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Abroad in Venice, Italy
May 2, 2012
The European casual style is rubbing off, my fit on a night in Mestre. Genuine Leather (True religion), Black Hoodie (Unlimited, made in Italy), White V-Neck Tee (Hanes), Auburn Wool Scarf (H&M), Grey Sweats (Bentrice’s Closet), Dusty Charcoal Buckled Combats (Aldo), Silver Hoops Earrings.. I don’t know the brand but I found them for 5 Euro and they still haven’t tarnished ;) What I love about the European style is that they are never doing too much, just enough to be a problem. My kinda lifestyle. — Vaya J

The European casual style is rubbing off, my fit on a night in Mestre.

Genuine Leather (True religion), Black Hoodie (Unlimited, made in Italy), White V-Neck Tee (Hanes), Auburn Wool Scarf (H&M), Grey Sweats (Bentrice’s Closet), Dusty Charcoal Buckled Combats (Aldo), Silver Hoops Earrings.. I don’t know the brand but I found them for 5 Euro and they still haven’t tarnished ;)

What I love about the European style is that they are never doing too much, just enough to be a problem. My kinda lifestyle. — Vaya J

11:33am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZvAUBwKk74ex
(Notes: 1)
  
May 2, 2012

“At times when I’m lost I try to find you
You know to give me space when it’s time to
My heart’s dictionary defines you, it’s love and happiness”

Common - The Light. During an original Hip Hop lecture titled Lyrically Inclined: A discussion of Hip Hop and the English language (Video Post of a snippet to come), I analyzed the lyrics to this track. The Italian students loved the melody and were so interested in the relationship between Common and the woman (or nonexistent being) that he speaks of. 

From conversations with Italian women AND men, I have realized that the view on how relationships should work, the definition of “dating” and “love” are different in the Italian culture vs. the American culture — or at least in our generation. 

Two major differences noticed on relationships and love in Italy:

1. No playing hard to get. If she’s single and the mutual interest is there, it’s all hers. 

2. PDA is real, it does exist! How surprising. 

11:11am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZvAUBwKk5X-P
May 2, 2012
In love with the sweets of Italy, clearly I picked up a few ideas. This was my quick snack before leaving the house. Biscotti, warm nutella, whipped cream and banana slices. Kiss anyone?

In love with the sweets of Italy, clearly I picked up a few ideas. This was my quick snack before leaving the house. Biscotti, warm nutella, whipped cream and banana slices. Kiss anyone?

10:57am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZvAUBwKk4Zog
May 2, 2012
"When you buy two scoops of Gelato, do you become sad because you know that it will be gone in 2 minutes?"

— Prof. Paolo Vernando when I told him I was sad to leave Venice, he insisted I enjoy the time I have. A quote to live life by!

10:55am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZvAUBwKk4ObA
May 2, 2012
5. This is my baby! (The photo)… I didn’t get to know the peacock that well, ha. However, he was the most beautiful creature I have ever seen. I screamed at it so that it could open it’s wings, and it did but I couldn’t capture it the way I wanted too. Titled: The Enchanted. 

5. This is my baby! (The photo)… I didn’t get to know the peacock that well, ha. However, he was the most beautiful creature I have ever seen. I screamed at it so that it could open it’s wings, and it did but I couldn’t capture it the way I wanted too. Titled: The Enchanted. 

10:44am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZvAUBwKk3c08
May 2, 2012
4. My favorite, Il Bello Blue. The beautiful Blue. I did not edit or add color to this photo. Talk about a peaceful view!

4. My favorite, Il Bello Blue. The beautiful Blue. I did not edit or add color to this photo. Talk about a peaceful view!

10:40am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZvAUBwKk3MS7
May 2, 2012
3. Titled this one, The Light. It was taken on the small island of Burano, the island of lace. 

3. Titled this one, The Light. It was taken on the small island of Burano, the island of lace. 

10:38am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZvAUBwKk3BJJ
April 24, 2012
2. Soaring Through Travel. I specifically wanted to capture this crane, it represents me - Vaya. Just a thought, all birds are lucky! They get to see this world from an aerial view on a daily basis. My flyer miles do not compare, yet. 

2. Soaring Through Travel. I specifically wanted to capture this crane, it represents me - Vaya. Just a thought, all birds are lucky! They get to see this world from an aerial view on a daily basis. My flyer miles do not compare, yet. 

11:48am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZvAUBwKDvTc1
April 24, 2012
1. I titled this photo Good Morning Love. This exact man plays a unique instrument almost 3 days a week on the streets of Venice for Euro. He sells his own CD’s as well. His location is typically right outside of my window! I wake up, and I hear his music. Being here 3 1/2 months, this may have been going on for weeks before I noticed but once I became accustomed to appreciating time and serenity - I heard him. I should express my thanks to him before I depart. 

1. I titled this photo Good Morning Love. This exact man plays a unique instrument almost 3 days a week on the streets of Venice for Euro. He sells his own CD’s as well. His location is typically right outside of my window! I wake up, and I hear his music. Being here 3 1/2 months, this may have been going on for weeks before I noticed but once I became accustomed to appreciating time and serenity - I heard him. I should express my thanks to him before I depart. 

11:42am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZvAUBwKDv3cK
April 24, 2012

I was required to submit a number a photos for a photography project in one of my courses. Here are a few that I have submitted, with titles. 

11:35am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZvAUBwKDubU8
April 12, 2012

I had the unique privilege of participating in a mask making workshop with my Casa Artom housemates. All masks were handmade and hand painted, no stencils. Some of the materials used: clay, wax, paint.

The photo at the top right hand corner was taken by my peer, Shelby Taylor. All others are (with me as the subject) were taken by my linesiter Kristen. Any without my face are myown.  

12:20pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZvAUBwJXD6RZ
April 12, 2012

“The more I dove into the topic with observation, reading and speaking with Venetian locals, I realized that the masks worn by women virtually served as their only source of freedom and liberation.

Linked, Venice was once considered the prostitution capital where the act was prevalent and considered normal. When a woman wore a mask, it was as if she were free to do as she pleased, even if it included promiscuity. With a mask, she would not be arbitrated because her true self was never revealed.” An excerpt from A Fascinating Facade written for ULTD Magazine. 

12:06pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZvAUBwJXCBZ0
April 12, 2012

Expressions of Love in Venezia, Italia

11:56am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZvAUBwJXBT-e
April 10, 2012
With less than 30 days left in our Venice home, research that I have compiled through interviews, conversation, observation, photo’s, and video will now have to be the findings of a dissertation. I am leaning toward three specific topics having to do with Women’s representation, sexuality, and media. Brainstorming in progress! P.S. I am officially back from Spring Break (Part II). What an experience! Jet Lag. 

With less than 30 days left in our Venice home, research that I have compiled through interviews, conversation, observation, photo’s, and video will now have to be the findings of a dissertation. I am leaning toward three specific topics having to do with Women’s representation, sexuality, and media. Brainstorming in progress!

P.S. I am officially back from Spring Break (Part II). What an experience! Jet Lag. 

1:39am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZvAUBwJOGTIo
April 7, 2012
Young Italian women who have become my friends!

Young Italian women who have become my friends!

2:53pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZvAUBwJEi3Qz
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