Welcome to D.C. and an Ode to the Bodega

"Welcome to D.C..." (in the tune of Taylor Swift)

So I'm late on my catalog of my year in the city. I've already worked at my new job for a month and SO much has happened. But I wanted to do snippets of stories instead of "this is what I did today" type things. So bare with me. Here is the first one

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Ode to the Bodega 

LaKesha is my guide in this new place. When we metro in together I follow her lead like a good baby duck. She has a year on me with the commute so I imagined that she had an idea of where to go and what to do.

Day two of the new job, we were slowly meandering down Connecticut Ave towards work. "You hungry?"

"Holy God, yes. I didn't have coffee or anything yet. Getting up at 6:45a.m. is disagreeing with me" I said. So we walked into this hole in the wall bodega/cafe called The Daily Market. LaKesha would get a sandwich there pretty regularly.

"Watch, the woman that makes our sandwiches. She HATES me. Or women. Or both." she said.

And sure enough, this small 40-something Asian woman who made the deli sandwiches had an air of indifference towards L and I, but was sweet as molasses pie to all the male customers. It became a fascination over the rest of the month. So my usual was either a bacon, egg and cheese toasted on sourdough, or a good ole BLT. Pair that with an iced coffee, a container of mangoes and an Inkos Honeydew tea, and I was set for the day.

I digress.

Day after day was the same. Walk in around 9:45a.m. and greet the friendly Asian gentleman who I am guessing was the owner.

 "Good morning you!" he'd shout over the smoothie machine he was operating. I'd smile and wave, then make a beeline to the back. No time to chat my friend. Bacon is calling to me. "Hi. What you want?" grumpy-lady would ask.  Some days I'd buy for me and some I'd get L's usual for her (Turkey, Egg, Cheese and Tomato on Sourdough in case you are curious). When I'd only buy myself a sandwich she would look up from her order pad and say "No friend today? Okay, I make for you." This became our dance each day.

Then something changed in grumpy-sandwich-lady. I had made it a goal that 1) I'd make her smile, and 2) I'd make her have a real conversation with me.

After grabbing my sandwich for the day I looked up at her and said, "Thank you. You know these are the one thing I look forward to each morning before work." The corner of her mouth crept upward and her eyes softened.

Boom. There it was. A smile.

The next day she was a bit more pleasant, and by Thursday of that week we finally had a conversation. Surprisingly we ended up chatting about L being overseas, and how superstitious some people in Thailand are. And then we talked about my job and my love of bacon. It's a thing. Things were looking up for grumpy-gal and I!

Then Friday came. I got to the bodega a little late and had to wait in line behind a few regulars. I casually overheard part of their conversation...

"I can't believe it's closing. Where will I get my sammies now?" a sandy-haired businessman complained.

"You find somewhere. D.C. is full of food." she joked "Try food truck."

I internally started screaming... No. NO! I don't like change. What was this talk of closing?! They're closing the market!? I just got here!

When it was my turn, I questioned her. "So, when are you all closing for good?"

Without looking up from assembling my sandwich, she laughed "5:00p.m. today. That's it. We're done."

I had no warning! No time to mourn the loss. It was happening today. This would be my last sandwich. "Wow. I'm going to need more bacon to deal with this."

She smiled and handed me the sandwich. "You tell your friend hello for me. And have a good weekend to you."

"Take care of yourself." I murmured and wandered down the aisle to pay. Smoothie-man was standing at the ready with a sad smile. "You enjoy your job in the city. We appreciate your business. Enjoy the sunshine."

I walked out in a sad daze and trudged to work. How very dramatic right? It's a sandwich shop. The city is full of them. I get it. But the idea was that it had become part of the routine. There's even an angry little homeless man who never says thank you when you give him something who would park right outside the market.

He'd beg outside, or go in when someone bought him a sandwich (I did twice). The sandwich-woman would scold him when he'd get cranky about extra meat on his meal. "You shush. Pushy man. You get what I make and you say thank you to the lady." That shut him up and made me crack up laughing. Girl wasn't havin any of his shit. I, on the other hand, am a pushover. Now that the market was closing, the man was gone. Off to find another eatery to troll. I say troll because he wouldn't quietly sit with a cup or a sign. He wouldn't stand to the side or find a place in the shade to set up shop. He'd walk straight up to you and request a quarter, a dollar, a drink, and sandwich and/or a bowl of spaghetti (I'm not joking). I finally broke down and bought him the spaghetti once. He actually said thank you. But now that's over.

So now my walk is lonelier and hungrier. The windows have been covered and the padlock is set on the door. Rest in peace Daily Market. I hardly knew thee.

Meg

It's Been A While...

Wow. I haven't posted since last year!!! What am I doing with my life!? I guess that's where I'll start... what I'm doing with my life.

I am now officially Dr. Megan Tucker. BOOM! It happened. :)
I got back from Italy last summer and dove headlong into my dissertation and work. And it's been quite a journey! However, I must say that I am a little proud of myself for sticking with it and pushing for my goal of finishing the paper in a year and by having a  PhD before I turn 30. Well it's July 16th... one month and one week until my 30th. But it did really take up a ton of time.

This past Spring kind of flew by but at the same time it took forever! I defended in early April and spent the rest of the month editing and re-editing. In the meantime I was up to my ears in job applications. I think I became the master of the interview this year. I ended up doing upwards of 16 interviews or follow-ups. But of course, as fate would have it, a job I didn't apply for was the one I got. My dear friend LaKesha works for the National Communication Association in DC. They were looking for someone with a background in Comm, but with a degree or experience in Higher Ed. Ummm.. Hi. My name is Meg. Let me be your girl.

So on the way to another interview... on I-95, I get a call from her about setting up an interview for this job. One week later I was reading my offer letter and squealing. It's a temporary position, so I'll be back to the grind  next year, looking for another job. But for now it's where I am testing out this new, fancy degree. I even have a name plaque on my desk. Super grown up. ;)

The only drawback to the job is that I have a tremendous commute into DC every day, and I'm still balancing working part-time at GMU and NVCC Woodbridge. And I live in Centreville. So every week I get to do this:

It's about an hour and a half into the city and about two hours to get home. I drive to the Metro, take the train in, and then get off near the White House and walk almost a mile north to Dupont. It's exhausting. But so far I love the work I'm doing, I get to share an office with LaKesha, and I have some good co-workers who have taken well to me (I think).

And now, I am house-hunting. You'd think I'd look closer to the city... but you'd be wrong. I still like Centreville. I'm looking elsewhere as well, but I'm not straying too far from what I know. You guys know I hate change. It's a dreadful thing.

Oh yeah. And Joe is finally moving out here. Like, it's officially official. He had a job interview today and his last day of work is tomorrow. By early August, he will be a Virginia resident. So cheers to starting a new adventure!

My point of this update is also to introduce a new part of this blog. I'm going to document my year working in the city. I feel like this is one of those experiences that I'll want to look back on since it's not something I ever intended on doing. So if you are interested in looking at my year in DC, check back soon.

To new beginnings,

Meg

Firenze Frenzy: Planning a week in Florence, Italy

The Duomo in Florence, Italy

The gateway to our apartment complex

Being that we spent all day in Modena and Maranello on Sunday, we started our week in Florence on Monday. First off, let's talk about our apartment. We are situated about two blocks from the Duomo, which we can see from the living room window. The apartment is small and cozy with one bedroom (that Dad has graciously given to me since he gets up so early), a living room with a single bed, a dining area, a tiny closet sized kitchen and a bathroom. It's nice having a whole space to ourselves for sure. and the owners Giovanni and Maura were very kind and accommodating. We had some issues with the shower head (it doesn't attach to the holder above so you have to hold it the whole time) and there is a rather treacherous fight of stairs up to the apartment with a railing that is about to give up. But I am not complaining. For my first week here, it's a good start, and thankfully the weather has been nice, so having no AC has not been an issue. There is a little orange and white kitty that lives in the courtyard (or at one of the other apartments) in the building. She and I have formed quite a bond. :) The apartment is a huge old building dating back 400 years. It's amazing!

We are the open window halfway up.

Monday in Florence: The lay of the land

We needed to get our bearings and rest up from a day of travel and walking in Modena. So I suggested we hold off on the mass of museum tours we have a pass for until Tuesday. Instead we got up early and walked down to the open marketplace for some provisions. 30 Euro later we had tomatoes, strawberries, bananas, bread, proscutto, cheese, buffalo mozzarella, cookies and garlic for Rob and Val. :o)

After we dropped off our food and make a small lunch of caprese salad, bread and strawberries, we headed back downtown towards the Duomo. There was quite a line to get in at first, so we walked around taking photos of the facade. I spotted an artisan gelateria so I grabbed dad and I some gelato. A small chocolate and pineapple for me and a small double chocolate for him. When I emerged and headed back to the shade where Dad was sitting, I noticed he was in deep conversation with a couple in their 50s. He made friends again. :o) This lovely couple was originally from outside of London but moved to Australia about 30 years ago. We chatted them up for about 15 minutes about travel, food and the French (it's a hot topic over here). When the queue was almost gone, we said goodbye and headed into the Duomo. What a beautiful place! It is different from the Duomo in Milano, but just as lovely.

Monday night we scouted out a restaurant that was recommended to us by Giovanni where I had an amazing marinated steak and mixed roasted veggies. Dad got spaghetti de la mare. Two cappuccinos later we were wandering home and hit the hay.

Ciao,
Meg

Welcome to Modena!

Dad and I took a day trip via train to Modena and Maranello to visit both Ferrari Museums. Modena is famous for the home of Enzo Ferrari, as well as the production of a large amount of Italy's balsalmic vinegar.
For those who aren't sure of where this is, it is slightly north of Bologna.

So we woke up super early and caught a cab to the Firenze train station. One and a half hours later (on a slow train) we got to Modena. Modena hosts Enzo's family home and the Enzo Ferrari Museum. From June to sometime this fall the museum is hosting a large Maserati exhibit! What a beautiful display of cars! Not only that, but the museum created two videos that played in the showroom, detailing the history of Maserati and the link to Ferrari. Next to the museum (which is shaped like a Ferrari hood) is Enzo's family home, which was renovated to host some collectibles from the family, as well as a few vintage Alfa Romeos and Ferraris. My favorite was the "Enzo" Ferrari of which only 399 were made. Pure beauty! Even for those who are not car buffs like my father and I, you cannot deny that this is a form of modern art.

 

After we looked at the Maseratis, we took a break for lunch at the museum. Both of us got the tortoloni and some cappuccinos to refuel (na ha!) for part two. We then hopped on the shuttle to head to Maranello where the official Ferrari Museum is housed. I think our shuttle driver had dreams that his van was actually a Ferrari and that he was actually Mario Andretti... we were flying through the streets and weaving around traffic.

When we finally made it (in one piece) to Maranello, we entered a bustling Ferrari Museum with an overwhelming amount of Ferraris and memorabilia. It was the crush of humanity stuffed in a car museum. Regardless, it was a place of pure beauty and appreciation for the art of racing and craftsmanship.

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I think my father's face is now stuck in a permanent grin. It was the mecca of the racer...a car lover's utopia. Okay, maybe that is an exaggeration... but not by much. :)

After a long day wandering through both places, we headed back to the train station and traded up our tickets to an earlier fast train to Firenze. Dad met a family from Brazil on board that we recognized from the museum. So he made friends. That man can talk to basically anyone, language barrier be damned.

Ciao,
Meg

Beware of Pickpockets!

It can't be a Cinderella story all the time.

Of course you read "Beware of Pickpockets" all over Milan (and other places in Italy) and especially in bus/train stations. And of course you clutch your purse tighter, pay closer attention to people near you and keep stuff out of your back pockets.

But sometimes it happens anyway.

Dad and I were taking the train from Milano Centrale to Florence this past Saturday, and sometime in the station, Dad got robbed. Centrale was packed with people and we kept getting bumped into while weaving our way to our train. At one point when we were heading to the platform everyone bottle-necked and we ended up at a standstill. That's when I think it happened.

The worst part is that poor Dad was even prepared. He had his money clip in a side cargo pant pocket that was velcro'd shut. Sadly, it was still snatched. Credit cards, 300 Euro, license and the money clip from Joan... gone.

Thankfully we have my cards/cash and phone. So Dad called the credit card company etc to cancel the cards.

He took it fairly well, whereas I on the other hand was livid and nervous! For the next two days I had some anxiety going out and about and the distinct desire to punch people in the face. In fact, I may still want to do that. ;) But we figured it all out and all is well. I just hate not having control over certain events, or just knowing that I can't change the outcome of something frustrating.

This is two robberies in one trip: Cathy's smartphone and Dad's wallet. Can we be done now!?

This has not and will not sour my trip to Florence. <3 nbsp="" p="">
Meg

Stresa in a Day

If you have not considered taking day trips while visiting a central location (such as Milan) you should reconsider. I have thoroughly enjoyed the day trips to Turino, Pavia, Lake Como and most recently, Stresa. More specifically, we took the group to the islands surrounding Stresa. It's nestled in the Italian Alps with Switzerland to the north and west. On a clear day you can see snow capped mountains in the distance. The weather was mild but a bit humid... however, on the boat it was just delicious to take in!

 

The trip consisted of wandering about two separate islands with mansions and museums and gardens at both. Some of the most beautiful (and precise) gardens I have seen. Might even give England a run for their money.

Dad's Week In Milan!

Oh wow, I am so behind on the blog! Forgive me if you have been trying to follow along.

Dad came in to Milano on Monday, and the next 5 days were a whirlwind!
The Camplus Turro staff was nice enough to let Dad stay with me at a VERY low rate, and rearrange my room to host two beds. Let the snoring symphony commence!

When Dad got in, I took him to the same restaurant I went to on my first night in Milano... Gemelli's! Dad proceeded to eat an entire Margherita pizza and clams and spaghetti... and some of my bruschetta in record time. :o) I really will miss that place, and the super sweet waitress that was there every time we went in  over the past month.

Tuesday
We hit the ground running! Everyone got up early for breakfast at campus (croissants, yogurt and cappuccinos) and the off we went to the University. Dad sat in on the lecture on Italian Film and even participated a bit with the discussion. :o) After we took a bit of a break for lunch, we set off to see the Last Supper. I repeat. THE. LAST. SUPPER. As in Leonardo Da Vinci. To say it was breathtaking and stunning and fabulous is not even scratching the surface. It brought tears to my eyes, and I'm pretty sure I saw Dad and Cathy welling up also. And... it was huge. I suppose it was my ignorance and just seeing it in photo books and art history classes. I knew it was big, but I had no idea how big. I cannot believe I got to be there, right in front of it. Sadly we were not allowed to take photos, but I got a book from the church with photos and info on it.

Wednesday
I will need to write a separate post in detail on the trip to Stresa, but since it's late and for the sake of brevity, I will summarize. We got up at the crack of dawn to get to Centrale to catch a train to Stresa, north of Milano and west of Lake Como. It was the perfect day for us to go! Beautiful blue skies and we got a fair view of the Italian and Swiss Alps. :o) When we got to Stresa, we hitched a ride on a lake boat and made our way to Isola Bella and Isola Maggorie. Dad has a knack of making friends everywhere... regardless of language barrier. So he set off in befriending the captain of our boat who spoke VERY little English and dad spoke even less Italian. But yet, they talked boats and cars for quite some time. The islands were an amazing mix of gardens, statues and architecture/art. I took a bunch of photos which I still need to load. After the islands, we headed back to Milano to get some work done and to find some dinner!

Thursday
Dad and I got up and out early with the group and headed out to the Duomo in downtown Milano. We finally got to go inside!! All month I have been looking forward to this. What a beautiful, sacred place. After the tour inside, we rode the elevator (the students took the stairs) to the roof of the Duomo which overlooked the rest of the city. It was raining so we had to tread carefully around, but the photos made it worth it. Dad and I strolled to the piazza duomo after the tour for some lunch. I took him to Biffi's for some caprese and wine. After a filling, uber-Italian lunch, we walked over to meet Alex (our guide) for the Black Death Tour. Basically we hiked around the city (for miles) and talked about the plague and its impact on Milano and Italy in general. The tour took us through areas south of the duomo that I had not been to yet, and we saw three other churches ranging in age. Again... I had a field day with photos!

Friday
The last full day in Milano! I took Dad to the Brera Museum for a few hours. He was enraptured with the Caravaggio there, and rightfully so. It was outstanding. We got lunch out there at Bar Brera where again I watched dad consume mass quantities of lasagna and pizza. :o) And he is now a fan of espresso and cappuccinos. Huzzah! I had grading to do so we came back to the dorms for a bit and hung out with Cathy before heading out to the farewell dinner with the group. It was bittersweet for sure. I had a lovely time and the food was amazing, but it was sad to know it was the last time the group would be together. Professors Luca and Mossimo came to the dinner as well and again Dad set off to make new friends. They talked for hours! :o) After dinner, Dad and Cathy talked me in to going out a bit longer with some of the students who were having one last celebration before their early flights. After a long, tiring walk home I was ready to pass out!

Saturday
Packing. Packing. Packing. I need to reconfigure my rolling bag... as it is currently 52lbs and I have a week in Florence to buy things... Yikes! Dad, Cathy and I spent the day together before Dad and I had to head back to Milano Centrale to catch the train to Firenze (Florence). We had a delightful lunch together and just chatted about the whole adventure. When we got to Centrale poor Dad got pickpocketed by some assholes at the station. I am over that place. :o( All of his cash (over $300), credit cards, license and a money clip that Joan gave him... gone. We didn't even find out until we got to Florence and went to pay the cab driver. To make it even worse, Dad was being cautious and had it in a velcro cargo pocket of his pants. But there were hundreds of people in Centrale and at one point we were stuck in a large group without moving. But, we are both okay and safe.

So a poor end to a great week in Milano... but still a great week. Dad said he is just as happy as he can be, and that he isn't worried about the pickpocketing. So that's a plus at least. His level of calm allowed me to be freaked out a bit. I don't know how he does it. My admiration runs deep.

More later. I must rest!

Ciao,
Meg