ride away and there was a performance tonight of an actor that I met last weekend. It was a one-man show telling the story of something that happened in Argentina in the 1960’s or 1970’s. I really have no idea. I couldn’t understand any of it. Wait, that’s not entirely true. I understood plenty of words. It was the concepts that flew right over my head. There were also some artistic choices that I got hung up on and lingered on them asking myself questions as to Why?? Like why was the Actor barefoot when he wasn’t doing anything physical? Why was he drinking a beer? What did the mobile made of spoons mean? And why was there a Soccer jersey thrown over a bench that was never used? Why was there a projection of the interior of a church? And Why? Why? Why? Did he burn that letter about the guitar?
I’m not sure if understanding the language would have helped me to better understand any of the above choices. But one thing is for certain; I am one step closer to my one-woman show. If people will pay to see what I just saw, they would defiantly pay to see a show with me and my mobile of forks!!!

saint andrea island

Today I slept in and took my time getting up. One of my favorite Sunday morning activities. Pietro has been home this weekend and it’s really the first time we both hung around the house. It’s been really nice having him home, he has a great energy and it has helped lift my spirits. After lulling for a few hours I went to the supermercato and bought stuff to make my birthday dinner. I’m making lasagna for all of the Italians that have been cooking me dinners over the last few weeks. So far the guest list is at 15 so I’m trying to start cooking ASAP so I make it in time for Tuesday night. When I arrived home Amanda, our neighbor, invited me and Pietro to join Her family on their boat trip to Saint Andrea’s Island. I jumped at the chance to go spend the day with their wonderful family. Amanda and her husband, Gibo, have the cutest twin five-year-old sons, Rocco and Zaino. I’m in Love!!! They were super shy at first but by the end if the day they were playing with me in the grass. Zaino asked if Andrea was a girls name or a boys name. In Italy Andrea is only a boys name, so it makes sense that he would be confused. He was then concerned if Zaino could be a girls name too. How cute is that??? The boat was parked just outside the house and we jumped in and headed through the lagoon towards the island. This island can only be reached by private boat, as it is military property. Today there was a festival with performers and soldiers who reenacted old Venetian style fort stuff. I chatted with one of the soldiers and he told me that the Republic of Venice had started the first ever Marines, and that students at WestPoint Military Academy study them as part of their class load. Chalk up another one for Venice! It was a beautiful day today. I’m so quiet. You wouldn’t believe it was me. I have so much more sympathy for non-native speakers now. I just sit and smile a lot and say please and thank you. I guess it has been a bit like walking meditation, so it has to be good for me!!

back in time

Today I went on the secret tour of The Doges Palace. It was amazing to see the opulance of the Venitan Republic. Before Nepolean conqured Italy it was comprised of different countries. Everyone spoke different languages, and were ruled in different ways. I really enjoyed hearing about how the government was run. The Doge was elected for life, but the trick was that he was elected in his 70s so the likelyhood of him living for more than a few years was slim. The Grand Counclier, the dodges right hand man, on the other hand, was elected for life in his 20s and made 50,000 euros a month so that he could be trusted not to give away the states secrets. Nice work if you can get it. I also loved hearing about Cassanova and I cant wait to read his memiors. I saw his prison cell and learned that he was a mystic, not just a sex addict. Im pretty sure I would have fallen for him in a heartbeat. After the tour I headed home to tke a nap and enjoyed a lazy Saturday. The photos are of the outside of the palace where the palace connects with Saint Marks Bassillica, and of the top of the stairs where the Dodge would adress the citizens.

bike ride thru heaven

As soon as class was over today I ran from the building. I forgot how much school sresses me out. All of the things I hate about myself rise to the surface. My perfectionism and competitve nature come gushing forth and the outcome leaves me stressed and cranky. I pretty much dont understand anything and its driving me crazyy!! I am excited to take Italian 1 with a teacher who speakes English when I get back to the states. Then Ill be lil miss smarty pants and I wont have to feel insecure about not understanding the lesson cause Ill have already taken it!!
Enough complaning. After I ran from the building I hopped on a boat for Lido and rented a bike for the afternoon. As soon as my feet hit the pedals I was instantly cured of all my stress. Lido is a small island across the lagoon from Venice, if you remember from earlier posts its where the beach is. My bike was super cute with a big ole basket in front just like the one I had when I was little. I wish I could send you some of the smell of the island. All of the jasmine is in bloom and it filled the air with a sweet intoxicating perfume. I rode past houses and walls that were centuries old. The pace on Lido is perfect for a bike. Everything just crusies right along. I stoped at a cafe(shack) along the rode and had a coffee with three old guys. They gave me the secrets of the island and pointed out the way to the path that leads along the sea. I rode thru a dirt rode thru tall grass and rose bushes to an old stone rode along the coast of the island. All in all I rode around 10 kilometers. I have no idea what that means in miles but I think that its less than 10 miles! Tonight Im eating some Buon Viaggio pasta with my friend Monica from school who leaves in the morning. I have a full weekend planned and I cant wait to fill you in on the juicy details. love and joy!
drea

cooking by the canal

We had a dinner outside by the canal last night. We set a big table and ate tons of fabulous fried food. Fried artichokes, fried zucchini flowers, and stuffed zucchini. Zucchini flowers are Rad!! Bet you never thought to eat one. I know I hadn’t. Everyone here seems to know how to cook something. Pietro has a number of friends that he calls on for advice in the kitchen. This dinner was assisted by the lovely Francesca. The joke last night was if Pietro invites you over for dinner you cook!! I think he did an amazing job with the dinner, at least he knows who to ask to help!!

gelato madness

When people talk about their trips to Italy they never fail to mention one thing. Gelato. I have attempted to limit my Gelato intake and failed miserably. Tonight I went on a binge and had three scoops. Two scoops to start, one chocolate and one cream carmel, and on another cone strawberry yogurt. One cone for the way there, and one for the way back. Where to? You may ask. To get a gelato and eat it by the Grand Canal. That’s right, Oink! Oink! I will have tried every flavor by the end of my stay here and so far I think pistachio and chocolate are my favorites. You see people eating gelato at every time of day, it’s a wonder that Italians don’t have the kind off obesity rate that we have in America.

culture finally

Its time for culture!! I have spent enough time at the beach and getting acclimated to the Italian way of life, that its time to be a bit of a tourista. I went to my first musem today. After school my friend Monica and I headed over to the Accademia Gallieries. As my amazing luck would have it it was free today and we just walked right in. I went for the guided tour so I could have a bit of infomation about what I was looking at and was mildly dissapointed. There werent any fun stories about the pain that went into making the glorious works in front of me. Just some information about what I was looking at, and most of the time I felt like I couldve figured it out on my own. I mean who doesnt know what mary and jesus look like?? The rooms seemed to go in cronological order and it was great to see the progession of subject matter as we traveled thru the ages. From only religious pictures, to ones depicting Baccus festivals and life at home in the eigteenth century. Afterwards we wandered over to a church near our school at Campo Pantalone that had an amazing ceiling that was painted in a way that made it seem to go onwards forever. It was stunning. I lit a candle and said a prayer for mom and we headed out for granitas( crushed icee like drinks that are perfect in the hot sun)
I arrived home this afternnon to two housguests outside our front door from Paris. They seem like sweet guys and I cant wait to see whats for dinner.
Love You!

tough crowd

Today I clowned around for a few minutes at the neighbours birthday party. I just got a new nose and I figured since I was in another country that it would a good time to practice. Its been three years since Ive done any clowning so it was quite an experience. I think they liked it, it was hard to tell. They were really excited after I left and the puppet show started. He spoke Italain, and seemed to know all the best five year old jokes.
I also had a cool famous person moment today. I was riding the vapporetto and there was this really attractive couple reading a Rick Steves Italy book and one of the guys looked a lot like Neil Patrick Harris aka: Doogie Hauser MD among other things. He had come into my old work Teatro Zinzanni last year and ended up juggling in the show, so I had an in. I asked him if people told him he looked like Neil Patrick Harris and he said he was, and then we had a fun chat, I met his gorgeous boyfriend David, and they wished me luck with my Acting. I was happy to get over my fear of talking to famous people. The whole time I was chanting in my head, "If you want to be famous you are going to have to get over this at some point" I did get off a stop early cause I couldnt bear the akwardness any longer.
Off to work on my tan and study my homework on the beach.
Love you!!

thank god its venerdi!

TGIF! I am looking forward to the weekend so I can sleep in. My brain hurts a bit too. I wanted to talk a bit about how things are here. The trash in Venice, for example, is a big problem. Everyday is trash day. There aren't any big trash cans to put your rubbish in. Instead, there are hooks on the walls of the buildings and you take the trash out everynight and leave it on the hooks. In the morning men with carts from boats in the canal wander around the city collecting the trash.
The supermarket is amazing here. All of the food looks so good and I want to try every bit of it. It can be a bit stressfull at checkout if your not on top of things. You have to bag things yourself as they are being rung up to avoid the hassle of your stuff being mixed up with the person behind you. In Venice everyone has a cart with wheels to lug there stuff in. I borrowed my host's and found it difficult to make it up and down the steps when it was full of food.
Smoking has been banned inside everywhere here. The Italians that I have met all smoke for the most part and they love to smoke inbetween courses at dinner. I have to wash my hair more often than at home.
Speaking of hair, my hair loves the climate here.!! Its like its screaming "HOME AT LAST!!"
Dinners are epic here. They last three hours and everyone relaxes at the table in between courses. It has been very entertaining for me. I just sit and eat and try to figure out what everyone is talking about.
I have been taking the vapotetti, the water bus, a lot latley. Its the coolest way to get around. The picture is of Ca'd Oro, the palace at my stop.
Tonight I am going to try and see some theatre at a small experimental theatre by my house. It should be interesting. Tommorow the neighbors are throwing a birthday party for the five year old twins that live below me. I put my clown nose on last night and created a clown to bring to the party. Its been a while since I played with my clown and I'm excited to give it a try.
Not much news to report. Just taking things one day a time, and trying to relax and enjoy everything that comes my way. I'm so greatful for this time, what a gift, and a blessing. Ciao tutti!!

back to the beach

I fould the beach!! It is wonderful!! Its a small island called lido just a boat stop away from Venice. I went on tuesday afternoon and were going back this afternoon. Its like going to an Italian southern california. Life is good in Venice. I am currently trying to find a job here and a place to stay for a couple of months. I really love it here. I would rather stay here and take small trips around Italy from here rather than lug my stuff everywhere. So thats the new plan, I'll keep you updated on the results. I'm starting to be able to form small sentences in italian. School is harder than I thougt it would be, but the teachers are really lovely so it makes it okay. The pace here is slow, and its been god from me to learn how to slow down a bit. I am eating a ton of carbs and hoping that all the walking I do will even things out. Anyway, I only have a miute but I love you, and miss you tons! Who wants to come visit me in Venice this summmer?? My door is always open!! Love and Light!! ~drea

full of bologna

Sorry it takes me so long to write these days. I can only publish things from school and that means lugging my laptop around with me everywhere. This weekend I took the train from Venice to Bologna. I love the train! What a wonderful way to travel. I got the inside local scoop on cheaper tickets and I was able to save a few euros that even Rick Steve’s with all his knowledge didn’t know about. I was happy to get on the mainland and see the Italian countryside. Funnily enough it looks a lot like California. Except that in California we don’t really have ruins of castles dotting the hillside. Bologna is a city the dates back to the Middle Ages in the middle of northern Italy. My friend likes to live in Bologna because he is a musician and it’s a two to three hour train ride to most of the major cities in northern Italy making it easy to get to gigs everywhere. It was a two-hour train ride from Venice to Bologna. The weather was wet this weekend, which was perfect for Bologna because almost the entire city is covered with arcades to walk underneath. One of the photos you see is of a pair of towers in the center of the city. The story goes that there was a competion between two families to see who could build the tallest tower. At first the shorter tower was the winner but it was built at a slant and it fell over making the other tower the winner. Hey everyone’s a winner!!
After we cruised the city for a bit we headed to Modena, balsamic vinegar anyone, for a jazz performance with a live painter (as opposed to a dead one) It was a great art “happening” and I enjoyed the experience. After we hopped back on the train and went back to Bologna for Bruscetta. After dinner we met up with some more Italians. Two of the people we met were Actors and it was awesome to get to compare stories of trying to make a living in the arts. As lovely as Bologna( bologna and bolgnese both come from here) I was happy to get back to Venice. There is really nothing that can compare to how beautiful it is here.
Pietro my roommate just arrived home from work. He is a Doctor and in Italy it is common for the patients to bring gifts to Il Dottore. Because Venice is a fishing village the gifts are often times fish. He just brought in a giant bag of squid and an equally giant bag of artichokes. On Friday Pietro gave me a fish took cook for dinner. It was the first time that I have ever cooked a fish in it entirety. It took a lot of courage for me to venture in this particular cooking experience, but the rewards were worth how squeamish it made me. The squid are super icky and I hope that I have nothing to do with cooking them. I will stick to the eating on that one. Last night I had Italian guacamole with tuna and anchovy. It was quite a surprise when I tasted it. It was very yummy, just like everything here.
Today I went to the market and was completely overwhelmed by ALL of the good-looking food. I wanted to try everything. I settled for a few things to add to the dinners that everyone here cooks!
I continue to feel blessed and joyful!!
Ciao!!