Self.
One big downside to traveling alone (aside from the obvious lack of companionship, a person to understand when you swear in a foreign language, a shoulder to nap on during long train rides, and the whole lack of making out on gondolas) is not having anyone to take your picture. After a while, I just can't deal with another picture of another doorway or another pretty hillside. And making faces for one-handed self portraits is only entertaining for so long. Besides, it makes your desperation that much more obvious while simultaneously providing ample photographic evidence that you can't get a date.
Sure, I could ask a stranger to take my picture, but the last thing I want is a foot race through Florence with someone who likes my Digital Rebel more than I do.
More frustrating, however, is the fact that 90% of the population hasn't the foggiest idea just how to compose even a tolerable photograph, let alone a good one. My favorite mistake is the guy with the point and shoot who insists on standing 147 feet away from his subject so he can fit most of Florence into the picture instead of his family. I swear, sometimes I just want to run around coaching the clueless on how to take a snapshot. I feel the same way about helping people with comb-overs, pleated pants, and cell phone holsters, but that's probably just my inner homosexual trying to get out.
And you people say I never smile.
Come to think of it, a smile here is actually a surprise, cause after a week solo in Italy, you want to start strangling all the annoyingly cute people holding hands and kissing on bridges. "Will you all just STOP being so grossly in love! I'm getting cavities here!"
Comments
Besides my overwhelming amount of jealousy that you go to go to Italy, I had to laugh at your comment about pleated pants. I despise those kinds of pants and think they should be banned.. really.. they don't flatter anyone do they?
Nice to see you smile. ;)
melinda
Posted by: melinda | October 10, 2004 07:07 PM
I have a mom like that.
"Come closer."
"But."
"Come closer."
"But I want the xyz in the picture."
"Fine, but I want to see me too."
Nice teeth.
Posted by: Susan | October 10, 2004 07:49 PM
yep...definitely more smiles :-)
Posted by: Kath | October 10, 2004 10:15 PM
No way cavities. Your teeth are far too nice.
Posted by: Glovia | October 11, 2004 05:50 AM
Ugh. Pleated pants must be stopped.
Posted by: Nicole | October 11, 2004 07:30 AM
nice series... of course you know i approve any any photo where a tongue is hanging out.
Posted by: dvl | October 11, 2004 12:00 PM
Too bad I'm married. I would gladly be your free companion on trips to Italy or anywhere for that matter. Hubby wouldn't like that very much.
Posted by: Jazzy | October 11, 2004 12:18 PM
Too funny... pleated pants were in because they flattered men and looked oh-so-preppy. Now we think they don't flatter anybody and look like shit. Give it 5 years, they'll be back.
(he types, wearing a pair of flat-fronts)
Posted by: AVERAGE JOE | October 11, 2004 01:51 PM
Nice Smile!
Posted by: Bubbles | October 11, 2004 05:01 PM
were people staring at you when you took these pictures?
Posted by: tassy | October 11, 2004 11:25 PM
The first photo of you is rather attractive.
Posted by: cassie | October 12, 2004 05:36 AM
And yet, the following two are rather hideous.
Posted by: melly@yahoo.com | October 12, 2004 01:50 PM
and this is why i love melly so.
Posted by: the mighty jimbo | October 12, 2004 06:50 PM
Nice tongue, too.
Really you have an all-around photogenic mouth.
Posted by: Jessica | October 14, 2004 12:28 PM