tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333092952011-11-28T00:20:20.009+01:00I still hate the word "blog," but I needed an affordable (aka free) place to write my journal.Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.comBlogger2381100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-56634450778491530622011-09-21T17:33:00.000+02:002011-09-21T17:34:22.468+02:00

...available at http://andrewmarin.wordpress.com

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-81891598550720357192011-09-04T18:50:00.002+02:002011-09-04T19:08:25.390+02:00

Ageism, misogyny, and jokes aside, that is pretty much the theme of Chuck Palahniuk’s new novel Damned. Madison is a privileged, fat 13-year-old who is intelligent enough to acknowledge these flaws. What she doesn't know is exactly how or why she wound up in Hell. And no, she refuses to accept your pity. She finds friends among other eternal teenagers, and together the archetypes begin a journey

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-61066675443197845342011-04-29T13:38:00.001+02:002011-05-10T02:13:29.465+02:00

About three years ago, I posted a list of restaurants I wanted to eat at in New Orleans before graduating. Of course I didn't get to all of them, but I've spent the past three visits and now return here trying to cross them off. Here's an updated list. So close! Restaurant August Bayona Brigtsen'sClancy's RestaurantCochon RestaurantRestaurant CuvéeCrabby Jack'sDickie Brennan's Palace Jazz Cafe

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-60878082930197881742009-07-11T19:38:00.001+02:002009-07-11T19:38:57.427+02:00

Brb, trying to formulate a life plan...

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-21037348480129584882009-04-28T00:42:00.005+02:002009-05-01T12:59:12.053+02:00

3:59pm 4/1/09From: MomThank you! Enjoy your last two months in Firenze. Take care of your brother.7:39pm 4/4/09From: MarissaHey. It's marissa. What time tonight?11:30pm 4//09From: SoniI think someone is impersonating you via facebook.1:00am 4/5/09From: TiffaniaHow long will your friends be in town?7:55pm 4/6/09From: MichaelaHey johnson just said dinner is at 8 thirty11:53am 4/7/09From: MikiHey

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-29645139071165497042009-04-08T14:59:00.001+02:002009-04-28T00:57:11.890+02:00

6:49pm 3/5/09From: SergioWanna go to dinner at around 8-8,30?6:21pm 3/8/09From: DiedreNo worries i could never hate you yay i’m super excited to book it2:11pm 3/16/09From: MichaelaHey. So nicole is sick and cant go tonight. I dont know how to get to gonzo, would you be willing to pick me up?9:52pm 3/18/09From: MarissaWhat time is adrian playing?6:47pm 3/21/09From: CristianoYayy! I need the

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-32715695288425897502009-03-24T15:47:00.004+01:002009-03-24T23:57:28.886+01:00

I’ll try to keep this brief.Thursday 3/12After the last update I got home to Miles making ribollita for himself and his friend Alexis. After a rather unsuccessful (if childish) game of Go Fish after struggling with the rules and having to google them, we taught her Rummy500. Then she and Miles left, and Emo and I played two more games. I won the first, and he won the second, which was definitely

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-20776247443088309142009-03-12T20:03:00.003+01:002009-03-12T20:29:31.794+01:00

...or rather, wireless connections die easy. I had most of these entries prepped a while ago, but the unreliable wi-fi at my apartment hasn’t let them upload.To save time, I’ve combined the past two similarly-themed Friday entries and Tuesday entries. You’ll see why if you keep reading. Sorry for the binge post. I’ll try not to let this happen again.Also, for some reason Blogger won’t let me

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-1915188068335744792009-02-27T17:41:00.000+01:002009-02-28T17:46:47.108+01:00

Tuesday 2/24 Marin GrasAdrian and I kicked off our personal Mardi Gras in Florence with a visit to our old, Borgasm, neighborhood. Kebab lady and even kebab man. We stopped by the enoteca to see Cristian and to make good on my promise to Tom to have a good class of wine for him. Chianti of course. I spent the rest of a red, red wine afternoon reading over some recipes. We went to the bar to meet

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-58121860242815364762009-02-26T17:44:00.002+01:002009-04-28T01:07:38.302+02:00

9:31pm 2/2/09From: SoniHey is miles okay?1:41pm 2/4/09From: KelseyHey are you guys still in for tonight?6:12pm 2/7/09From: CristianWhats up tonight ? Yesterday was fantastic got so drunk12:38am 2/11/09From: AdrianCool feel Better9:41pm 2/13/09From: CristianoIm sorry!ok ill be out tom too so text me if u feel better. Ciao.12:11pm 2/15/09From: MilesI locked myself out6:18pm 2/24/09From: SergioMaybe

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-87067117597727466612009-02-24T02:19:00.003+01:002009-02-24T02:27:59.074+01:00

Sunday 2/15/09While I was at the bar publishing the last update, I couldn’t help but watch some girls have lunch. (That sounds creepy, but it will soon just sound gluttonous when I explain that) I then got a decidedly American craving for a bacon cheeseburger with fries. So I ordered them, and they were delicious.When I got home, Emo and Miles were leaving to go to church – Adrian had gone to

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-77385194273868074212009-02-17T19:27:00.002+01:002009-02-17T22:59:23.000+01:00

All right everyone, time to tidy things upCome my little friendsAs we all sing a happy little working songMerry little voices clear and strongCome and roll your pants upSo that we can pitch inCleaning flood up near the kitchenAs we sing alongAnd you’ll think someone emptied a bathroom tubAnd we hope it doesn’t stainWatch the geiser from the shower drainTo the indoor rainOf a happy working songWe’

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-6559481396030307702009-02-15T13:22:00.002+01:002009-02-15T13:30:32.514+01:00

Tuesday 2/10/09Professional cooking was all about knives and knife skills. Andrea had a representative from a knife specialty shop come in and do a presentation on all the different styles of knives, both Western and Japanese. From steel to Teflon to ceramic to titanium. We also had to practice sharpening on steels and then stones with both with water and oil. The dish of the day was minestrone,

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-77354430811059308252009-02-10T12:31:00.005+01:002009-02-10T20:28:31.614+01:00

Wow, now I remember why it’s so hard to keep up with updates here. It’s been an eventful week.Saturday 1/31/09Saturday night we made dinner for the Signoria girls, Sergio, and Domenico. (I believe this invitation or self-invitation – can’t remember which – was made in drunkenness a previous night.) It went pretty well. Orrechiette con pesto, pasta puttanesca, and risotto di asparagi. Since we

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-11678188843085177162009-01-31T12:32:00.002+01:002009-02-01T02:41:29.504+01:00

Wednesday 1/28So when I got to my new apartment, which is nowhere near the heaven known as Borgo Ognissanti 23, Adrian and our new roommate Miles were already there. It’s pretty nice, bigger than my first one but not quite as large as the one in the fall. I’m tempted to christen it “The Pergasm,” but we’ll see. Miles is from Alaska. He’s a culinary student, Adrian’s age, and in agreement with us

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-5204046520252335122009-01-27T09:06:00.000+01:002009-01-29T18:09:57.483+01:00

Time to resurrect this thing.To all you loyal readers: I’M SORRY.Some people (e.g. Shanaynay) brought it to my attention during the fall semester that I’ve been severely behind in updates.But even more people, including some who I didn’t even know read this, mentioned it over winter break.No more excuses. Even if my life becomes completely boring, I will keep y’all in the know. And like I told a

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-14662967370230801402008-12-07T15:05:00.001+01:002009-01-27T07:08:55.861+01:00

An excerpt from a letter from Shanaynay:So i just updated myself on your giornale. Actually I was a bit disappointed. The entries seem like rote lists of where you went and what you ate. Where's the passion? Where's the drama? Where's the comedy? Where are the internal struggles of dear Andrew Marin? I have two conclusions: 1) your life has become boring or depresising. 2) you're leaving out the

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-13829214401605285522008-11-22T14:37:00.001+01:002008-11-22T21:09:54.118+01:00

FridayI got a chance to catch up with David, Anna, Jack, and Mom. Awesome day for conversation. I grabbed a falafel and moussaka sandwich and then went to the bar for my friend/bartender Mateo’s birthday party. When I got back home, it was the Aussie farewell party. As a thank you, they generously got us a big bag full of alcohol. Bottles of Jaeger, Absolut, spumante, wine, etc. After a few

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-22603717155556506342008-11-14T17:38:00.002+01:002008-11-22T22:18:20.722+01:00

WednesdayI had just gotten out from the shower when the doorbell rang. Tara had arrived! Lots of joy. Lots of catching up. Then off to the wine bar to celebrate with a few glasses of red. Promptly followed by a nap. When we got up, I made curried carrot cous cous (lots of Cs) for dinner, and we had that with a bottle of wine while accompanying The Wives – aka Diedre and Marlene – at the dining

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-88084407426903520452008-11-03T18:16:00.001+01:002008-11-22T21:22:24.653+01:00

Adrian came back at some point before Halloween (the days blend together.) Jesse Jesse was the first to arrive on Saturday morning, fresh from a UK shopping spree likely inspired by Aeri. Herbs and dried fruits and a whole new wardrobe. Diedre and Marlene came back in the evening with pictures of Greece, so the girls, Kyle and I went to aperitivo and got back just in time for Sal’s and Gerard’s

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-77577673788746666382008-11-01T13:43:00.000+01:002008-11-14T17:44:54.619+01:00

MondayHad conveyor belt sushi for lunch. Spent the afternoon or forever at FUA, where Kyle was. We stopped for takeout at the Chinese place in my old neighborhood, fried chicken and rice for Kyle, roast duck and Cantonese rice for me. We had just finished our dinner conversation about how we’re Mamas’ boys when Gerard came back. Later in the evening I got hungry again, so I roasted a chicken and

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-8480805882473920972008-10-27T15:37:00.001+01:002008-10-27T15:37:59.106+01:00

Cristian 10.58pm 10/4/08: Dove siete? Shot shotChad 3.34pm 10/9/08: So i’m on the train now and an meant to arrive in firenze santa maria at half four.!Molly 3.38pm 10/17/08: Heyy whats up do u know when we are meeting tonight?Sergio 2.17am 10/24/08: I am coming to 21 with gina, anita and her sister… See you there?Tom 10.17am 10/24/08: Ryanair fucking sucks. I want to shoot myself.

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-67380472204046256892008-10-27T15:33:00.005+01:002008-10-27T15:47:44.709+01:00

Let’s pick up as if I never stopped writing due to a lack of Internet. All the gaps will fill themselves in sometime. Since I just introduced all my roommates on our arrival, I’ll just begin with them leaving for break.Here’s a picture of my roommates that I wish I had been around for. Adrian and I had already left to go drinking out, but we all wound up at the same club. Anyway, I figure I have

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-60817302113092559722008-09-25T15:10:00.004+02:002008-09-25T15:23:20.569+02:00

Yeah, I have four day weekends. I don't think this has happened since sophomore year of college, and Lord knows what sort of mischief I got into that year.Anyway yesterday I was dead to the world, but I made it to Fashion Photography anyway. I need a few more pictures for my first assignment... a six photo spread on Shoes, Hats, & Accessories. (Accessories is open-ended, so let's get creative.

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-20435823882098110822008-09-24T00:22:00.003+02:002008-09-24T00:26:36.411+02:00

Let's put some faces to these names.If you don't know who he is, you probably don't know who I am.Nick, Diedre, Sal, Jesse, and Tom executing some symmetryJesse, Aeri, myself, Vanessa, Alex, Tanjila, and Deidre catchin' a breath

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-82249226876581752972008-09-24T00:08:00.005+02:002008-09-24T01:25:27.313+02:00

Happy birthday, Nick. Belated happy, Adam.It was a good weekend. Saturday night, we went out for Nick’s birthday. Nick is one of “The Triplets” that live across in the river in Jack and Juan’s former apartment. He, Adam, and Alex (my old roommate Giuseppe’s younger brother) are “The Triplets” because “they’re all kind of the same person.” But not in a bad way. They love to go out, party, and pick

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-13216905061723695572008-09-20T17:26:00.001+02:002008-09-20T17:28:34.243+02:00

Yeah, I’ve been really behind. I’m back in Florence. Classes are great. Adrian is here. Um, what’s new this semester. Let’s start with the obvious. I no longer reside at 80 Via Ghibellina in the wonderful Santa Croce neighborhood. I live on the opposite end of town. And I am one of twelve roommates. Yes, twelve (12). People we meet in bars sometimes say to us “Oh, you’re one of THE TWELVE.” They’

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-25588753049760331922008-09-13T16:14:00.000+02:002008-09-13T16:15:21.981+02:00

I'm in Florence. I'm alive. My roommates alternate between being really chill and really fun. Adrian is here. It's awesome. Real updates soon.

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-49197432456023642212008-06-09T23:49:00.002+02:002008-06-13T16:55:29.330+02:00

When I got back here on Thursday, my mom was at a glass-fusing class, so my dad and I went to dinner at Matuba. We had a nice, atypical bonding conversation over dinner and the drive back. Friday we bought some goat curry and chicken stew from the local Caribbean place for lunch and I made an ancient Roman recipe, Parthian chicken for the parents for dinner. Saturday my mother and I went to the

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-34963537116971731972008-06-05T23:48:00.003+02:002008-06-13T16:42:50.090+02:00

So our weekend in Chicago was over, and it was Monday and off to the airport. Lauren and Ryanne were getting on flights, David was driving back to Michigan, and I was taking the train to the city to Mikey’s place. We dropped Lauren off first, then Ryanne and I got out and wished David a safe drive, and – rather anticlimactically – Ryanne and I told each other “see you on Saturday!”After settling

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-73979058415524033682008-06-02T23:46:00.003+02:002008-06-13T16:51:34.074+02:00

Even with their flight delays, I was the last to arrive, so David, Lauren, and Ryanne picked me up at the airport. We just chilled at his house for the afternoon and then went with Viralyne to Wildfire for dinner. Lots of steaks and carbs. Good times. More important were the wine flights we did. Lauren and I both did “4 jazzy reds” and “4 premium reds,” which got us off to a great start. We all

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-60683864186009973282008-05-31T23:42:00.003+02:002008-06-13T16:52:30.561+02:00

Tuesday I don’t remember what I did when I got back here, but I definitely didn’t unpack like I planned. My dad brought me to Balducci’s to get ingredients for dinner, but I was still drunk and tired. I don’t remember what I made, but the parents seemed to enjoy it.Wednesday was my friend Ludovic’s birthday. We spent it playing Resident Evil 4, which he still hasn’t finished. And a little bit of

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-49483574207803274902008-05-27T23:32:00.001+02:002008-06-13T16:54:04.259+02:00

Thursday I was off to New Orleans. I literally grabbed one of my two bags from Italy and brought it with me. Adrian picked me up and we went to lunch at Oki Nago, which was maybe the best idea he ever had. We just chilled at his house for the afternoon and then went to Buddha Belly with Rachel to play pool. I almost forgot to tip the bartender (by way of reverse culture shock!) but remembered to

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-81162225464533238832008-05-22T23:31:00.001+02:002008-06-13T16:48:05.692+02:00

Saturday my family and Adrian’s new girlfriend Neely picked me up from the airport and took me to The Cheesecake Factory. (I can’t think of a place to get a more generously loaded plate of American food.) After lunch, we went to Whole Foods to get ingredients for dinner. I decided to make two dishes up but went with flavors and ingredients that I love and new the family would too: Seared scallops

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-53216553485343055022008-05-16T16:17:00.005+02:002008-06-13T16:50:48.440+02:00

Tuesday was full of errands. The most important of which was a visit to Valentina to work out my next semester here. So much easier than the first application process! The evening started with aperitivo at Kitsch that was supposed to involve a dozen people but ended up being only Sarah, Thomas, and myself because everyone else was being lame. But we didn’t let a lack of participation curb the fun

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-7538351833282459322008-05-13T12:28:00.003+02:002008-05-13T12:33:54.043+02:00

Last Wednesday food writing class was spent working on the promotion plan and performance script for the book launch event as well as he book presentation at the farewell party. Both happen this week. Italian class was a few new verbs and a final review. Then it was the party I call “HOWdy,” Hilary and Risa’s Cowboys & Indians party. I guess we were all feeling really American that night. I had

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-35989428688830869692008-05-08T15:05:00.002+02:002008-05-08T15:21:08.370+02:00

Thursday May 22, 2007! BE THERE.

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-90331872792740802492008-05-07T16:52:00.002+02:002008-05-07T17:00:22.167+02:00

Andrew in WonderlandSunday afternoon after updating my journal I let another hotel guest use the computer. He’s American. He wants to bike to a field with a windmill and get stoned. I say that’s great but have no advice for him on where to get a joint, a field, or a windmill. I go upstairs and take the longest shower ever and tell Jack, Juan, and Lindsay that I’m going to walk around Amsterdam

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-19824191491788061402008-05-04T12:16:00.002+02:002008-05-04T12:35:24.957+02:00

Friday morning. I decide I want to walk leisurely to the bus stop with Helen and Lindsay rather than run to the train station to meet Juan and Jack. "See you at the airport, man."No. No such thing. Our bus gets delayed somewhere between half an hour to an hour. (There was a lane closed on the highway. Apparently Italians don't know how to merge. This makes sense because they don't know how to

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-10874280066631226872008-04-30T20:43:00.002+02:002008-04-30T20:52:06.775+02:00

A timely update? yep!Today began with a roommates trip to the trattoria in our neighborhood. It was Giuseppe’s idea. We ran into Aneet and Alison coming back from food shopping on the way there and then were run into by Liz and Anna, who were buying food from the same trattoria. When I came back to our building, I went to the girls’ apartment to sit and chat with all four of them post-lunch. Then

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-44143997420614356822008-04-30T16:13:00.001+02:002008-04-30T16:14:46.713+02:00

Yesterday was pretty uneventful until I finally took Julia’s advice on “the best aperitivo” and went to Kitsch with Anna, Alison and Liane tagging along. It was good. We liked the drinks, the bartender, the food, the place, and even the slideshow projection on one wall. After that, we went back to Liane and Alison’s to drink vodka and play Thumper and Buzz. Liane made a comment about how she

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-20712536129246531382008-04-29T14:25:00.002+02:002008-04-29T14:29:21.892+02:00

Since Friday’s day trip had turned into a 24-hour marathon and I somehow woke up Saturday after only four hours in bed, the rest of the day was devoted to inexplicably sleepless recuperation.Since Cassie’s roommates were gone for the weekend, she decided to host a potluck dinner party at her apartment, or rather her apartment building. It’s populated entirely with students and is rather like a

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-2240591052900576952008-04-28T19:45:00.003+02:002008-04-28T19:58:10.795+02:00

Bright and early on Friday morning, Sarah, Jack, and I had our rendezvous at Santa Maria Novella for our day trip to Cinque Terre. (Southern Anna was the original mastermind behind this but abandoned us for a weekend in Spain.) We met at 7:15, which required (for me) a 6:00 wake-up because I slept late against logic, hadn’t packed anything, and needed a shower to help my eyes stay open.Cinque

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-59075218086151012512008-04-28T16:03:00.011+02:002008-04-28T19:46:51.891+02:00

halfway through the hike - courtesy of Sarah Sievertdon't take a picture - courtesy of Henk Te Winkela blast from the past - courtesy of Risa Fiorinigroup portrait in Piazza Santa Croce - courtesy of Mindy Gray St. Paddy's shots - courtesy of Robyn Freemanspit your game - courtesy of Tikvah Heller 4a.m. on the bridge - courtesy of Jack Wangelin Ashley's Ray-Bans at Cosimo's studio - courtesy of

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-70132385303509838702008-04-24T22:11:00.001+02:002008-04-24T22:13:58.262+02:00

Last Tuesday night my birthday dinner pre-game was at Ganzo, the new restaurant of my school. Massimo, who’s in charge of it, insisted my dinner must be perfect so he had asked me what some of my favorite ingredients were: And they incorporated them into the meal: Cheese, eggplant, duck, mint, chocolate, and raspberry were all part of it. (Check where’d ya eat for more details.)The chocolate was

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-18225944861434578402008-04-21T17:11:00.001+02:002008-04-21T17:11:34.891+02:00

My birthday was amazing, so was the rest of the week and weekend following it. I promise a lengthy, detailed update soon... as well as pictures. Just bear with me.

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-42732236622114441302008-04-15T12:36:00.003+02:002008-04-15T12:43:32.899+02:00

Probably more like gray Monday given the rainy weather. Pretty chill day. Food styling we made a veal liver pate on fig crostini that could be served in a variety of ways. Either blended with cream and gelatin like a terrine or blended with butter to a more foie-gras-ish consistency. My mom would have probably loved the former and my dad the latter. Lisa, Jack, and I made it as an appetizer-size

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-31734917523132151102008-04-15T12:14:00.002+02:002008-04-15T12:15:16.481+02:00

AMSTERDAMMay 2, 2008 - May 5, 2008Helen, myself, and anyone else who wants to go.It's gonna be quite a trip.

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-88807772708025472962008-04-14T10:53:00.000+02:002008-04-14T11:08:14.671+02:00

Yesterday was very chill. Giuseppe and I went to Mesopotamia Kebap. It’s not my favorite, but I do love that they make their kebaps extra spicy. We spent the afternoon chilling out in Piazza Santa Croce. Early in the evening, he made a crema di asparagi soup that was awesome although he thought it was cream of scallions. I was still hungry after that, so I went to La Mucca sul Tetto for dinner.

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-31706564257643147992008-04-13T16:43:00.002+02:002008-04-13T16:50:08.163+02:00

Friday was a lazy day, mostly due to the rain. Eventually I found my umbrella and went to an aperitivo with Southern Anna and Payton, her friend visiting from Spain. The aperitivo had a huge buffet, so it was more meal-with-drinks than drinks-with-snacks. Good times. After that, we went back to SA’s apartment and played rook with her roommate Sarah At midnight it was Payton’s birthday, so Anna

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-47624634178627609362008-04-11T15:37:00.002+02:002008-12-11T16:08:52.422+01:00

Wednesday in food writing all we did was proof reading and brainstorming for marketing and publicity. It was a short session. In Italian, our professor asked us what we did on spring break. Be careful with the pronunciation of “casino” because casinò means you played in a gambling establishment, a casino means you played in a brothel establishment. I went directly from class to Swedish aperitivo

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-64008998636033765112008-04-08T21:42:00.001+02:002008-04-08T21:43:36.186+02:00

a day of restSunday was pretty laidback. I went to the grocery to buy non-market items. I spent the afternoon finishing the novel Atonement since I loved the movie. The book is just as good although the film is far more straightforward. Anna and I spent aperitivo at a bar near Piazza Signoria. A bit pricey but I’m willing to dish out an extra euro or two for premium liquor, strong well-garnished

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-28575056385367316322008-04-07T14:35:00.005+02:002008-04-07T14:42:42.828+02:00

Seriously. I feel like every couple I know is getting hitched. The engagements keep on pouring in. Congratulations, Rachel and Chris. For those of you keeping track - although I'm sure I'm the only one who is - the following of my good friends are now betrothed. The list is in reverse order of proposals.Rachel and ChrisEliza and AaronJenna and JerryKara and The Army BoyGisela and AdamJacque and

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-10376561008317945692008-04-06T13:53:00.004+02:002008-04-08T21:44:26.857+02:00

The weekend, and spring break, ended in a very chill way. Anna, Liane, and I played a particularly entertaining game of Scrabble – Jack’s travel set – drank wine, and ate bread and cheese. I’m not sure if we went out afterwards or not.Monday my food styling class was cancelled due to the opening of Ganzo, the school’s new “cultural association.” This cold open would involve aperitivo and dinner

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-39454908092073910212008-03-30T21:17:00.002+02:002008-03-30T21:21:14.795+02:00

Some Blasts from the PastSo I knew my friends Adam and Sarah were going to be in London for spring break, but I did not realize they were going to be on the same plane on me. That was a pleasant surprise. We sat together and talked the entire trip.When we finally did get to London, it wasn’t raining. But it was snowing. We parted ways, and when I got off the underground, I was reunited with

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-12597630152106836042008-03-23T06:16:00.001+01:002008-03-23T01:31:44.251+01:00

Friday night was the official “Goodbye, Prima” dinner at Trattoria Zaza. Surely one of the best meals I’ve had here. But yeah, Prima’s going back to Mexico to make it in time for her sister April’s quinsiniera. Spring is finally here in Florence, pero Primaverais gone. After dinner, I went out for a while with Marissa and some visiting British friends she’s made. Saturday morning Ross called

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-13364092707556266802008-03-21T16:12:00.006+01:002008-03-22T14:05:46.636+01:00

I’m really sorry that these weeks are flying by and I’m behind on updates.Saturday ended in a nice and relaxed way. Giuseppe prepared veal cutlets and pesto pasta for dinner. I convinced him to go out with the girls and me since he was sitting on the couch with a book open on his lap staring into space. Do not confuse that with actual studying for midterms. He said he would “only have one drink.”

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-26187653367481961192008-03-17T14:13:00.003+01:002008-12-11T16:08:53.617+01:00

Here's a few pictures from last week, super-sized to make up for the delay.Wednesday with Marissa - We love red backgrounds.Thursday with Giuseppe - We love turning 21.Friday with Ross - We love piggyback rides.Saturday with Mindy - We love purple.Sunday with Henk and Jack - We love bridge graffiti.

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-61518398225310113122008-03-15T15:05:00.003+01:002008-03-15T15:25:17.974+01:00

As far as Florence weeks go, I mean. More timely updates in the future. This week just flew by.Tuesday I planned a busy morning but then slept in. I went food shopping for a few ingredients and made the lasagne for my roommates and Marissa. They approved. We finished it. Then it was suddenly four o'clock, so I showered and shaved and got presentable for Hele's first exhibit ever. (I was going in

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-29330307766209921342008-03-08T16:09:00.009+01:002008-12-11T16:08:54.383+01:00

Tuesday I noticed in pictures that my hair was getting shaggy, so I stopped by the haircutting place on my street. I told them to “leave it as long as possible but clean it up” since I didn’t want it short until spring on the 20th. But they cut it all off.That’s cool. I can deal. Plus my friends’ reactions are varied but generally positive. And entertaining. “You look good/younger/Asian/Italian.”

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-88845890304445855602008-03-01T18:33:00.006+01:002008-12-11T16:08:54.580+01:00

Saturday was relaxed. As was Sunday. I’m really glad I wrote about that inane Brad Pitt conversation the other day because on our way to the market, Liz found this:I know. It’s like God sent her a giant postcard. I would never have allowed her to pick up something off the street and put it in our building, let alone on her bed. But knowing how much it meant to her, I did.That night, Giuseppe and

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-16874382788415724502008-03-01T12:22:00.004+01:002008-03-01T12:29:34.518+01:00

Yesterday was laidback until about dinnertime. I forgot to mention this phone call I made to Prima on Thursday night.“Hello.”“Mi princesa, it’s Andrew!“Hey!!! What’s up?”“Not much, Jack and I are just hanging out and figured we’d call to see how you were doing since we haven’t seen you in a while.”“Who?”“Jack and I.”“Who you with???”“Jack.”“Who’s Jack?!”"Jack!""Jack???"“Um, Mr. Blondie?”“MR.

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-10127836855358851902008-02-28T14:55:00.010+01:002008-03-08T18:14:47.923+01:00

On Tuesday night, since Henk didn’t want to walk because he was sick and I didn’t want to cook again, we went to dinner at the trattoria next door, which was awesome, again. We got a platter of grilled meats and vegetables. The waitress, same one from the last two times, gave us complimentary aperitifs and digestifs this time. God, I love that place.Wednesday was the usual: Food writing and

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-75877660573176617172008-02-27T12:05:00.002+01:002008-02-27T12:10:44.785+01:00

It's time for some reunions in the windy city.Friday, May 30 - Monday, June 2Monday, June 2 - Thursday, June 5That is all. This is going to rule so hard.

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-21530441077888600672008-02-26T17:14:00.009+01:002008-03-01T18:41:19.098+01:00

Saturday night started off great and didn’t end as well. After the delivery guy dropped off the booze (yeah, seriously) that Jack had ordered from the liquor store owner we’ve buddied up with, Giuseppe and I decided to go to aperitivo (happy hour with snacks) at the bar rather than sit around while waiting for the others to gather. A few rounds of rum and some tasty snacks later, I went over to

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-22587744917236496952008-02-23T17:12:00.006+01:002008-02-24T18:51:54.674+01:00

Friday was laidback. I don't even remember what I did, just that I woke up after only five hours of sleep and couldn't fall asleep again. That was unacceptable. The afternoon flew by. I went to dinner with my roommates. Bread, olive oil and vinegar for dipping, pizzas, a bottle of Chianti. Good times. Henk and I went to get gelato at Grom, which might be my favorite gelateria in the world now.

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-7792874833019545962008-02-22T18:16:00.002+01:002008-12-11T16:08:55.138+01:00

Food writing was lecture and discussion about various forms of food media as well as some new assignments for us to cover. We also got to meet the president and founder of the school because she was the original teacher of our course and our semester project is of particular interest to her. More on that in the future. She was nice and laidback though.So Italian class was all about the Pink Floyd

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-24906747275965477062008-02-20T11:35:00.003+01:002008-02-20T11:41:23.743+01:00

Tuesday was pretty laidback. I did laundry, tried to go shopping but didn’t like anything I saw except for the one sweater I bought, got some espresso, forgot to go to the market, and spent the afternoon in the FUA lab since my bar was rewiring and not internet capable. ‘Seppe made salad and pasta for dinner. I took a nap… that turned into going to bed for the rest of the night.It's Wednesday.

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-3988682921917674112008-02-19T17:45:00.010+01:002008-12-11T16:08:55.647+01:00

If the title hasn't piqued your interest, you might as well stop reading this entry now. I'll warn any prudes this one is PG-13 rated.So a bunch of us went to YAB for their anniversary dinner party. It's a dance club. Pretty cool looking. Dinner was decent and four course plus antipasti, waters, and wine. After dinner, they started clearing out all the tables and chairs to open up the dance floor

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-65686653717894382552008-02-18T19:45:00.004+01:002008-03-08T18:17:50.775+01:00

Sunday afternoon I spent at the café/bar, as usual. I went over to Liz’s for one of our tea sessions and ended up staying for Anna’s dinner. Fusilli with marinara sauce doctored with garlic, onions, and mushrooms and a nice salad. Liz, Alison, Henk, and I eventually went on a gelato run to Dei Neri for dessert. When we got back, Liane, Anna, Henk, and I were joined by Jack and Juan to go out. We’

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-90332551458716405792008-02-17T11:28:00.003+01:002008-02-17T11:38:20.003+01:00

Saturday after Giuseppe had gotten up and we’d showered and found our respective keys, we went to the café to check e-mail and get some espresso. (Which, by the way, even though is stronger here is so much better. I still only drink it when I need to wake up. Same goes for cappuccino.) We went to lunch at this panini place that Henk had found. Sadly the time he took me there it was closed. But it

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-77248783941410780102008-02-16T09:42:00.007+01:002008-02-27T12:24:57.073+01:00

So my Valentine’s Day was pretty uneventful. I was thinking about asking one of the single girls (no one in particular) out to dinner just for convention’s sake, but when Anna offered us all a dinner at her apartment, that plan went away. Dinner was good. Layers of potatoes, onions, chicken, cheese, and a little mayonnaise. What’s not to like? Pretty much everyone was there. A few guys left early

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-35529054793909277812008-02-15T16:53:00.005+01:002008-02-15T17:03:35.233+01:00

Winter 2006: New OrleansFall 2007: Washington DCSpring 2008: LONDONThe Chad & Andrew Pub Crawl continues across the pond.

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-49654212933084127762008-02-14T18:06:00.002+01:002008-02-14T18:07:23.450+01:00

Happy VD, everyone!Once I can walk again, I promise to be less boring / to have more interesting things to write.

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-18655404159811426722008-02-13T23:49:00.000+01:002008-02-14T10:15:44.024+01:00

Laidback day. Pain killers, breakfast, café. (Today the café lady asked me why I was limping and if I was okay. It’s nice to feel like a regular already.) Journal entries, photos, lunch, home, nap. Painkillers. Italian class. (I couldn't sit around all day, and Italian is closer than any other class and probably the most necessary one.) Lisa, who I have a few classes with, told me she volunteered

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-42133115405608550012008-02-13T12:15:00.002+01:002008-02-13T12:31:09.290+01:00

I spent the morning at the café, uploading photos and journal entries and downloading the first two episodes of Lost season four. Liz stopped by to hang out a little on her way to class. For lunch, I found a Japanese restaurant a stone’s throw from my apartment. They have an offer for unlimited sushi for 10 Euro. Let’s see how many visits it takes before they ban me. Then I spent a few hours

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-31255632842503905022008-02-12T10:47:00.002+01:002008-02-27T12:24:49.649+01:00

So I went to my food styling class yesterday and upon getting there realized that the walk had not been the best idea for my knee and decided that I was definitely not walking all the way to my computer graphics class. Food styling rewarded me nicely for the walk though. Today was molecular gastronomy day. We made an amuse bouche (one those bite-size gifts that chefs send restaurant patrons with

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-1665481022064991712008-02-12T10:33:00.001+01:002008-02-27T12:24:39.572+01:00

To curb a craving for Japanese, Jess, Mindy, Primavera, and I went to Kome for lunch. Aftter a few errands, Prima and I started cooking dinner because she's Mexican and I'm very slightly Mexican. (By the way, the rumors going around that she is the heiress to the Corona fortune are completely false.) Our ethnic dish was red bell peppers stuffed with relleno (ground beef, ground pork, peaches,

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-29589284544188829122008-02-11T10:44:00.000+01:002008-02-12T11:16:50.466+01:00

After being great Catholics, Liz, Prima, Giuseppe, and I planned our day over cappuccino. ‘Seppe went off to Arezzo with Henk and others. (Had I two functioning knees, I would’ve gone.) Liz hit up the train station to look at travel rates for spring break and other trips. Prima and I decided to grab lunch at our neighborhood theater’s restaurant. While walking, she got distracted by a leather

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-10760439897527808382008-02-11T10:37:00.000+01:002008-02-12T11:12:22.866+01:00

So no trip is complete without a bump in the road, and my bump happened to be a drunk American girl. Her heel broke, and she fell quite unfortunately into my knee. It was dislocated, so I went to the hospital and got an X-ray. “No frattura.” Pressure bandage. The dottore advised me to stay off it for a week and a half.I spent most of Saturday either at the hospital or sleeping and then got up

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-32145449157171557602008-02-08T12:22:00.000+01:002008-12-11T16:08:56.273+01:00

Another class in another kitchen. Food, Culture, and Society in Italy. So it's mostly cooking but also with information about all things Italian. The professor isn't a professional chef but an architect (who specializes in renovation since there's no room to build in Florence), and he comes from a family of restaurant owners and managers. So he knows what he's doing.Parthian chickenThe first

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-77479594073540541702008-02-08T11:59:00.001+01:002008-02-12T11:04:01.730+01:00

Giuseppe: where r u?Me: haha, I feel like it's been forever since we IMed each other.Giuseppe: lol i knowGiuseppe: i thought you've lost the loving feelingMe: haha, NEVER

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-35115255262006451532008-02-06T16:07:00.002+01:002008-02-27T12:24:32.887+01:00

So I wasn't as excited for my "food writing" course as I was for "food styling," but it was awesome. I can't believe I actually get to study this sort of thing. It's pretty much an English (e.g. that subject which should have been my major) class focused on food. The professor is young - She could pass for a student - and very laidback. We were doing the around-the-room introductions and got

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-41420715565983923022008-02-06T13:51:00.001+01:002008-02-27T12:25:14.969+01:00

Yesterday was busy and expensive. I filled out and mailed my Permesso Siggiorno (an application to live in Italy that involved lots of photocopying, application, tax, stampage, and resulting fees). Luckily I was able to see Jess’ filled out form and watch Liane’s step by-step process before me at the post office. I’m glad to be finished with all that. Much more fun was trying on chef pants and

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-53853179448477846932008-02-04T23:25:00.000+01:002008-02-07T10:04:42.805+01:00

This was the best first day of school ever. And maybe even the best Monday of school ever. Two classes. Food styling and intro graphic design.Surprise, surprise. Food styling means we have to cook the food ourselves. I thought we would just plate something prepared for us.Under the instruction and supervision of my professor, I made this:Chianina beef tenderloin pan-seared rare topped with (left

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-2408137082354577942008-02-04T10:28:00.000+01:002008-02-12T16:45:56.975+01:00

Sunday morning Liz, Giuseppe, John and I went to hear mass at Santa Croce, our neighborhood church. I can’t believe something so beautiful is so close to us. It’s all stone, stained glass, and sculpture and pretty much a museum the other days of the week. I could understand most of the service because catholic mass is so uniform and because of my limited knowledge of Italian and somewhat

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-82492036486557655622008-02-03T10:12:00.001+01:002008-02-27T12:25:26.700+01:00

So I was supposed to show Aneet, one of the girls downstairs, the café I go to this morning. I woke up well past noon and was worried she’d been waiting for me. I called and accidentally woke her up. Anyway, I let her sleep in some more and just went to the café to get breakfast and cappuccino and post the last update. I also joined the neighborhood gym which may be closer to my apartment than

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-70416025002553049432008-02-02T13:51:00.000+01:002008-12-11T16:08:56.493+01:00

So when I got back to my apartment after the walking tour, I saw semi-unpacked luggage in the living room and a guy asleep in the other bedroom. About ten minutes later, Giuseppe, my other roommate, had woken up from his nap and came in to officially meet me. (We’d been in contact in the states. He is a volunteer EMT and firefighter, so unless I’m really stupid, I’m not dying in Italy.) Really

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-44770984556734240352008-02-01T17:22:00.000+01:002008-02-02T14:50:59.067+01:00

So I got up the next morning and walked to my new school. Unsurprisingly, my path goes right by the piazza The Duomo is in. The school isn’t that big, but it’s really nice. Everything is Apple (the free-for-all computer lab is huge monitors and Mac minis) and wirelesss. The furniture is so sleek and European it would make Ikea jealous. There were more students than I expected, around fifty,

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-79266963468232932022008-02-01T17:10:00.001+01:002008-02-12T16:45:33.266+01:00

When I got here to Firenze, I called my parents to let them know I was alive. I went straight to the landlord’s office to get the keys for my apartment downtown. The apartment is awesome. It proves everyone who said I would live in a closet wrong. Our bathroom is bigger than my room in Aron. It’s even fully furnished and definitely nicer than any apartment I’ve ever lived in. (The only slight

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-59387597737859858582008-01-31T15:03:00.001+01:002008-02-02T14:53:08.099+01:00

I did not type a dyslexic misspelling of “Firenze.” Freising is a beautiful town near Munich where fewer people speak English. This worked out really well for someone like me whose knowledge of the local language is things like “Hi, my name is,” “God bless you,” and uselessly “Do you speak German?” Thanks to Sylvia and Ben – and their phonetic pronunciations – I did learn two options for the word

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-33406987541262430422008-01-31T15:01:00.000+01:002008-01-31T15:02:47.650+01:00

So despite comfortably cuddling with my crazy, wonderful ex-puppy Bella, I didn’t get much sleep the night before my flight building. Very different from the eve of leaving for undergrad. Not sentimental or anxious. The excitement just started building. Isn’t it funny the way you view places you’re leaving and arriving the same way? You notice everything... the buildings, anything on the road,

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-12824299016202697502008-01-29T14:49:00.000+01:002008-01-29T15:14:30.523+01:00

Alright, everyone. My next entry will most likely be in and from the beautiful city of Firenze, Italia. Thank you for the phone calls and messages. I will miss you all but do my best to keep everyone up to date with all things Andrew. I usually say take care of New Orleans for me, but in this case, take care of... the United States? Ciao.P.S. Congratulations on your engagement, Jenna and Jerry!

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-9855138638087911252008-01-22T18:30:00.000+01:002008-01-29T15:19:09.124+01:00

So due to some unfortunate last-minute circumstances, Mikey was unable to come visit me. Nonetheless, I'd already assured all my friends I would spend my last "free" weekend in DC being fun. The show must go on.So my parents and I tried to catch the tail end of DC Restaurant Week, but our reservation (made in the afternoon) yielded a 10PM table. So we went to Gallery Place to watch a movie to

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-42847498951079079182008-01-17T06:51:00.000+01:002008-12-11T16:08:56.999+01:00

So I made it my new year’s resolution to resurrect my journal from abandonment hell. It seems a lot of you faithful readers that are now finished with college now need something to help you procrastinate from your actual lives. So be it.It only seems right to pick up from the start of this new calendar year. I promise future entries won’t be this long in terms of words or time-span.Since

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-10551244219957087682008-01-08T08:01:00.000+01:002008-02-08T12:04:05.688+01:00

David: forgot to mention thisDavid: i fully expect random ass calls from you in europeAndrew: I don't know what the phone bill will look like.Andrew: but I will do my best. David: get a good phone card along with the phoneAndrew: yeah, that's my plan.Andrew: I'm going to document you saying that.Andrew: so when you yell at me for the time differenceAndrew: as I slur my wordsAndrew: I will feel

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-21276995991902384102008-01-02T17:01:00.000+01:002008-12-11T16:08:58.208+01:00

the rest of 2007 in other people's pictures:courtesy of Gisela Lopezcourtesy of Margaret Bolhouscourtesy of Jacque Peacockcourtesy of Emily Castrocourtesy of Fiorella Quirozcourtesy of Ona Balkus

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-27858741043891575752008-01-02T16:54:00.000+01:002008-12-11T16:08:58.684+01:00

The rest of 2007 in pictures:

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-50059497254610589332007-09-06T08:38:00.001+02:002007-09-06T08:39:01.311+02:00

If it's not obvious already, my journal is on indefinite hiatus.I realized just now that it's been a month without an update.Feel free to contact me through other means if necessary.

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33309295.post-7378291180191996272007-08-08T00:13:00.001+02:002008-01-17T06:44:33.698+01:00

That's what Tara and I have been saying the past couple of days.And by the way, Jacque and Jason got married.Yeah, it's official. I was at the ceremony. I saw it happen with my own two eyes. She was a beautiful bride. Everyone oohed and awed when she walked into the sanctuary. I got a little teary eyed. I only cried a little during the vows but only because she did.Rachel and I flew to Detroit

Andrew Marinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12207511728925895365noreply@blogger.com1