Welcome to the 21st Century!

Well I did it. I got an iphone. And it was free, too (the power of upgrade). Pretty cool. My poor little cell phone with no data plan and limited texting has gone to cellular heaven. My beautiful new iphone will arrive tomorrow (Monday) with a nice data plan. And limited texting. Long story. Let’s just say that we’re taking it one baby step at a time. My husband does not believe in texting or data. He uses his cell phone for calls only. He still has one of those clam shell phones. I don’t like talking on a cell phone. This is why we have a house phone. I text. A lot. Apparently too much because I got a text from my phone carrier that I was at my limit until the 15^th of January. Oops. So I quickly told everyone…STOP texting me until Jan. 15. We’ll see how that goes. In the meantime, with my lovely new phone I can still pick up messages via Facebook or email. Sweet.

 

OK…so this will be the first time owning a smartphone. I am fairly clueless but I’m a quick learner. I’ve already purchased the standard accessories: car charger, case, e-gloves (it’s winter in New England after all). I’ve practiced somewhat on a friend’s phone so I know how to make a call and text (yes, yes…I’ll wait ‘till Jan. 15). Now for the apps.

There is a whole issue of Wired magazine dedicated to apps. Who knew? I’m not a game player so we can eliminate those apps. My needs are pretty basic. Email, Facebook, maps, weather and news. And where to get the best coffee. I’m sure as I become more proficient at navigating my way around the iphone world I’ll want more. For now, I’ll stick to the easy stuff. I’ll want to sync my itunes to my phone. That will take me awhile I think. I also want to set up all the photo stuff.

I really feel as if I’m entering a new realm. Ellen…welcome to the 21^st century and 2013!

Happy New Year everyone. May it be a wonderful year for you and yours!

Is the Grass Always Greener?

Next week my Italian bandmates will arrive in full force. We have concerts scheduled and lots of things to do. I love having them here and they love being here. More than once I have been told by one or two that they would rather live here, in Boston, than in Trieste. But why?

They tell me that Trieste is a city of old people. They tell me that Trieste is boring. They tell me that Trieste has no music scene or nightlife. They tell me that Boston is SO much cooler than Trieste. Well, it’s time for me to set things straight.

Trieste is an old city by Boston standards. There is a lot of history that goes WAY back. Think medieval. Boston isn’t quite that old. Look at the buildings in Trieste. Disregard the streets that look like ashtrays. Walk the winding streets and hills. Trieste is a city of stairs and little mountains. Have a coffee. Go to the top of San Giusto and look out over the Adriatic sea. Take a ride along the Miramare road. Absolutely stunning.

And what of the music scene and the nightlife? Well that last time I checked (a little over a month ago) there were events happening every night of the week. Clubs with live music all over the place. I need a scorecard to decide on which band to see.

A city of old people? I don’t think so. Yes, as in every city there are people of every age. But I am amazed that for a small city there is so much going on all the time. Especially music. Rock, jazz, folk, blues, classical. And the art and theater scenes are wonderful as well. And it doesn’t cost a mortgage to attend, unlike Boston, which can cost an entire paycheck.

Triestins are a tough group to please. They are set in their ways. Most are not in love with change and those who are, are hesitant in making it happen. Italian red tape.  A lot of young people go to colleges and universities in other cities. Many move away but just as many return home.

Trieste is not in the tourist guides. I just recently discovered that there is a whole group of ex pats living in Trieste. My close friends didn’t even know this. Each time I am there I learn something new about my beloved little city.

So I say to my bandmates and other friends who are looking over the fence: Embrace your little city. It’s a diamond in the rough. And remember, Boston will always welcome you. Just let me know when you are arriving so I can change the sheets in the guestroom!

A presto e tanti baci da Boston!