"They left a ringing in my ear, but that drum's still beating loud and clear"

When one goes to a concert, one gets to sit on the ground and compare shoes.

As much as I love a lot of things in this world (glitter, Robert Downey Jr's gravity defying hair, those DSquared shoes), I think only a few things match the level of complete ecstatic love I feel a few moments before the first few notes of a concert break through the air.

What is a concert without half-naked rockers doing a mosh-pit? Or without "rock on" hand signs? It's like tornadoes without Dorothy, really.

Maria and I, in our little space on the concrete, waiting for Rammstein to hit the stage.

That's why the last weekend was just what the doctor ordered - and I should know! - and the perfect cure for an exam addled brain. Two days of music, from the always rocking and always powerful Metallica to the only-the-Germans-can-pull-it-off insanity that was Rammstein, with little drops of Slayer and Alice in Chains in between.

The Boy won't let me see the bands, boo ;)

I don't think I ever mentioned this around here but I used to be one of those sulky teenagers, wearing all black and all spikes and all chains, a long-haired emo before emo became cool and before cool became hipster. The sulkiness passed but the music remained forever etched into my brain, to the complete shock of my mother who hoped that with the discovery of pastels and dresses I would also stop, quote-unquote, ruining my ears with that incessant sound.

Metallica! Fire! Good noise!
(photo source: Metropotam)

So of course I was going to be one of the thousands of people at last week's Sonisphere Festival. And of course I was going to be singing along until my vocal chords gave away (I also partly blame the ice-cold beer for that too). Because Metallica showed us that they can still rock a stage like no other, even so many years after first gracing a stage. And because Master of Puppets still sends shivers down my spine like it did the first time I heard it, when I was too young to function. (Dear guys, I forgive you for the "Budapest" mistake, just let it not happen again, mkay?)

Rammstein! Flame throwers! Funny costumes! More good noise!


(photo source: MetalHead.ro)

Because Rammstein reminded me why I stand by my belief that german is the language of anger and energy (I mean that in the best possible way possible) and because they're the only ones that can turn a concert into this over-the-top show. I mean, is this the best entrance or what? They even bought the noteworthy face mounted flamethrowers. Yeah, that is what I call a good, first-rate show.

(I look so very surprised in all of these photos and still have no idea why)

Wearing: Zara blazers; Kotton dress; Musette/Replay booties; a bunch of very random accessories.

And of course at the end of the day, I'm still the girl who goes to a heavy metal festival wearing heels. My excuse is simple: those 10 centimeters are a concert savior when one is surrounded by metal heads who are too tall, who still wear their hair like James Hetfield in the 80s and who are sitting right in front of you so you can't possibly see the stage. True story!

(For any romanian speakers out here interested in a great review, check Vulupe's posts here :)

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(source)

This past week has really been a week of firsts. On Wednesday I was lucky enough to be in the same room with Jacqui Banaszynsk, 1988 Pulitzer prize winner, at her narrative journalism presentation (THANK YOU Decat o Revista!) I didn't know what to expect when I walked into that room and I admit I sat awkwardly for a moment when looking around and seeing mostly journalism students around me.

But then she started talking and I don't know where those 3 hours went. I listened and my brain has been in overdrive since then. I'm still in awe at the strength and conviction that flew with her words and at the end I was left with this need to know more, to say more, to hear more.

Other people have written about this meeting and I don't feel I can add anything without sounding like a little swooning girl (between you and me, that's what I am right now, but shhhh, don't tell her I said so!) so I will leave you with one of her favorite quotes:

"... history is written by those who have hanged the heroes."

And a link to her award winning piece: AIDS in the Heartland. Read it if you want to witness what creating something awesome feels like.

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And, and, and! I'd also like to thank Cristina Bazavan for the invitation to the Tabu Facebook Party yesterday. Besides it being fun, I got to hang around with some really, really, really, really, really stunning girls and be their personal cheerleader, and I also got to meet some smart and dapper people who I hope to see again as soon as possible!

Told you I had a very exciting week ♥

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(My fridge door and fridge magnets are used for something useful ;)

And now back to the drawing board. Or, as they say in my neck of the woods, back to those annoying pharmacology books. The joy.

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Songs of the Day:
Metallica - One; Rammstein - Mein Teil

"I collect loose change for all tomorrow's parties"

My Christmas present, got it?

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I feel like I've been dangling between exhaustion and consciousness. As usual, I slip and melt and fit right through the tiny cracks between these two. I guess this is what happens when nights are spent away from the cool sheets of the bed and instead are lost in a play of smoke rings that dance in the streetlights and warm cuddles on old mattresses and fast-food eating on the go between here and there.

This week I passed by my old highschool and saw the freshmen walking to school, so young and ignorant that I was jealous for a second. I have so much in my life right now and at the same time lack so many things that I am feeling like my bones are cracking under this tension, this buzz that I can't figure out exactly.

Feeling old, you say? Not old, just worn-out.

But not in a bad way.
Worn-out like a favorite tee-shirt that has been washed way to many times, so worn-through it's almost translucent, with a few tiny holes where the material has broken apart and the skin peeks through, but so very very soft. So soft that it falls perfectly around the body and hugs collarbones and shoulders blades just right.

Yeah, that kind of soft-spoken tiredness that creeps around the edges but feels so good.

Needless to say I don't mind, not really :)

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Wednesday, the 18th:

An old house with squeaky floors and white walls and empty rooms with dim lights that feels like it's been taken out of an old French movie.

And pancakes. Cannot forget the pancakes!

Our house in the middle of the street at Number 17.

And even though I am a creature who is attracted to any sort of game and gathering like a moth to flame thrower, I decided some time ago that cards are not my game. So I looked on with the steely look of an observer who steals a pancake and a smoke from time to time. Still a very fun night :)


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Thursday, the 19th:

Have I told you how much I love the boys from The Amsterdams? My 4th show of theirs, they didn't disappoint as always and of course I was the unofficial official photographer of the night. Hey, as long as that gets me some photo practice, a free way in and a good show, you don't see me complaining!

Rest of the photos here.

And the night could not end without some dancing. Like I've said before, two redheads are always, always better than one, right Rox?

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Sunday, the 22nd:

The House again (capitalization is oh-so-needed). No pancakes this time, just the usual suspects and some movies: (500) Days of Summer and Snatch. Been speaking English with a weird British accent and singing Sweet Disposition non stop since then.

And the night was rounded out with some great music too. You take one really great sounding band, a basement and a camera and you get some awesome photos and a free semi-concert. That's like adding some sugar and spice to an already good sundae.

The band is Eloize. Check them out here and enjoy! I've been listening to Hide and Seek all week :)

The rest of the photos here.

This was that point in the night where my eyelids couldn't hold themselves up anymore. Thank god for people who let me cuddle and use them as pillows :)











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Tuesday, the 24th:

Yeah, yeah, she's gorgeous but she's my best friend and you can't have her! Jealous yet? ;)

My darling girl Roxana. A photo exhibit by the extremely talented and always super sweet and smiley Alex Galmeanu (still loving his work more than ever!). Red wine and good food in small bistro's. Hours passing by quickly yet leaving traces on my mind that still make me smile.

And of course, awesome shoes. Perfect day or what? ;)

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Song of the day: Amanda Palmer - Blake Says

"Welcome to the new deja vu!"

For some reason, this photo keeps reminding me of Pan's Labyrinth. And that I need to watch Pan's Labyrinth again. As soon as the days get longer by 10 hours and I have the time!

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Hello my darling pumpernickels, I missed you dearly! I know, I know, I have been a terrible blogger, both with posting and with commenting. I blame that completely on the small moment of insanity, that short period of time when my brain went into snooze mode and my rational side took a long vacation three years ago and I decided, "Hey, you know what? Medical School sounds like an awesome idea! And how bad can it be, really? Sign me up!"

Most of my free time goes to getting from one hospital to another, eating, twittering like crazy and most importantly acting like an old cat lady who goes to sleep at 9pm every night.

I have started my 3rd year in dear old Hippocrates's school for 2 weeks now and thus I have entered the first year of actual hands-on, face to face contact with patients and hospitals. Or, as I like to call it, the "Oh shit, oh shit, what do I do, they're looking at me, dammit act like you know what the doctor is talking about!"

:))

Actually getting to observe patients is a daunting task that is scary and amazing and interesting and did I mention scary?

But I have thankfully learned the two rules of being a Med Student who has to deal with patients for the first time:

1. They are more scared of you than you are of them.
2. They actually think you know what you're doing and can't feel the panic attack going on in your head.

Now excuse me, one Pathology book and one bag of marshmallows are awaiting my return :)

I leave you with some photos of the past two weeks and a promise to try and extend my bedtime to the oh-so-risky 9:30 so I can blog a little bit more often...

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Random days:

A day spent at the hospital, trying to read lab works and smoking on the hospital roof. Fun times!

Dark circles included!

cropped sweater & top: Mango, long sleeved black&blue sweater: Zara, earrings: Promod.

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Thursday, 22nd October:

One of those amazing 8am-to-8pm school days. Thankfully, it included awesome future plans, cute boys and late night Starbucks with the lovely people that never cease to make me smile.

Buying tickets for the Opera for November!





Me and Andy being camera shy.


The light was too great, couldn't resist the photo opportunity! (Thank you Andy!!)

skirt: Zara, trench: H&M, boots & bag: Musette.

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Friday, 23rd October:

One thing that has been blooming is the photography opportunities and my love for this art form.

Got to photograph the Friday bike ride that anyone in Bucharest can read about here. The guys were very fun to talk to and photograph even if I was a little bummed that I couldn't go with them. But next week, if the weather is nice, I am so joining them, seeing as I might actually get a bike by then :D

More photos here :)

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Saturday, 17th October:

I also got to take some photos at the Funk Rock Hotel concert in Silver Church. I only caught two of the acts but they were AMAZING. My photos can be found as always on my Flickr: CinnamonAnna :)

Les Elephants Bizarres:
First time seeing them live but by the second song I was already a fan. Great songs and can't wait to hear them again!







The MOOoD:
Second time seeing them live and they are getting better and better with each performance. Of course they were called out for an encore! I love the energy in their set and it helps that the guys are very fun and very nice :)








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Song of the Day: Nine Inch Nails - Closer