Look, I'm A Model

So I did this really dumb thing and gave up chocolate for lent. -__-

Why do I do such things? 

Before I committed myself to this, however, I went to the chocolate festival... twice.

 JUST TO GET IT OUT OF MY SYSTEM. 

Now I am all on board with this promise of "self discipline" I am involved in now.

This festival of chocolate was very similar to what I think heaven will be like. 

There was chocolate that was big, chocolate that was small, chocolate chocolate, it had them all. 

I saw dark, milk, and white of course, but also orange, banana, coconut, coffee pistachio, almond, hazelnut, walnut,   really any type of nut. There was mint, there was SPICY chocolate, there was alcohol infused chocolate and hemp chocolate! There was chocolate on a stick, chocolate in a cup (better known as hot chocolate here), chocolate stuffed pastries and donuts, waffles and strawberries covered in chocolate, chocolate that was shaped as various things like.. a coffee maker or a shoe. There were truffles, covered raisins, fudge slabs, bars, pretty little squares, and boxes. Most importantly though, there were FREE SAMPLES.

Can you see now why I went twice? - Many of you I know just took back that initial judgement that was developed after the third line.

I limited myself on what I was going to buy the first day. I decided to go simple and get some chocolate covered raisins, espresso beans, and ones filled with sambuca. Those may have gotten me a little drunk- so I am glad I didn't go with the grappa. I also got a hot chocolate of course. The second time around me and Alex split a bag of the most amazing truffles I have ever had. I felt a little nauseous after round 2 because I knew it was my last time eating such things and I definitely did not hold back.

This fair wasn't just a colony of chocolate stands just hanging out in a Piazza- there were presentations and activities as well. The school's bakery, Fedora, had a few demonstrations on what their students have been learning so far. My professor happens to be the man in charge of this wonderful week of no shame and so i got my friends and I passes to watch and have free samples for one of them. 

It was a "cold technology" show, so basically they made various things like sorbet, ice cream, and chocolate with liquid nitrogen. It was really cool- it looked like a witches cauldron. 

Everything was really good- except I didn't try the sorbet that was made (pictured above) because it was paired with olives. Ew.

There were people crowded around the table, anyone could come watch but not necessarily eat the sample. The weirdest thing happened- a homeless man/beggar- which are quite common here- came up in front of everyone looking for a handout. He was this giant person who was bundled head to toe and smelled of pipe tobacco and vermouth or something. When he saw there were a few of these left on the table, he preceded to eat the remaining five samples. This all happened directly in front of my face. I actually had to move out of the way just so I did not get stepped on. It was the most bizarre thing and everyone, both Italians and Americans, looked at each other half way in disgust and confusion. 

Whatever it was all apart of the experience.

The next day my friend Caitlin somehow talked me into going to a Synagogue for her world religions class. I was actually very happy I went. It was gorgeous. I was not able to take pictures inside- the security check was pretty high there.

But right when we walked past the gates, I felt like I was in another land. It had palm trees and such outside, and the architecture of it just had an "Arabian Nights" feel to it. 

On the inside, from the walls to the ceilings of the domes and everything, there was a very detailed and colorful design that was hand painted. It was overwhelming but beautiful at the same time. I do not know much about the deep deep history of the Jewish community, but there was a small museum inside where it showed the design of the ghettos they were forced to stay in here in Florence during the 1700 -1800's. It was interesting. There were ceremonial garments on display, so I had to of course make a Seinfield reference by pointing and whispering to my friend: "I like the hat" - George. 

In other news:

I have recently become a model. 

Although it was quite obvious that it was my path in life, it all just happened so fast. 

Don't I look beautiful? =]
**Mom let me know if you want copies, I am thinking "Christmas card 2013"**

But back to reality- you are all probably wondering what I am talking about and are asking why I am standing there with a scarf tacked around my face. 

The answer: I live with a photographer and I am the guinea pig to her creative creations.

 She asked me if I could be her model, I instantly began to blush, eagerly agreed, and fixed myself up right away. Let me tell you, I was feeling PRETTY DAMN GOOD, I was ready for my closeup. 

Then she came at me with a scarf. 

My moment was short lived.
During the shoot, I was actually bizarrely comfortable. I think at one point I began to doze off. I did the "vogue" dance a few times, which I thought was a great idea for shooting. Ya know, throwing a little Madonna inspiration in the mix, representing Michigan to the fullest. She did not find that as brilliant as I, so I just went with the flow from that point on.
**Dad if you are reading, it was somewhat similar to the cardboard Sr. Laverne directing traffic idea you had years ago**

In all seriousness- I was happy to help her out. I made her give me the ones that were not "quality photos" - just in case I ever decide to build up a modeling portfolio for myself. That is this one above- I took a picture of the real picture so it looks much better in person.

She has a whole bunch of different angles, and I know I am the last person who should be making any sort of input when it comes to the art of photography, but I think they turned out really good!

 Alex is a wonderful photographer with so much talent and potential! I can tell it is something she really loves, and I am honored to be a part of it. Please do not take my sarcasm as an insult to her creations- I am just poking fun at myself. 

I will be her guinea pig anytime. 

=]

Ciao!