I read several of your comments at
abstractthought, and decided to browse your journal. Your photos are wonderful. The colors are vibrant, and I love the touch of abstract.
I added you, so I feel obliged to leave, as requested, my 'raddest thing' to date.
I visited Italy three years ago. Near the end of the three-week trip, while in Florence, I managed to get hopelessly lost. I did not speak Italian, and did not have any of my tourist guides / maps with me. The bulk of my money was in my hotel room, so I didn't have enough for a cab. Just as I decided I was doomed, I wondered into the midst of parade. The "Estate Fiesolana" was a celebration of dance, film, music, and arts. The costumes were stunning, and there were loud, happy, Italians everywhere. I felt, at that moment, that I'd finally gotten a REAL glimpse of the country's culture. I never wanted to leave, and in fact didn't make it back to my hotel until five hours later! My dream is to return and live in Florence.