Though earth seems to turn so slowly, time moved so fast. In a flash, I am back from Italy. Brought home many lessons and experiences all bundled into 3 bags of laugages. From Shanghai to Paris, the lessons learned have definitely benefited and prepared me better for my Italian shoot adventure in March. 2010 has already been like a 100m hurdles thus far. This trip certainly unriched my soul and brought me new perspectives with my work and surroundings.
The Italians Chased Away My UNFRIENDLY PARIS syndrome!
Last summer's Paris shoot was not what I expected. The Parisans seems alittle unfriendly! So I was suprised how friendly and helpful the Italians are. From the old Italian taxi driver that drove us from the airport to the hotel on the first day to the muscular waiter at Florence that served us like kings on our last day. Every Italiano we met left a lasting impression on me. Though I am still very surprised that we have to take a cab at assigned taxi stands in Rome & Florence...Just like in Singapore! Can't imagine the Italians are so disciplined in this aspect.
Tracing back last summer in Paris...To our handsome hotel receptionist that refused to say 'hi' to us whenever to walk past him...FUCK YOU! To the old store lady in Paris that yelled at me, cos my friend took a picture of her store...SCREW YOU! Let the Italians teach them about respect and courtesy.
I may not have met Mafias in Italy, but definitely uncountered alot of Morons in Paris.
The Italians Showed Me The Way Of Love!
Easily you can catch an Italian couple kissing in the public. They just seem to be in a world of their own. I tried to take many peeps at them. But they never seem to bother passerbys. Maybe this is how Love should be. It should be expressive. It should not be suppressed. It should not be withheld. At times, I felt we are too concerned with how people sees us and we became so controlled at times.
At the bridge of Ponte Vecchio, a young Italian man was talking to his dog and the dog rose and they stood side by side watching the morning sun embracing the beautiful river. I was so touched by the scene. I looked at them with envy and guilt. Did the society we lived in thought me to find excusses not to bring my little doggy out to the city for play and fun more often? Or has the society we lived in thought me that dogs are not welcomed in town in the first place? I hardly seen dogs in Orchard Road. I hardly seen couple kissing in Orchard Road. I hardly see myself doing both...
One thing for sure. Italians don't love their cars! Their cars are soooooooooo dirty. That is a fact!
The Italians Demostrated Their Pride & Passion @ Their Jobs!
An old Italian bell boy stood at the entrance of Grand Plaza Hotel @ Florence. All greyed hair, he spotted us from a short distance shooting. He called and invited us into the hotel to keep warm as strong winds hit Florence. We were even more impressed when he invited us to check out the hotel lobby which he confidently claims to be very beautiful. Clearly, his hospitality warmed our hearts.
How about our 2-star hotel manager that hosted us with honesty and big hearts. Introducing us to the best places for food and great locations for shootings. He decleared with confidence that we will hardly be able to get good pizzas in Florence. Can you believe it! How true! The spaghetti carbonara served in Italy could hardly compare to several decent Italian restaurants in Singapore. Pizza Hut's Haiwan personal pan would have knock out a handful of Rome 'pizzerias' and fancy 'restaurantes'!
How about the taxi driver on our final day in Italy that drove like knight rider knowing that we are rushing for our flights. He noticed our anxiety and checked with us our flight timings and off he goes speeding into the highways of Flumicino. If you ever ask our local drivers to speed...you can kiss your ass goodbye!
From passerbys who gave us directions with good-heart, school children who cheered our model with enthusiasm, the Italian lady who offered us his taxi queue slot so we could rush to the airport and many more fond memories of a society so different from what I initially perceived. A nation passionate and compassionate. Pride without prejudice.
To conclude, the one lovely soul that demonstrated the most passion got to be my makeup artist, Missy RACHEL! Your professionalism, dedication and steadfast attitude in your demanding role as our makeup artist was instrumental in ensuring the success of our shoot. So we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. 3 snaps dedicated to you and hope you like it.
