So close to the finish line...

My last class is next Tuesday and I am so excited. These last weeks have been so boring and have added no value to my education, that I can't wait for them to end. I am just trying to finish all assignments and be done with school. I have also gotten back on track with my Italian as well as preparing for case interviews just in case Bain Italy calls and wants to interview me. It has really help reconfirm basic concepts in my business school education so I am continuing with the studies whether I get consulting interviews or not.

The Zegna interview on Monday went very well! I got a tour of the headquarters in Milan which is actually a ten minute walk on the same stop I take to school. It is a beautiful building and the people were quite friendly. My interview was with Giacomo Barbot, an HR manager who seemed to definitely like my resume and my experiences and told me that he would give me a good report to the CEO of the Strategic Alliances business, who I could possibly work for in the future. I have to figure out how I can get my study visa so I can actually work for them. I am currently in Milan as an American tourist. Some people have said that I have to go back to the US to make it happen others have said no. I am waiting to hear from an immigration lawyer to see what the best move would be. I will keep you all updated on that mess. The Strategic Alliances offices are in Novara which is 45 minutes away so I would have to take a train everyday to the office. I think my days would be from 730am to 730pm.

Tuesday and Wednesday were chill days as I was trying to figure out this Study Visa thing. I spent time with Roberto on Wednesday. Some people who read my blog were complaining about the lack of pictures of Roberto so I will put some on here so you all know what he is giving.


There's a picture. I have some videos of us together but Charnae thinks it is not appropriate. If any of you guys think its appropriate, I will definitely upload.
Friday night Roberto came over and I made dinner for him and then we watched a movie together. Saturday morning he seriously f-ed the ish out of me. He has about 8-8.5 and he likes to go hard. The first time he topped I was not prepared as my earlier blog will describe so I was a bit apprehensive. I was prepared this time and it was great although he did not cum, he just kept on going and going and going. Lord have mercy!
Let me know.
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Here's a Quick Update

The new phase of classes are a complete waste of time. We are repeating the same frameworks that we did in the first session. I think I should have switched to marketing. What I am excited about is the fact that I got a interview invite from Kurt Salmon Associates. It is a consulting firm specializing in retail and fashion firms. I also got my resume sent to the Manager and Partner of Bain Italy's Fashion and Luxury Goods Group. This means I have to start preparing for case interviews which are basically interviews where the interviewer gives you a business scenario and you have to break it down piece by piece and give recommendations. I think this will be a really great time for me to really get down and dirty when it comes to solving business problems. I have my Zegna interview tomorrow so wish me good luck. I want to kill it and I will!
My life consists of researching the Inditex Group, studying for case interviews, studying Italian, sometimes going to school, and looking cute, of course.

I am feeling a lot better than how I was feeling the entire last week. Roberto and I are going pretty strong. He came over Thursday night and we had dinner together and he spent the night. I helped him prepare for his interview and made him breakfast the next morning (ham and cheese omelette, toast, yogurt, and a banana). He ended up doing well and has his final interview tomorrow at 5pm as well so wish him luck too. I spent the night at his house Friday night after he came to Diwali Indian Dinner I had with my school. He was getting jealous of this Austrian student that is kinda into me. It was cute. I got him to just speak Italian with me so I am much happier and my Italian is improving like crazy because of it. Saturday he came over and brought pizza and music and candles and also brought me a present. It is this solar powered toy that moves when it comes in contact with solar energy. Last night he told me that he is falling in love with me. I of course could not return the nice and amazing gesture because it takes much longer for me to get there. He called me "ICEBERG" which I guess is partly true. We still had a great time together We spent Sunday morning in bed doing the do (I topped, yes ma'am) and then showering together, and then laying in bed naked listening to Billy Holiday. It was truly nice. I guess I can call him my boyfriend now.
-Anwar

Hmmm, Things That Make You Say Hmmm…

It is funny how life takes you for a turn. Sunday I got sick with a fever and flu like symptoms. I had a sick throbbing headache and body aches for two whole days. It is starting to subside today (Wednesday) but how horrible I felt. I had finals on Monday and Tuesday but it was difficult getting to them and studying for them as much as I wanted to. They were not hard at all but I wish I was in a better general state. I thank the Lord for Charnae giving me her notes which helped me efficiently study for the last two exams. Seriously, without her notes I would have been screwed.

I found out yesterday (Tuesday) that the Versace position that I was so sure I was getting, has been given to someone else. I was so flabbergasted at first. The woman who I spoke with was so enthusiastic about my application and resume. I was expecting an email about when I should expect to start and such, so when I got the rejection email, I was a bit dumbfounded. I was glad that I was able to hang out with Charnae yesterday since I couldn’t reach anyone on Skype. She took my mind off of the situation as we shopped at our favorite places near the Duomo. I got a black bag and some sick tye-dye (sp?) jeans and she got shoes of course. She also helped me strategize how I was going to approach Versace to figure things out. After shopping, we had dinner at a buffet place at the Duomo and then I went to her house before going out to see other Bocconi students to celebrate our last final.

I was originally supposed to meet up with Roberto but he called me and copped an attitude with me because I never call him and tole me that he didn’t want to hang out on Tuesday night because he was mad. I explained that I was sick and in the bed all day but after being sick and the Versace news, I wasn’t in the mood to play any games so I said fine and hung up. He ended up calling and I invited him out to hang out with me, Charnae, and my Bocconi friends. When Charnae and I met up with him later in the night, he began playing games where he would just speak with Charnae and ignore me, so I got over him a bit. Before we actually went into the hotspot ‘Exploit” we were able to talk. We were able to tell each other about the stresses we both have and hugged and kissed and made up. He was trippin because his showroom job said they don’t have need for him after Friday but he also has an interview on Friday. You have to understand that this is his first time away from home ever and he knows few people in the city so I understood why he was tripping out and why he wanted to know if I was serious about him. I ensured him that I was, that I hadn’t had sex with anyone else since being with him (true), and that I would try to be better about being more affectionate and calling him. That talk went well and then we went inside and mingled with my school friends. He is kinda a hit! He has a gentle, peaceful spirit that is very alluring!

After an hour or so we decided to leave and go to his house (since his roommate would not be there). We rode 2-on-1 on his bike and it was hilarious at first. Once we got the hang of it, he rode the first half and I rode the second half. I like being with him because he makes me feel manly in a weird nurturing way. We got to his house and pretty much went to bed immediately. We cuddled for a while, did a lil sukkiare (no pene), cuddled some more, and then went to bed. We woke up later than expected but I decided to skip my first class and have breakfast with him. He made me coffee, apricot juice, a pastry and warm milk. BTW warm milk is T in the morning. I think I might make that a regular thing, especially given the cold spell Milan is under this week.

When I finally got to school today, I was happy to hear that there was a miscommunication and I had no classes today! Yeah, I didn’t miss any! I decided to email Versace about my application and they responded to me with 15 minutes letting me know that they were and are still very impressed by my application. At the end of day I was overqualified for the position and I could stay for the entire 6 months that they needed for the junior position. I could live with that and I was relieved to know that my application was strong and I didn’t get the position because of any shortcomings. I became Linkedin friends with the HR and Buying Manager and will be definitely be contacting them in the near future.

My new focus:

I have an interview with Zegna on Monday so there is a possibility that I can still work in an Italian working environment while here in Milan. That is my true dream. If it doesn’t happen, it was definitely not meant to be, but I will try my hardest to make it work, as usual!

Besides Versace, I got an email this morning that I got an interview invite from the Inditex Group (group that owns Zara among other brands). For those that don’t know I love Zara and one of the reasons I came to Columbia was because I know that they recruit there. It is definitely my dream company and will focus all of my attention to killing the interview. I am currently working out if I can do the interview through Skype or if I will have to fly back to NYC. I will do whatever the HR Manager wants because this is what I have been waiting for. I got one out of the 9 slots available (and given this market I would expect 50-100 applications for these slots). I am starting to do my research now so I can truly kill. I want and need everyone’s support in this effort so please put all your positive energy in this direction. If we combine all of our ‘Secreting Powers” I am sure we can make something happen. Ciao.

I love it when a plan comes together!

Hey Guys,
What is really the t? Monday was the last day of the first half of the semester! Oh I am so happy to be done with those classes. Overall they have been boring and the students here have been disengaged. I'm so happy that Charnae has been in class to tell the professor about his "simplistic model" and other call outs she likes to do. Finals are this week and next so I have devoted myself for the study of them. They are quite easy. I am used to finals that are 4-5 hours long. These finals are 1 to 2 hours. It is kinda a joke. I should get all A’s or Honors for my classes. I would be surprised if this is not the case.

Career-wise, I had my interview with Versace on Monday and it went really well. Half of it was in Italian and the other half was in English. It seems like a very interesting role as a global buyer for the company. This would require analysis global sales data and interacting with store managers from all over the world. I am also told that the buyers will work with Donatella with the formulation of the new collection to give a more commercial outlook (i.e. what will sell and what won’t). It is all very exciting. They basically offered me the internship position for while I am here with the possibility of it becoming full time if I prove myself during the internship(which I will). It is all kinda crazy. They will call me next week to see what I think because they want me to stay until mid-February to be apart of Men’s fashion week. After thinking about it and speaking with Charnae and mom and I have come to the conclusion that I miss another 2-3 weeks of Columbia to make this work. The Buying Director was impressed by my resume because of Columbia Business School, so I can truly say that the brand is working for me. I also think because I worked at Versace before, I was able to convey the essence of the brand. When they call next week, I will definitely accept. I think this is my moment. It feels like a lot of hard work that I have done is going to payoff. Thank you Lord!

I also have an interview with Ermenegildo Zegna in two weeks, thanks to my well-connected luxury professor. This is just a sitdown chat so that we can both get to know each other, but definitely still very promising. Tom Ford is still looking over my resume so I haven’t heard much from them. I finished my full-time applications to the Inditex Group, NBA, Target, and Kurt Salmon Associates (Retail Consulting). I am also happy to be done with those apps. A definite load was taken off of my shoulders this week. I truly feel like I can relax for bit before some interview rounds.

Socially I hung out with Roberto all day and spent the night at his house. We made it work 3 times. The first time was cool because we had some protection and there was ‘pene’. I bottomed and he worked it out, but next time I will top. To all my gays out there, lets just say I wasn’t prepared to get worked out and things got a bit messy. We had to stop after a while cause I couldn’t deal. I was a tad embarrassed but Roberto was like “no worries” so I got over it fast. We hooked up twice after that (but no pene).He made me dinner and we rode bikes to see the showroom that he is working in as well as going to a club called G Lounge. It was cute because I got a lot of attention and we got a lot of attention being together. The gay clubs here are different in that guys don’t really dance or grind with one another here. I guess I will have to change that. I had a really good time with him and we saw each other on Tuesday too as I accompanied him to send his resume to some other fashion showrooms and shops since his gig is only for another month or two. We will see how it goes. I am living and let live with him. Ummmm, I haven’t heard from Adriano for like a week so I don’t know whats going on with him. I am not too worried about it though. He has either read my semi shade form last post and peaced out or is really busy with work and finalizing his home purchase. We will see whats going on with him soon. I will meet with my friend massimiliano at 7pm for aperitivo and then meet with alessandro to make it work at around 9pm. I am done for the week with finals so I will relax for a bit before studying for my other two finals next week. Friday I will have dinner with Roberto and I will keep you updated on that.

-Anwar

Girl, you better get it and get it good!

Hey Guys,

This week has been pretty light of classes. I generally had one to two classes a day this week and didn’t have class on Friday. This was really good because it allowed me to get my cover letters and resume together for my full time applications. I have finished my applications for L’Oreal, Adidas, Kurt Salmon Associates, Inditex Group (owns Zara), NBA, and Bain & Co. I was pretty amped about Bain and Co because of their Luxury Goods Group here in Italy but I met with Branko, the soon to be Student President of Bocconi. He worked there this past summer and he informed me that 1) the salary was relatively speaking for consulting quite low, 2) they were not keen on non Italians (5/350 employees are non Italian), and 3) quite a few assholes in the office. Therefore I am not as excited to possibly be working for them anymore. I still believe I will apply for an internship for November and December, while I am here. I think it would look good on my resume and might get my foot in the door for other opportunities. Next week, begins some finals Luxury Goods and my Strategic Decision Making classes. These are my easiest classes so I’m not worried about them. I also have a meeting with Versace on Monday to nail down some details.

Socially, I hung out with a friend of mine Massimiliano I don’t have a problem with but I think his intentions are suspect. He says he has a Brazilian boyfriend in Lugano (Southern Switzerland) but his eyes are saying that he wants to jump my bones so I will be cautious.

This week, I started reading the Wall Street Journal and Financial Times every train ride to school and home. It has really helped me understand what’s going on in the business world. I wish I had started this earlier (especially during the financial crisis). It is funny how a little bit each day really makes you a well read person when it comes to current events. It definitely feels more productive than trying to understand what Rihanna is thinking when wearing her gothic wardrobe ever since she got beat up by Chris Brown. No Shade!

Tuesday was a bit of a mess. I was supposed to have dinner with Francesco and play volleyball but I cancelled those plans because Adriano texted me and wanted to hang out. Francesco was upset that I cancelled plans and didn’t want to speak with me (oh how dramatic the Italians can be). Adriano and I were supposed to meet at 7pm, he calls me at 645 to postpone until 9pm at Loreto, a metro stop close to his work. Fine. Then he comes to my house at 830 and says lets have dinner with my friend Veronica. Fine. We have dinner and they proceed to chat like I wasn’t even there. They were speaking about ‘things back home’ and ‘old friends’. I kept it cute until we left Veronica and then told him exactly how much of a waste of time nd money it was for me to be there if I was going to be ignored all night. I would have better spent my time with Francesco and at Volleyball. He got sensitive as many Tauruses do and when we got home he got his backpack, kissed me on both cheeks like friends, said he was tired, and left. He was obviously butthurt cause I gave it to him a little bit. The cool thing was that he got over it apologized profusely and we went out again on Wednesday to this restaurant Moulin Rouge. Those were my original plans to congratulate him on buying his house. During the meal he was teaching me what hand gestures mean what in Italian. As some of you might know Italian communication is 50% with the hands. He ended up staying the night but I could not handle him on Thursday morning. He was in my face at 6am “wanting to make love” and I couldn’t deal! I think it is because he is not the best kisser and because he is always in my face trying to kiss me (like a dog). Sometimes you have to tell the dog , “NO, get down!” I am not a morning person and I had to push him away. It was too much.

Thursday, I decided to meet up with this guy Roberto that I met online a couple of weeks ago. He has been trying to hang out and I was either too busy or still trying to figure out his T. I finally ended up wanting to hang out because I think I was sexually frustrated with Adriano so I met up with Roberto after having dinner with some schoolmates (one of them being Stephan Andrade, a school crush I have). Anyway, Roberto and I chatted for a while, had a drink,a nd then went at IT! Girl, fun fun fun! Good times. He is from Calabria, 26,moved here a month ago, and works as a Stylist in a showroom here. I have a risqué video of him dancing this dance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X4_YZJWWO4

If you want to see it, email me directly. Charnae convinced me not to post it on my blog because it is just not right, so I think this is a good compromise. I liked being with him cause he, like me, like intimacy and just holding each other and being naked. After hooking up, no pene because no condoms, but we also watched each other take showers, which was hot, hahah! He ended up giving me a bracelet from India and walking me to my bus stop. I am a bit smitten over this boy and it is noticeable at least to Charnae. Anyway we are supposed to hang out tonight (Sat), so I will keep you updated on that.

Friday, Alessandro came over and did what he does best: lick every inch of my body and blow my back out! That was needed and I’m glad I have him for that. Alessandro and I are just sex friends. He gets the silver medal. Adriano is a bit more because we have conversations, go places together, and he is not afraid to show people that we are together (very touchy feely, even in public), so he is gold. New boy Roberto is in medal contention but I don’t know where he is right now because I need more time with him.

That’s the Olympic T at the moment. Good things come in three, at least that’s what my mamma told me!