Coolest job ever

So I was out several nights ago when someone made a remark that I should consider being a comedian (trust me I was funnier at that time...maybe also because we were all a bit under the influence...of the awful Canadian winter). So I entertained this new 'career' direction - afterall how many people REALLY land that job that they've always wanted. This guy seems to prove it (you'll remember him in this).  Apparently he is a doctor but thought he had better talents in this field.

Then what would be my version of a dream job? Well, first it would include a nice exotic location. It would involve nice weather and sea water...

Sun and water in NOVEMEBER folks! Nafplion, Greece.

...visits to amazing architectural structures. Churches are the next best thing to libraries. They are old (have amazingly rich and gruesome - depending on who is your guide - and history) and quiet and sometimes you can sneak a quick nap in there (believe me MUCH easier then you think...just make sure you don't wake up with a start..ahem)...

Cathedral in Milan, Italy.

...and more buildings with a view of the city. I like to take in the extensiveness of a city all in one breath. It can be humbling and frustrating at the same time. Frustrating in the ''ohh I haven't been there'' while-jabbing -in-the-face-of-some tourist kind AND also how much land we occupy! Imagine how many resources and infrastructure is needed to support everyone in one square block! Well I dare say the Parisians enjoy mauling this question everyday when 'Americans' (really they just think all tourists are Americans) descend upon their lovely city. So just go ahead and keep ordering those 'Freedom Fries'.

Eiffel Tower. Paris, France.

...and include art galleries and museums. Because who doesn't like appreciating old works of art?

Barcelona, Spain.

...and history. Because after all, "what is the city but the people?" The image of a city - its past, present, and future - is founded on the stories and histories of their people. What they have or have not done, why, when, and how all creates a colourful collage of which we now call our own home/city (or El Toro...which I'm still furiously objecting as the new moniker for Toronto...just because THEY say its cool don't make it so.  Really doesn't it just sound like a skeezy taco joint where you get the runs after eating their bad food?).

Helsinki, Finland.

...include being able to work late into the evening and then walk home without freaking out that some crazy is trailing me. Again thank you SVU.

Uppsala, Sweden.

...include the opportunity to sample different kinds of food. The more exotic the better! Anyone for Surströmming? Anyone?

La Boquiera, Barcelona, Spain.

...and finally a job that lets me work at my own pace.

I don't know if I will ever find a job like this...but whenever I do...

Visiting another university city: Bologna IT

Now its a strange thing to finally realise that I have a knack in finding myself in quaint little university towns. So far I count three (Bologna, Freiburg, Uppsala...mmm Padua even). Surely that's more then just coincidental? Maybe I love the quirky eclectic academic crowd. Maybe I love the psycho-bauble spewing forth from the intelligentsia (always while pensively frowning down into one's fairtrade espresso mind you). Maybe I just like standing out in my 9-5er corporate tailored shirts and girly skirts.

Best cappuccino I've had

In any case, while I was mauling over possibly (most likely) leaping into another few years of academic exile as a law student, I started to reminisce about them good ol' travelling days - and particularly in this case - of Bologna. According to the knowledge god, Bologna is home to the oldest university in the world...and there are plenty of student bars to prove it! I spied a few as I zipped along on my FIRST ever scooter ride (thanks to my super cool host)! hurrah! so fun except for the part about me feeling like I was about to double-back into some vehicle behind us or else have my clothing blown to the wind. Its also the first time I tasted the best cappuccino ever that will forever ruin all other cappuccinos for me.

No. My culinary expedition did not end there. It was Italy after all. Rest assured, if not for the enormous amount of walking, I would have speedily gained a nice little 'pasta and wine' gut. There was piada which was for me like a calzone but better (but I would never try using this incestuous reference in the face of an Italian). Buffalo (pronounced like bufala). Greek olives (ok not so Italian but atleast fresher than ones I could get at home). There is Friselle which tastes absolutely wonderful with tomatoes, garlic, basil with a drop of olive oil.

Mixture on Friselle

The city also has the most amazing library ever. Thats right. I'm making libraries cool again. Ever since going into Openbare Bibliotheek in Amsterdam, I've gone on a mission to bring the sexy back to libraries. Except the North York Centre. Theres no sexy there. The Biblioteca Salaborsa (entry way is facing the main square Piazza Maggiore) is like what I'd imagine the Globe Theatre London would be like it it were ironed out. Ok maybe that imagery doesn't work. Well kinda.

Biblioteca Salaborsa. The transparent tiles show the ancient Roman foundations underneath.

And then ofcourse it really wasn't a real travel adventure unless I got lost. And getting lost I did - looking for the University that I never found and then getting soaked at it. Pouring rain. And yes the sidewalks around the shopping area were marble. No I did not slip. But one of the things that one enjoys while dodging the rain is Bologna's extensive network of arcades. Its one of the city's famous features. And rest assured, I wholly enjoyed their architecture.

Mission accomplished: soaking by now but found the two towers!

Top centre: red pepper for good luck

Happy Womens Day