A Very Roman Champions League

While I have many indulgences, whether it be films, books, or video games, one of my other passions lie in the world of Football. Watching the clubs, leagues, along with the spectacle of international play is something I find utterly absorbing and thoroughly thrilling.

With A.S. Roma, a top tier Italian club, playing against my personal favorite, Bayern Munich, in the world's most prestigious tournament, the Champions League, I immediately knew this was an opportunity I couldn't afford to miss without painfully regretting it.

To be able to watch my favorite team, along with the ability to attend one of wickedest tournaments was something I'd only dream out.

I booked my tickets a month in advanced and anticipated the showcase event. I followed the development of the players, trying to figure players would be available to play. It turned out key players such as Robben and Schweinsteiger were unavailable to play. Oh well, at least many other exciting players would still able to play, including a return for the majestic Francesco Totti and French winger, Frank Ribery.

As November 23rd arrived, I jetted straight to the train station after class dismissed. I took the first ride to Rome and arrived well in advanced for the football match.

I checked into my hotel and began to march forth towards the most cherished stadium in all of Italia, the Stadio Olimpico.

As I tried to figure the best possible method to arrive at the stadium, I soon found it much easier to follow the many Roma fans also hiking to the stadium. Oddly enough, they hopped onto a bus which had many Bayern Munich supporters chanting in the back. The German banter, along with the Italian response was a unique experience. I doubt the Italians knew what their enemies were saying, along with the Germans having no clue to what vulgar responses the Italian threw in return. It turned out be quite a eventful bus ride.

Soon, as the bus inched closer the stadium, the roads became ridiculously congested, filled with numerous cars, buses, and countless supporters from both sides. When we arrived at our stop, just outside the stadium, the entire bus exited with much haste.

As I observed the Stadio Olimpico from the exterior, I could only imagine the excitement and pure bliss that the stadium held within.

As I made my way to the entrance, I noticed all the Bayern Munich fans being escorted by a police patrol to their side of the stadium. The Roma ultra (the most violent breed of Roma fans) are considered the most violent supporters in the world and have been numerously lambasted for their excessive violence towards opposing supporters. This escort was mandatory for any German traveling to the game.

I scanned my cherished ticket in the metallic bar code scanner and was green-lighted for admittance.

As I passed the first check point, I was immediately stopped by a wall of security personnel.

They were checking people's bags. I had a water bottle that I was forced to discard. Too bad because I actually liked that bottle, It was the sports type one. :(

Moving forth, I was presented with a plethora of football merchandising stands, selling an array of football gear. I picked up a rather awesome scarf that detailed the place, teams, and time the forthcoming game was taking place in. Very personalized and specific for this game.

I finally came to the stadium. Finding my section in the stadium, I began to climb the steps to the enter the famed arena. As I reached my section and stepped out, I was floored by overwhelming landscape before me.

The Stadio Olimpico was gigantic, expansive, and full of life. The Roma-ultra were roaring, chanting, and pumping the stadium with excitement. Across in the corner, were the Munich supporters, isolated from everyone else. They too were chanting, trying to drown out the overwhelming clamor from the Roma supporters. It wasn't working.

As I found my specific seat, I spent the next 10 minutes taking in the breathtaking atmosphere of the forthcoming game. It was full of excitement, adrenaline, and joyous anticipation.

Many sponsors were on display, including SONY with their PS3 line:

I also sipped on a Cola Red Bull as I anticipated the colossal clash:

Soon the timer ticked down, and with it, the two decorated teams entered onto the pitch. Many of the great players were on hand, warming up. Players like Totti, Lahm, De Rossi, and were Muller were all going to perform before my very eyes. The feeling was surreal.

The importance of this game was paramount for Roma. To put it in perspective, if Roma were to lose this match, they would be out of the entire tournament. Bayern Munich have already advanced, so for them, winning is only a matter of pride.

While Bayern Munich is my number one side, I chose to support Roma in this particular match for a couple of reasons. One, I was in Rome's home stadium, everyone around me had such enthusiasm for their home team I felt somewhat inspired. And also, Roma needs this win much more than Munich.

The players lined up once more, this time for the classic Champions League anthem:

And as the whistle soon blew, the game officially commenced.

The first half was ridiculously disappointing for Roma. Awesome skill, movement, and vision was apparent in the Munich side, but with nothing to been seen from the Giallorossi. Munich dominated as if they it was they're playing on home turf.

By the time the first half came to a close, Munich were up by 2 goals from Mario Gomez, silencing the Stadio Olimpico. As everybody took their breaks, a variety of condescending comments and responses rightfully flew from the Roma supporters. AS Roma had everything to play for, yet it seemed as if they just weren't interested.

As the second half whistle blew, the Roma supporters anticipated a positive response to the ridiculous poor first half.

With furious might, vigor, and passion that would inspire a country, Roma fought back, tooth and nail to climb 2-2 against Munich. It was spectacular work from Borriello, De Rossi, Vucinic, and Menez. Wondrous coordination with beautiful teamwork helped lift Roma from their depressing state.

The Roma supporters were roaring with enthusiasm and excitement, for their team had literally changed the landscape of the game. During the course of the second half, the pinnacle of Roman football, Francesco Totti was subbed into the enthralling game.

Oddly enough, a Munich supporter was randomly seen observing from the Roman side.

She received much ill attention from the Roma supporters, but she didn't seem to take much heed.

As the game entered into the final minutes, the stadium grew in reluctant anticipation. Roma needed one more goal, but with little time left, would it be possible?

Vucinic sped down left wing, skipped passed his opponent and furiously maneuvered towards the goal. At the crucial moment, Thomas Kraft slid in and had both Vucinic and the ball cut out. The referee blew the whistle and awarded Roma with a penalty!

The unanimous roar of utter bliss and relief echoed throughout the stadium. This was Roma's moment. It was now, or never.

Il captiano, Francesco Totti stepped up to take the nerve-wracking penalty. I cannot emphasize enough how nervous, scared, and utterly absorbed by the game we all were at this point.

This was it, it all came down to this.

Here's the madness, as it unfolded:

Champions League Penalty

I found myself high-fiving random supporters I didn't knew as I screamed in unison with the deafening howls of joyous wonder, excitement, and pure exuberation.

The game continued on this high octane pace to the final whistle, which afterwards, the entire stadium tore the house down with endless reverberation of true happiness.

Although they looked utterly defeated by the end of the first half, A.S. Roma had shined in the latter half. This is the power of supporting and truly believing against such incalculable odds.

A.S. Roma had done it, we had done...

As I left with my Roman brethren from the stadium, a touching sense of companionship became apparent. Many supporters were buying the scarf I'd purchased earlier, in order to remember the cherished experience. Interestingly enough, the vendors had doubled the price after the colossal win. Great marketing work...

As I boarded the bus packed with my fellow Roma fans chanting, singing, and relishing in the joyous moment, I took some time to reflect on what I had experienced. While this Champions League game was not my first football match (thanks Liverpool!), the significance and importance of this particular game is unparalleled.

Being able to live the exhilarating experience of such a beautiful comeback with the home supporters, is something that can never be replicated. It's one thing enjoying a game thousands of miles away on a HD screen, but an entirely affair, actually living the experience. This adventure I will recollect as I watch future football matches and reminiscent on how thrilling and unifying the football experience can be.

This night was another sublime episode in the adventures of my ever-wondrous European voyage.

The Fashion Capital of the World

OK, the title's a bit of a stretch. While Milan may host some of the finest designers in the world, I didn't really explore the fashion side of Milan's offerings. What can I say, I'm not a girl and I just don't go weak in the knees when the words Prada, Gucci, or Versace are tossed around.

With the breathtaking concert now over, I took following day to explore the main sights of Milano's city centre.

The first place I headed towards was the famous Milan cathedral. It's the world's largest Gothic cathedral and was also the cherished location where Napoleon declared himself emperor of Europe.

This magnificent piece of architecture had an incredible impact as soon as I stepped up from the Metro.

 
This imposing structure reaches to incredible heights and defies the general notion of what a church should look like in Italy.

The heavy Germanic influence on the entire build is unquestionable.

After experiencing the size, scope, and complexity of the exterior design, I ventured into explore what the interior had to offer.

I picked up one of the available audio guides and began my exploration.

Each stained glass, spread throughout the church, represents a certain biblical story. They were incredibly detailed and quite attractive. Observing all sorts of colors bursting through from the sun rays was a splendid sight. It's also the only church in Italy I saw with stained glass.

Many imposing statues, sculptures, and pieces where nicely nestled throughout the church.

One of the most striking pieces on display was this phenomenal statue of Bartholomew, carrying his own skin.

The amount of detail developed for the statue is staggering. The veins, muscles, and bones are all shockingly life-like.

He holds skin, with disturbing pride.

It's quite chilling and horrific, yet utterly absorbing.

I also ventured into the underground of the cathedral where some of the most influential Milanese church figures are entombed.

I stepped out once more into the open and found that it's actually possible to ascend to the very heights of the towering cathedral.

So off I went, hiking up the endless spiral of stairs, until I reached the slippery slopes of Milan's highest. A steady stream of drizzle pervaded all around, making it quite uneasy and edgy while up there. The only sense of security was a very shallow railing, which didn't seem too sturdy.

Although I was thoroughly impressed with the ability to view Milan from a such vantage point, I was disappointed with the actual view.

While Rome, Florence, and Venice have many recognizable and lush locales to spot when viewing from atop, Milan's view was quite static. Milan doesn't have a strong visual palette and seems very generic.

To put it simply, if I didn't know I was in Milan, it would be impossible to tell.

I soon backtracked and found myself at ground level yet again.

You could tell Christmas season is just around the corner:

I decided to visit the prestigious Brera Accademia, for it houses some key works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Mantegna.

On the way, I decided to take a de-tour and visit the famed La Scala. Considered by many to be the finest opera house in the world, La Scala has held world premieres for classic works by such prestigious names as Verdi, Puccini, and Rossini.

As I ventured down the street which supposedly held La Scala. I saw a statue of Leonardo Da Vinci posed towards a quite odd-looking building. I walked closer to this very boxed and unattractive structure. The building was bolted up with wooden doors, no entrances, windows, or lights. They were only a few framed posters on the wall, which wrote, "La Scala."

I couldn't believe that this building, which could have easily been mistaken for a homeless shelter, is considered the greatest opera house in the world.

I've been to The Metropolitan Opera House in NYC and Covent Garden in London, and both are infinitely better than La Scala in very imaginable facet. These have lush entrances, elaborate stores, beautiful designs, and look visually outstanding. La Scala, from its design all the way to its color scheme, fail miserably in every department.

Talk about a ridiculous disappointment. I guess it's history is what makes it so famous, but trust me, the $700 tickets being charged for the forthcoming Carmen production is a bit of a joke.

I also walked by a poster showcasing the excellent Caravaggio exhibition taking place in Florence:

Works by Caravaggio from all over the world have been brought to Florence for this rare exhibition. Without question, one the finest exhibitions I've ever attended.

I continued on and soon found myself at very secretive entrance of the Brera Accademia.

Before I was stopped by the evil witches of the Accademia, I snapped one shot of the "Lamentation over the Dead Christ" by Andrea Mantegna:

This outstanding piece is revolutionary for its ingenious sense of perspective.

While I explored the entire gallery, I was very impressed with what the Brera Accademia had to offer, although it doesn't hold a candle to the wonders found in the Uffizi or the British National Gallery.

Taking to the Milano streets yet again, I began back to the train station for my journey home.

Along the way, I stumbled by some wicked retro art that caught my eye:

Milan is very eventful city, that has a lot to offer when you peer within. The only problem is, it doesn't exactly look that inspiring.

I guess looks can be deceiving. Just look at La Scala. On second thought, I'd rather not...

The Ectasy of Ennio Morricone

Italy is famous for many things. Whether it's their food, art, or architecture, Italy holds distinction in quite a few areas. One area the Italy holds much repertoire in is film, and with it, they play host to the world's most accomplished film composer, Ennio Morricone.

When I discovered that Morricone was going to be performing a concert in Milan on Nov. 19th at the Millennium Forum, I flipped out. Not only has this man been the single most played artist on my iPod, but also the one who practically defined the Western genre. Regardless of whether or not you know who Morricone is by name, I guarantee you've heard his music.

Booking my tickets well in advance, I anxiously awaited the event. I traveled straight to Milan right after class on Friday and arrived fairly early in the afternoon. I took a short nap at the hotel in order to prep for the anticipated event.

The TV in the hotel welcomed me in many languages:

Awesome!

I soon marched forth to the Auditorium, but not before traveling through this scary hallway:

As I arrived at the Millennium Forum, I was happy to see quite a few attendees queuing to pick up their tickets. I joined the line and soon jumped with joy as I was provided with my very own ticket.

I tunneled into the forum, climbed the endless steps, and found myself inside the huge auditorium. I located my precious seat and settled in for what sure to be an unforgettable 2 hours.

Soon the auditorium filled up and before I knew it, the entire auditorium was filled with attendees.

As the clock struck 9, the lights dimmed and with it, the concerto commenced.

First the orchestra took stage and soon followed the man himself, Ennio Morricone, who was welcomed with a resounding applause.

He first began with some earlier works and even conducted riveting pieces I'd never heard before.

Morricone holds a staggering resume, having composed over 500 film and TV productions. If Morricone was to compose his entire career, we'd be here for the next year, so it's only fitting that certain key works be chosen for the concert.

Some certain pieces that I hold dear were left out (Cockeye's Theme or Man with a Harmonica), yet it was understandable.

Before the half-way break commenced, Morricone entered into his classic Western compositions. The first piece he conducted was the ever immortal theme from THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY. Hearing the rousing whistles, tunes, and eccentric sounds from Morricone's orchestra was gorgeous, spectacular, and full of lush color. The unfiltered music beautifully rung through my ears as I observed the maestro enthusiastically conduct his most famous work.

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Afterwards, the orchestra silently paused with Morricone oddly leaving the stage. There was an awkward moment for I'm not sure anybody knew what was going on. Ah, but then suddenly Morricone re-emerged, escorting a very dignified lady on stage. It turns out she is world-renowned Soprano who has sung in Opera houses as The Met, Covent Garden, and La Scala (the homeless shelter), and was going to perform the vocals for the next piece, The Ecstasy of Gold!

Without a doubt, the experience of being able to view Morricone and orchestra perform Ecstasy of Gold is one of the highlights of my entire semester in Italy.

The moving aura of the beautiful vocals, along with pitch-perfect musical cues by the orchestra was both surreal and utterly absorbing. As the piece reached varies climaxes, observing Morricone conduct to the rhythmical tunes of the masterful piece was downright godly. Every subtle gesture and movement from Morricone cued such a grandiose response from his orchestra. Bells were ringing, violinists striking their cords, horns being blown to the height of their apex, along with a choir that rung through the halls of the forum. Yet, it wasn't mad or chaotic. It was strung all together beautifully by the intricate design of Morricone's work.

I was able to encapsulate the moment through the wonderful wonders of technology:

The Ecstasy of Gold

I even remember saying to myself, "this is the greatest thing ever." While the statement may be a wee-bit exaggerated, the emotion and sheer impact it had me on is quite clear.

After having tasted a bit of heaven, I was brought back down to reality when the mid-break commenced.

Anxiously awaiting what other wonders Mr.Morricone had in store for the second part, I remained glued to my seat, staring at the now-empty stage.

Soon, the orchestra returned to the stage, along with the Maestro, to officially begin the second act.

He performed other famous tunes, including pieces from THE UNTOUCHABLES, CINEMA PARADISO, and most importantly, THE MISSION.

While I have yet to see THE MISSION, I was at awe by the swiping musical composition. It's epic, atmospheric and quite spectacular. One thing of note was the final strokes of the piece, where the entire orchestra and choir reached its apex. It was a moment of wonder, visceral emotion, and the perfect fusion of the entire symphony.

After such a rousing finale, Morricone bid the audience adieu and closed his concert. But with a continuous stream of praise and applause from a standing ovation, he returned for three more encores! He returned to play climaxes from The Ecstasy of Gold and The Mission.

Being able to hear these ethereal pieces once again, was the equivalent of revisiting a favorite moment once more.

After the final musical strokes, Morricone and his orchestra took their final bows and officially bid Milano, adieu.

After the concert, with many attendees leaving the forum, I stepped out into the night to find many musicians from the orchestra exiting. I was lucky enough to meet a bass player who signed my ticket.

Wandering around the forum, I soon found myself within the back-stages of the auditorium. Many workers were dismantling the sound and stage equipment.

 
Weird to see such background work.

I again, returned outside and began heading back to my hotel, when I was stopped by a group of attendees. It seemed one of them was a player in the orchestra and they were all trying to find directions to their hotel. Struggling with my Italian and with them using the little English they knew, we used my iPhone to locate the hotel. Oh the wonders of the iPhone!

After everything seemed in order for them, I asked the musician how it was like working with Morricone. He explained, "We talk and it's very nice. He can be funny on some days we practice, but some days he can be very angry. It depends." I also asked how long they have been rehearsing for this concert. He replied, "We are touring throughout the year, and we practice very much."

When I asked if he could sign my ticket, he responded with a "thank you," and enthusiastically signed it. With many thanks exchanged, we bid each other goodbye and I continued on.

As I strolled back to my hotel, thoughts flooded my mind with what I had just experienced. One of finest, most consistent, and my personal favorite composer had just performed before me. Morricone is a quite old and there are not going to be many opportunities to experience the maestro perform his musical magic. The fact that I was actually able to witness such a rare spectacle is a humbling, thankful, and surreal thought for me. I don't think I'll be able to fully grasp what I witnessed that day.

Top 10 experiences of all time? Maybe, just maybe...

The Venetian Affiar - Part 2

As Sunday dawned, I knew I couldn't pass up making a pilgrimage to the classic Caffe Florian without leaving.

First thing in the morning, I ventured back to Piazza San Marco in search for Caffe Florian.

Upon charting the iconic establishment, I enjoyed an exquisite breakfast in the Caffe that has played host to such world-class figures as Dickens, Keats, and Shelley.

I felt classical atmosphere while in the Caffe. The inspiration that instigated such literary giants than, was enveloping me as I spent time my time there.

After such an inspiration breakfast (odd combination of words), I decided to visit the Arsenal Shipyard of Venice.

Due to the Italian Navy now holding base within the Shipyard, it is off-limits to visitors. Regardless, viewing the Shipyard from the entrance was quite a sight.

Considering the sea-fearing nature Venice held during the height its power, observing their sea headquarters was quite surreal.

While exploring the deep alleys, I began to notice many runners pacing up and down the narrow streets. It seemed as if some marathon was in session.

It turned out a race HUGE competition/hunting game was taking place throughout Venice.

Continuing forward, I visited other iconic sights. One being the church of Maria dei Miracoli.

The other, Madonna dell'Orto.

After charting these sights, I traveled towards the Ghetto of Venice.

It was in the world's first ghetto, where the Jews were quarantined by the Venetians due to racial and political turmoil. Today, the area still holds a strong Jewish community, as well as a decorated museum.

This area in Venice was also immortalized in Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice, where the Venetian Ghetto played as central locale. Another Shakespearean play, Othello, also took place in Venice. The question lies, did Shakespeare ever visit Venice?

After wandering through more of the utterly sublime design of the Venetian city, I found myself back at the train station, waiting to board the next train home.

Venice is a sight of wonder and distinction. While many cities adapt to the times, Venice has remained true to its roots. This can be seen in its design, architecture, and elemental essence. The city is a national treasure for Italy and just another reason why Italy is one of the deepest countries the world has ever seen.

Oh and one more thing, nothing beats listening to the Merchant of Venice Soundtrack while exploring the wonders of the Venetian affair: