Just finished submitting my applications for PhDs programs! Now I just need to play the waiting game.

I can't believe it's my last month already! This year has gone by too fast. However, I am ready to come home. Plus, I need to actually get a paying job and return to school for my Masters of PhD. This year has been a great learning experience, and I have come to realize that the research route may actually not be for me. So, I am trying to line up a job at a Pharm. Company in NJ where I could be working from the business end.

Enough but my future. So, I have done a lot since I last blogged. Traveling around Italy, going to the beach with two buddies, more dinners, more spritz more chaos for lack of a better word! No, mom, I did not go bungee jumping....

My lastest trip and hopefully not my last, as I plan to bus it to Prague for a weekend, was to Munich and Salzburg. Never been to Germany and I must say I had a great time. My high school friend hosted me for three days. Within these days I was able to see the city, go to Dachau, and visit Castle Neuswanstein in the German Alps. I must say I was not fully prepared for Dachau. It was emotionally draining. I recommend visiting, but keep in mind this is not the tour you take to say "have fun." The next day, I went to Neuswanstein which was spectacular! The climb was steep and long, but once we made it to the top, it was worth it! I must say inside was pretty tacky and overly ornate, but awesome!
I made some friends on these trips and on my last night I went out with two people to Hofbrahaus (the famous beer garden in Munich) I got my mas (liter). I am not a big beer drinker, but the beer here, in Munich was among the best I have ever had.



The next day, I took an early train to Salzburg, Austria with one of the people from my tour. She was also spending the night in the city, so we took a train together and toured the city together in the morning. Despite the small size, there was a lot to do. I saw the gardens, the alps, Mozart's birthplace, many churches, and stuffed my face with strudel!

My little update

Yo! Hope yall are doing well! Today it's raining and genius me forgot an umbrella, rain jacket and took my bike to work. So, I am waiting for a break in the weather so I can get to the center so I can buy stuff for tomorrow's dinner. I am having some friends over for dinner... I am pulling out all the stops!

Cheeses and breads
Fried sage leaves
Rucola with strawberries and gorgonzola
Chicken in a butter and sage sauce
Peas and prosciutto

and of course dessert! Fruits and possibly a cake from Biasetto... maybe, vediamo!

Apart from that, I am gearing up for the weekend. Saturday I am leaving for Verona to see Aida and I am going to the lake on Sunday, and returning early for the soccer game! Hopefully this time it will not end in a tie!

Greetings Bloggers!

I has been a long time since my last post, and  a lot has happened since then. My parents, sister and Uncle all came over to visit me. It was wonderful being able to spend time with and having not seen them for some months. There were numerous trips to Venice, and exciting day trips. Having a car made things much easier since many of the places I want to travel to are unreachable by train. As a family we went up to Asiago and Bassano Del Grappa, two gorgeous mountain towns where the climate is much cooler then Padova. In fact, my folks are looking into renting or even buying a summer home up in Bassano. It's location is wonderful for us because it's in an environment we enjoy and there are a lot of outdoor activities.

Apart from these two towns, we also went to Arquà Petrarca (Petrarch's home,) Verona, Piazzola Sul Brenta, Treviso, and Peschiera Del Garda which I must say despite the crowds was fantastic. On my birthday weekend we all went up to Valeggio sul Mincio and Borghetto with my god mother and her family. I must say that sunday I never ate so much in my entire life. We ate where tortellini was invented. It was delicious! Borghetto was probably about the size of my development back home in the States, but maintained it's own quaint atmosphere despite the hoards of people.

Prior to my parents arrival in Italy, I met them all in Paris, France for the French Open. I have been to Paris, but this time was memorable and I will never forget it! The massive food fest began in Paris and did not stop until my father and sister left. I can't begin to describe to you the foods that I ate. Mama mia!

Slave tutti!

So it has been a while since my last post. A lot has happened since my trips to Luzern and Milano. However, the weather is problematic.... Too much rain. I am really getting annoyed, but finding things to keep myself busy. I continue to meet new people everyday, and strengthen relationships with my current friends. I have been hanging out a lot with my friends from fencing who have all been extremely friendly and outgoing.

More and more F&M friends have been visiting me, and I have been taking them to exciting places. Tomorrow another friend will arrive, and I plan to show her Padova on Friday, and weather permitting. Venice on Saturday or maybe even Sunday as Padova closes up on Sundays, and to be honest it is rather dull. Through my explorations of Venice, I have discovered the tranquility of the Venetian Islands. More specifically Burano and Torcello. Torcello is among my favorite. Despite only having a church, it is the oldest inhabited island in the lagoon area. It was inhabited by people seeking refuge from barbarian hordes on the main land (Terra ferma.) The church was built around 639 AD. At one point in time Torcello was inhabited by 20,000 people. Sadly, due to malaria and silted canal the population dropped and many of the inhabitants moved to Venice, leaving the island to run wild. Today the population is less than 30. These islands took about 40 mins to reach by boat, but it is well worth it! Another island which I like, is Murano (known for glass.) These islands are a nice escape from the crowded streets of Venice, as not many people know to go the islands.

Rather, Burano (the lace island,) was a traditional fishing village. Every house is a different color which at one point matched the color of the boats, so a fisherman would always be able to find is way home. I would definitely say that Burano is by far the most colorful of the islands and the prettiest despite it's small size and small population. 

My new thrill seeking adventure will be hopefully to go skydiving... I was able to find a location in Padova, but do not want to go alone! I would gladly go if a friend would "jump" with me! I have really been on an adrenaline rush these past weeks feeling the need to do "dare devil" things. Friends... if you are my area and want to go let me know! I am a heart beat away from signing up!

Currently I am scrambling to get things done before Paris and Roland Garros and the arrival of my ENTIRE family.... :D Lots to do... But I have exciting things planned for all of them. We shall see how they actually turn out! haha

Pictures! At last!

Hey all,
Here are some pictures from Luzern and Milano! The last three photos are from Milano. To see all the others you can check out my facebook!

So! I just returned to Padova from my trip to Milano, which was despite the GRE was an overall positive experience. However, I should first probably bring y'all up to date with my "week from hell" prior to this trip. You know the saying "bad things happen in threes?" Well , these aren't the worst things, but they did occur at the most inconvenient time. 1) Siamo inculati (not translating that) at a restaurant in Venice... Okay that's bad, but the week culminated with me being plowed down by some mook on a motorcycle who was not paying attention right outside my apartment. You would think if a line of cars are stopped at a cross walk other drivers would pay attention. However, many people tend to pass cars illegally. So this man rammed into my thigh and arm, luckily I wasn't injured but sadly he fell. I managed to take of this all in Italian, and the guy admitted it was his fault. So that was that! (PS: my parents already know... my father and sister laughed, and my mother almost fainted.)  The next my computer crashed! CAVOLO!! Now I have a new hard drive and working out the kinks... I am surprised because I got it back within 1-day!

So that was my week prior to my departure for Milano and the GRE! I got to Milano the day before and decided it best be to relax. I knew the material, it's all mental with me! Thus, I checked into my hotel, walked to the center,  and climbed the duomo. Tourists are able to walk literally on the roof of the entire building! Beautiful but kinda scary at the same time. After descending I went back to clean up, and I met up with a friend! We walked around the city center, and after went out for Sushi! LOVED IT! I haven't had sushi for months! The next morning, I woke up had breakfast, went to the gym and made my way into Sesto (by cab) for my exam. I am happy to say that my Math score sky rocketed, but sadly my Verbal score decided to plummet! After my exam, I met up with another friend, who was my TA for Italian back at Franklin and Marshall.

Lastly, being spontaneous I decided since I was in Milano I should probably check out La Scala (one of the world's most famous opera houses.) Yes! I bought a ticket, and went to the opera! AMAZING! The inside was decorated very ornately, with red velvet seats.


Going back to Easter.......

Wow! I haven't updated anyone on my Easter adventure. I actually went up to Switzerland. Luzern to be more exact. Luzern was in the German canton, and I didn't speak German, luckily I was able to ue my Italian while I was there. I most say that the food was terrific! Of course, I had Fondue, and I had a typical dish of Zurich for Easter. Sliced Veal in a creamy mushroom sauce over a potato pancake. The food was delicious! I haven't had fondue in many years, and it was absolute bliss!

Luzern was gorgeous! It was small, so it was easy to see all the sights. Despite the cold and the rain, I really enjoyed my time there. I saw beautiful churches, had great beer, went to Easter Vigil Mass (in German) climbed Mt. Pilatus... Sorry, took the gondola up to the summit of Mt. Pilatus. On top was extremely windy, but the views were breath taking. You could see the Alps, other mountains, all the lakes and the tiny town of Luzern from more then a bird's eye view away!

I most also add that the train ride was also an experience. Long! But definitely very scenic! I didn't want to leave on Monday, considering that the Sun finally choose to appear. But, looking back I did do a lot. I was also able to climb and walk around a portion of the old wall and towers that once protected Luzern. It is very hard to right down all my thoughts on this wonderful city because there really is too much to say! It is hard to describe it, but I will definitely be returning very soon! I am also considering going up to Lugano (Italian canton.)