few thoughts 111008

back from Napoli and here's the wrap up

1. Napoli was amazing. Napoli or NAPLES was actually one of my destination for my individual trip but I guess the school and I were on the same note. It was an enjoyable 4 days at the beautiful coastal city.
   
2. What did I like about Napoli? Everything! People were so warm and nice, foods were absolutely great although I ate nothing but Pizza for 4 days because Napoli pizzas are supposed to be THE BEST of all pizzas and it was indeed a very good pizza. Went to museums and to oceans. It was amazing. During our trip we stopped by this little town called Sorrento which had the most gorgeous beach I've seen. I've heard Capri is nice and I'm sad that I will never be marveled by Capri but Sorrento was just as amazing. We also went to Pompei and that was just purely amazing. Napoli was one city that I really wanted to go and I am so glad that I went there. I definitely felt some southern hospitality while I was there. I had an old Italian lady smiled and waved at me while I was visiting in church, which never happens in Rome and also when group of us stopped by a little grocery store, I took a picture of outside of the store. Then, this owner of store came out (and of course, I was thinking, oh...snap...should I run now?) and point a finger to himself as a sign of 'take a picture of me!' then he gave me his name and address so that I can send him a picture. Someone's going to get some nice Christmas gift, I hope. The guy who works at the gelato shop was super nice, too. I felt such genuine and authenticity of human nature there (although it could be little too raw at times), it was incredible. Yes, it's loud, dirty and even ugly but the feelings I got from that city is the most gorgeous feeling I've had for long time. I would really want to go back sometime, if I can.
   
3. I also got to see some beautiful, beautiful collections of art. From Caravaggio to Louise Bourgeois to Anish Kapoor to Jeff Koons to Jeff Walls to Richard Hamilton to Andy F'in Warhol (!!!!!!!) to even Cindy MF'in Sherman. I even saw Damien Hirst also. It was joyous. I've never seen a Cindy Sherman work in person so no matter how ugly it was, it didn't matter to me. I saw my queen at Napoli, how can I not love the city?
   
4. By the way, Damien Hirst is contemporary art's equevelant to Lil' Wayne...and I'm not giving neither one of them any compliments whatsoever. You know what people say, hype kills many...
5. Richard Hamilton the artist>>>>>Richard Hamilton the basketball player
   
6. Back to Napoli, though...there was one little thing that kind of marred my entire experience while I was there; ignorance. I don't want to say the word 'racism' too quickly because lots of things are lost in translation and I really don't like the sound of it. However, I had some moments where I was looked upon as an odd man out. People looking at me like they never seen an Asian guy before then quickly laughing at me. Yes, I've had some idiots come up to me and called me some names and whatever. I heard some whispers when I was walking by myself. Don't worry, it's not like I was being perceived as a monkey at the zoo every time when I went out, it was just those little small incidents that sticks to you. I have to say, though, it was little tough but at the same time, this wasn't the first time I've dealt with things like this. I've had this when I was in America as well. I have to look on a little bright side that no one tried to giving me that slitted eye gesture when I was walking by or become a victim of a hate crime so that's kinda nice, I guess. You have to be a better person about it, I really wish that I could go back and teach people but what can I do...? Ignorance is just hard to deal with sometimes. It did remind me though that you have to be a better person and as well as a stronger person to do absolutely the best I can to make sure that generation after me or people around me right now at this moment can realize that all people are equal and they are just as good as you are if you intend to share your kindness with them no matter the color, orientation, sex or whatever it may be. It was a wake up call for sure. 'I' have to do my best to change rather than sit around and whine about someone not trying hard enough to change something that is entitled to ME.
   
7. But really, I don't want to take anything bad away from Napoli, it was such a good break and I got to write a lot, took ton of pictures that should and hope looks golden when I get back home. It was such a good moment, I had some alone time to think about stuff that I wanted to get cleared out. Had a good personal conversation with some of the people in our programs and everything. It was so good. Foods were incredible, once again. I'm kind of bummed out that I never got to try cinnamon flavored gelato and nutella waffle but I had one of the best pizza I've tasted so far in Italy and also get this...a brownie flavor gelato that actually tastes and even feels like brownie when you put in the mouth. 'Marronita' was the name and yes, Serrah, you should really thank me for it. I know you did, you are welcome.
   
8. And I got some sweet Napoli soccer shorts for my workouts, WHAT! WHAT! No, I ain't complaining. Thank you, Napoli for your best of best and even your worst of worst. It was a great weekend for me.