Work, Play, and Food!!!

Salve tutti!

Spero che loro siano bene! Oggi è un giorno bellissimo... Ma infatti un po' freddo... As I right this post I am eating a Foccacia with eggplant, cheese and tomatoes! This weekend has been fun so far.
Last night I went out for an after work drink with some friends from the lab and their boyfriends. Like last time, we ended up staying their from 7-10:30pm! Yes! I ate too! SFILICACCI! Sorry Dad, I know you hate it when I eat these strange foods, but Im in Padova, and it is a delicacy here! Tomorrow, I am probably going to place on the outskirts of Padova with the same crew to eat polpi (octopus... I will try at least...) There are many things I will eat, but only a few I will not.. unless it is deep fried (fritti). Then again, anything deep fried is GREAT!

Tonight I am on my own.. at least I think so at this point... I am planning on making pasta, or some type... I can buy some soft cheese from the market and make a baked pasta with veggies and meat? My cucina is very limited... but I make due with what I have... At least I have the best part... fresh, good quality ingredients!

Going back to work, I am not sure I mentioned this yet, but on top of teaching myself Immunologià, I have been granted permission to follow an Oncology course at the Università degli Studi di Padova... The course is obviously in Italian, but I can manage.... I managed to tackle a lot of things in Italy in Italian.. I can shop, buy a biccicleta (only 40 euro or $60.00 for a used bike...) Work is going very well, and I am excited to officially begin next week. I found out that I do get vacations and since I am not a "true PhD/post Doc" I can create my own vacations... But I do love the lab and the research... However, I am in Italy and my colleagues even said that when you get the chance TRAVEL! My Italian TA from Franklin and Marshall lives in Milano, and he told me to contact him when I am in the area, and I have friends from F&M studying in Florence, Rome, Milano... ALL OVER!  I am actually gong to Vallencia, Spain for three days next month for a Ferrari race... I am sitting in the specialty box! Sorry Dana (Bitty,) I will take pictures, and post them on facebook!

For those of you who are coming to visit, I have already mapped out great places to take you! Bars, shops, eateries, and the library if you are the studious type... a place I have not ventured since F&M... But, will be making my entrance shortly... I think?

My "giro" is finished! Beginning on Monday I will be officially starting work in the Lab per Immunologìa dei Tumori Umani. I made my decision, and so, for the next year I will be working in this lab. Hopefully with time, I will be giving my own experiment to carry out, and maybe even get my name on a published article.... A lot of articles are getting published! This will boost my resume for Med School or Grad school..... or dovunque (wherever) I end up...

Another exciting update from lovely Padova... Your favorite person (me) was giving permission to follow an Oncology course here at the University every Friday morning! Yes, this course is ALL in Italian...But, hey... I can manage! Besides, it's great practice because I may end up here for graduate school. :-)

This weekend is busy, and I really don't have a social schedule established yet... We shall see. I still haven't made that many friends my age yet... All my friends now (addesso) are in their late 20's and early 30's.. but hey! Who cares! :-)

Things are getting very exciting, and I am going to finally FENCE this Wednesday night at 9pm! Its close to my apartment, and tomorrow I am getting by biccicleta for 30-45 euro! Che culo!!!
Please note... that in this context "che culo" means how lucky! Not, the other thing as in "buso del cul"

Ciao BITTIES!!!!!!!!!!!

Cucinare ed Immunologià

Well, It certainly has been a while since my last post... This one will be short. Becasue, I am still very happy and setteled into my apartment and the city environment...Growing up in the country is quite different.

For work, I have been reading, taking notes, and teaching myself Immunology; not easy... I am finding that Neuro makes more sense. But, Immunology is very interesting yet complex. I love it! I am working in the Immunology labs... so a background in the field is important... I can post my notes for those of you who are curious.... :-)

My culinary skills have improved... Cooking in a limited kitchen has infact perfected my skills. I am mincing with a crap knife, cooking and baking in sub par appliances... Yes! I am spoiled when it comes to food... But, I eat very well.

Here is a recipe...

Pasta with Prosciutto, Piselli, Cipolli and Panna da Cucina
 In a skillet heat butter and oil. Add onion (cipolli), and once translucent add the chopped prosciutto. At the last minute add peas (piselli) as they will cook and warm up pretty fast. Pour this over pasta, and toss with Panna da Cucina (it's sour, not sweet so it will give the dish a proper balance since each ingredient elicits a different taste... IT WAS GREAT!

Salve tutti dei miei amici, famiglia, stranieiri,

Spero che tutti siano bene! Io sto molto bene!

I had a great day at work! I am learning so much, that I am very impressed. However, since I am still in the "giro" I am not yet running my own experiments, but I have been assisting with some. For the most part this week has been only to observe.
Tomorrow night my fellow colleagues and I are going out for an aperitivo. My colleagues are all women, and they told me that I am "del culo" or lucky! But, they are bringing their boyfriends along, so I am not going to be the only man... not that there is anything wrong with that.

I must say that for the start in the lab I have had the best experience. Today, I helped one of the PhDs proofread her Abstract for a major publication. Thus, my Italian has improved and so has there English. Tomorrow is supposed to be my last day in the Immunologia dei Tumori Umani, but I really don't feel like switching becasue I have no background in Molecular Biology, and I am very comfortable where I am now (sono molto comodo dove io lavoro in questo momento)

I am really looking forward to this weekend, because of tomorrow night, and for Saturday has I meeting up (hopefully) with another student (my age.)

Tonight, I am going to go home, make dinner and relax...Tomorrow is another exciting day!

a presto!

PJ

dott. P. Verona (Yes! Thats right! I am a Dr in Italy... "Dottore, Dottore, Dottore, del buso del cul va fan cul va fan cul"

Salve tutti!

All of the hard work has really paid off! From the moment I arrived here, I was bombarded with problem after problem. But, I overcame each adversity!

Prior to beginning work in the lab I had plenty of time to explore the city. I found great places to eat, grab a cafè, drink, and relax. Making friends has not been an easy feat, but I have made friends with at a local cafè, work, and around town, and other Italian students. Each day continues to be a new adventure and learning experience. For instance, I just learned from a fellow colleague that there are two churches devoted to St. Anthony; Basillica di San Antonio (where I typically go to pray) and another named San Antonino, the place where St Anthony died. I have yet to see this church... Possibly this weekend? There is a Napapajiri store and also a Franklin and Marshall store in the center! Yes! Franklin and Marshall is my alma mater, and I am seeing a lot of giovanni (young people) wearing this brand. It's kind of funny. Each day, I have witnessed the graduation ceremony outside Palazzo del Bo. It is very different from the excerise in the States. I have the "Dottore" song stuck in my head.

My experience in the Oncology and Surgery labs has been very rewarding, and it has only my second day. The people I have been meeting have been so kind and generous. I have not exactly "worked" independently yet. I am in what the Italians call a "giro" or a tour. For the next few weeks I will be rotating from lab to lab. This week I am in the Immunologia dei Tumori Umani (Human Tumor Immunology,) and I am loving it! I have always had a passion  for the human asspect of science. The projects that are going on in the lab have extraordinary implications. Such as working with MDSC's (myeloid deprived suppressor cells) which suppress the immune systems response to disease and infections...

I will be the first to admit, that everything is confusing. I have not had a cellular biology course for over 2 1/2 years, and my background is in Neuroscience and Psychology. But, the cell bio is returning to me little by little... I am also relearning this in Italian... not that easy. However, I am happy to say that my Italian has improved tremendously after being here for 3 weeks. I am constantly speaking it and learning new vocabulary, and I am teaching my fellow researchers English...

So, I have finally settled in and have begun to make a life (for a year) in Padova. However, the thought of attending Padova University for my PhD has croseed my mind numerous times... We shall see.

Saluti e con amore,

 PJ

Salve tutti!

Well, I must say that things have been turning around! Today was my first day of work, and I must say that I am very happy. I am working in the Immunologia dei Tumori Umani (Immunology of Human Tumors... it's not dangerous don't worry!) I have some reading to do tonight! Literature! I want to become familiar with the project! Yes! I find this fun, and please DON"T LAUGH at me or call me a geek... cause I am not. 

The people who I am working with could not be any kinder. I have already been invited to one of my fellow colleague's boyfriend's home for dinner (she told him I spoke that I spoke English, and that I love to eat strange foods including Tripe, l'intestino, and cavallo... so does he apparently.) All the people in the lab are graduate students, which for me is a great eye opener, because I am considering applying to grad school.


Working in this setting is very intense and interesting. Coming from a very small (though elite) liberal arts school, I was overwhelmed in the beginning, but I soon got my bearings. I work from 9-6pm (thats right! 9 hrs!) lunedì a venerdì e il weekend è libero! 

Being at work and around people (talking Italian/English) helped me to meet other people and make new friends... We went for lunch, and then a cafè 30 min later.... I love my cafè (espresso)

To be honest I have over come a lot over the past 2 weeks, and each adversity has helped me to better my intellect, and maturity. I figured out the wash, have the maid coming this Thursday, I am able to shop for food (in Italian), made a copy of my keys, handled the insurance and Questura problem pretty well! Things are looking up! 

Right now I am at my favorite cafe where I have befriended the owners. If you are wondering, yes! I am drinking my aperitivo!

I have been doing a lot of thinking as well! After my year in Italy and working in a prestigious lab, with state of the art techniques and very important studies, I may decide to attend Graduate school here!  I know this would "kill my mother" but... Mom! You are invited to come live with me!!!

So! I am VERY happy! My entire outlook has changed! Now, my Italian adventure can officially begin!

a presto!

Salve tutti!

Spero che tu siano bene! Io sto bene perchè io comincio lavoro domain mattina!

This is very exciting! I have my lab coat (it's white FYI), I am getting an ID card and a swipe card… That’s right, this bitty has it made! Tomorrow, I will be beginning the first of three rotations. I am not sure I will be placed yet, but I am sure I will find it very interesting.

Today is Sunday, and in Padova everything is closed, except for a few cafès and shops. Despite that, the tourists still flock to San Antonio’s and other popular places, which I have learned to avoid on weekends. This morning I could barely move inside the massive basilica (okay, I didn’t avoid those areas today obviously.)

I have been do a lot of thinking. Even though I don’t know many people, my time in Padova has been extremely rewarding. I have met a few people here and there, and even some American students studying abroad in Padova. I have befriended the owners of the local WiFi café, and will for sure be making more friends at work, and most of them are students (my age!..)

Tonight, I am going to go out for my aperitivo (maybe two,) and then find a place to eat! I have only cooked in my apartment two times, plus I need to do a market run (I am  running low on food)

I am sure that once work begins, I will be adjusting even more. I will meet more people, and will busy all day... something I have not been since the May 7th of this year!

Tomorrow is another, and exciting day!

Buona giornata a tutti!

PJ

Salve tutti!

Today is another foggy day, but I think that the sun is trying to break through. I have been getting very annoyed. Not with the wash, the phone line, and other nonsense like that. The one thing that is really getting to me is the "friend" situation. I have many friends, but non are in Padova. I have been trying to be friendly, but no one has made the initiative on their part (only a few have.) Some of the people I met have been very secluded, and kind of cold.

I know I said this many times before, but I am feeling very lonely and my family and friends (the one's have back home) have told me it's completely normal (normale.) But, the feeling of isolation truly hurts.
To be honest, I hate eating alone and going out for an aperitivo da solo (alone.) I feel awkward, and I haven't had a decent conversation with someone for over 2 weeks. Coming out of college and university setting where I surrounded by friends was one thing. But being thrown into a different situation (please keep in mind that I choose to come to Italy and live and work... this was my decision) is taking me a much longer time to digest and make friends. I have tried, just not many have really tried on their part.

I have what it takes to become someone, and make friends. My family has given me a great gift and I can handle a lot things that are thrown my way. Maybe in the beginning it was hard, but I eventually got through it. However, this friend thing has really drained me. I know that once I begin work, I will be around other people constantly and be making friends. But I am just finding it hard, because I have been introduced to some people already, and I when try to meet up with them they tend not to answer me... Maybe I am over exaggerating or just letting my emotions really flow, but I am really feeling lonely.

Right now the perfect song to describe my emotion is "Slow Motion" Not the rap song, but the rather emotional/uplifting song... It seems that everything is moving too slowly for me, and I feel at this given point in time it captures my true emotion.

Being in another country it is hard to communicate with my good friends as I can't really call them up. So Facebook, email and this blog helps... but only so much. It is an outlet which allows me to communicate my true feelings without loosing it. I find it easier to write my feelings then explaining them to others because I am a very very emotional person (if you haven't already noticed.)

Despite my changing attitude from day to day, this post is probably the one that explains most of my problems at the moment. Not knowing anyone really hurts. I know that it is normal and everyone goes through this. When there is a language barrier it becomes harder. Even though I speak Italian, people know I am a foreigner when I open my mouth...It has not been easy to make friends here. I am not saying they are unfriendly in Italy... Everyone is very nice and welcoming here.

To be completely honest, I am lonely, and I hate this feeling. It feels depressing and weird. But in way everyone goes through it, at times of death, separation and divorce, and even living alone. It's something we all go through, but for some reason I have had the most difficult time dealing with it.

Salve tutti!

Addesso sto bevendo un spritz! (I am not an alcoholic) In Italy it is custom to have a before dinner drink. I like mine with Aperol compared to Campari which is too bitter (amoro)

These past couple of weeks have been a challenge all on there own; such as the infamous phone and internet which is still down and not working. I know I have been given this opportunity and I thank God for it everyday. Many of my friends are either out of work, in graduate school, or back home doing nothing... So, I should be only lucky to be here and surrounded by such wonderful people. Yes, it is hard to make friends, especially when I am not at work (I start Monday FYI,) and I am sure that I will meet new people everyday!

I love the people I am going to be working with! They are very kind and open. From the moment I first met them they have been very generous and kind to me, treating me like I was royalty or a VIP.

So I really had no right to be complaining all this time about not knowing anyone... I apologize for that. Granted, I have only been here for 2 1/2 weeks, I need to be patient. Something I lack. Hopefully, after living here for at least one year I will be given that gift!

I am making headway. Tonight or this weekend I may be meeting up with some people after dinner (I will be safe Mom.) Tomorrow I may be getting a bicicletta! FINALLY! Oh! And my family friend helped me figure out the wash, and the maid is able to do my wash, dry cleaning and everything else... I just made myself sound like the biggest mammoni but you know what? I AM! Well... used to be. I don't know to may mammoni's who live in a foriegn country alone.

I have been talking to my family and they have been constantly giving me courage and strength as I am not really a student. Typically, students would be around other students constantly. Me, I need to make my own friends, and do everything independently. This will only help me and make me a stronger person both physically and mentally. Although I still scream when I find a giant spider on my bathroom, bedroom, or living room wall.

ci vediamo!

Caro tutti!

Il mio l'incontro è andato bene! Infatti io comincio lunedì. (My meeting went well! In fact I start Monday) Friday however, I am planning on attending a seminar at 2pm on tumor oncology at the Medical school... (yes this seminar is ALL in Italian) Its a great way for me to brush up on my Italian.

Also, in preparation for Monday, I had to buy my FIRST lab coat! I look dashing in it by the way!
Monday, I begin my rotations in the three labs and by the end of November I will decide which lab I will work with... EXCITING!

These are some pics from Venezia!

Caro tutti!

What a day! Busy, Busy, Busy. However, I must say that I am happy with how it turned out! I had to report to the Questura, to get the permit of my stay because the Security Guard in Rome did not stamp my Passport. So I spent half the day in a crowded room. I am reluctant that the University scheduled the appointment, and had someone go with me who knew the system! Without the University or the women's help, I would have had a much harder time. The only scary thing about the Questura was having people (non-Italians) staring at me... Not going to lie... it was creepy!

But I got it stamped! YAY!

As I normally do, I went for lunch at the local WiFi cafè, and did some reading and facebooking (I am not a facebook junkie) After catching up on emails and oranizational stuff, I decided to call my parental units...Although I forgot the time change and ended up calling them at 6 am instead of 7am. oops! MY BAD!

Being in Italy has been opening up many doors! This may sound strange after my previous posts about not having many friends, but I am finally beginning to get in to life and starting to live by the "piano piano" lifestyle. We will see how that turns out when I return home... Though I don't know any one yet, I need to take it slow. I am not alone, I have a friend in Vicenza and I am meeting another this weekend, spero (I hope.)

For those of you who have been to Padova know about the graduation ceremony, and the display of public humiliation and roasting that goes on in Piazza del Bo. Almost everyday, differnt wild outfits, but the same song! Why don't we do that in the States?

Tomorrow night, good family friends are having me over for dinner, and they have a girl (una ragazza che è lo stesso età come me... for those of you who don't speak Italian I said they "have a girl who is my age" who they want me to meet!

There is still no word of when I will be starting work, but hopefully sometime next week at the latest. They still had no idea about my schedule and hours yesterday. This little setback has made me anxious to start. I graduated back in May, and would be back in school by now if I went straight into graduate school, but I didn't and for good reason! Lets face it! I am a young, sexy, and a bachelor! Plus, I don't want to rush into anything, as the next step is very important.
But enough rambling... I am in Italy! And the food is great! I have been eating out each night but Mom and Dad, no worries, I have not yet eaten Tripe, intestino (intestent,) kidney, liver, or brain yet... but don't worry if I find it I will! BWAHAHAHA. Just kidding. But honestly, I would eat Tripe and l'intestino again, just never Brain. After studying it for four years and disecting about three of them in one year I don't find it that tastey.

Tonight, I am going out for an aperitivo (by myself)... I don't mind it!


Well got run!

a presto!

PJ

Ciao tutti,

What a weekend! This weekend I went to Venice for the day on Saturday, but ended up coming home around mid day because it was just too crowded for me... I mean too many tourists (okay I am a tourist also,) but I just wasn't having that much fun being around throngs of people in areas that were away from all the hot spots like Saint Marks, the Rialto, and various other areas. I can say however, that I did discover a new spot in Venice; the fish market. Despite the fishy smell, I actually enjoyed spending time walking around the market looking at all the fish (some were creepy looking I must say) Hey... I am passionate cook, (I am NOT GAY!) I just love to cook, and to be honest I think its a GREAT way to attract women. So guys! If you cook kudos!

So yes! Venice was nice and a very short train ride. Being on the water was very relaxing and soothing. It was nice to get out of Padova and see something different for a change. I even got there on my own without any trouble! The train system here, despite delays, is in my opinion much easier than the train systems in the States, including NJ Transit, no offense.

Venice is a great city to get lost in because you never know what you will find. For instance, I stumbled upon the fish market and some beautiful churches..... take that tour book!

That was basically my Saturday.... BUT! Sunday was different. No, I did not go to another city.
I actually went to Church at San Antonio's. Beautiful service!

After, I spent the day walking around Padova and finally took a nap in Prato Della Valle on the grass. That night, I took a stroll through Piazza Dei Fiori where there was a street fair with food, animals and live bands! Even though I was by myself, I must say I really enjoyed every minute of it! I even bought castagne cotte (cooked cheasnuts!) DELICIOUS!!!!

For dinner I found a small Osteria where I had a pumpkin feast; pumpkin flan with a tomato sauce, and baby gnocchi with a gorgonzola and pumpkin sauce..

This week is VERY busy, as I start work on Thursday (hopefully), and I need to go the Questura on Tuesday at 9:30 am... don't ask. But lets just say, I am ready to begin work and meet new people!

Well, the weather has begun to get warmer... what did I tell you! So, I did go to the Busonera today, only to find out that I am not starting until Thursday now, and that I need to go the Questura next week. The Questura is the place where I need to go to get a permit of my stay, because my passport was not stamped in Rome.... just my luck. The announcement on the plane said it's a free day to enter Italy... whatever that means, so I did not have to customs or fill out that blue form. Just got to remember to ask to get a stamp next time, because I don't want to return to the Questura again. If the guard did stamp it, I would not have to do this beurocratical nonsense, but whatever, its a learning experience... It's just not my idea fun to do it in Italian.

Tomorrow I may go to Venezia since some of my plans fell through.... (Dad, I know you are happy to here this...) We shall see. I may just stay in Padova.

I have been discovering a lot.. even a gym, but the prices are not worth it! I have work from 9am-6pm and need to work weekends too.. so there is no gym time. Plus, I am not spending 580 euro on an annual gym to use it once or twice a week.

I will also admitt that I am beginning to feel home sick, and some culture shock. It is not easy being alone and not knowing anyone your age... If I was with students, and other people most of the time I would not be feeling this way. I honestly just want to start work so I can be meeting other people besides spiders and other creatures on my wall.

Enough, of my whinning... Lets talk FOOD! I discovered a new food. Sfiliacci! Just dont ask me what it is... I dont want to offend anyone... so you can look it up! It's a shredded type of meat.

I can say that I have been eating well...however, I have yet to cook in my kitchen, and going out each night ain't cheap.. I may make myself a pasta and salad tonight! After all.. I did go to the market to buy food.

Addesso ho bisogno di andare... c'è più per vedere e fare...(e mangiare)

PJ

The cold weather is finally settling in on Padova. Then again, yesterday was ugly and by noon (mezzogiorno) it was HOT! So, we shall see today! My adventures today will be running around like a headless chicken. I already went to the bank...thats right, the bank, to register for an insurance plan for the lab... I am happy to admit that that went over very well. No problems!

The other day, I was sitting outside the Palazzo del Bo watching students graduate the university. You know, I have witnessed this so far everyday. It is quite a sight. It is a public roast, and their friends write them a long message, and everytime they make a mistake they need to chug some wine... Every once and a while they break into singing "Dottore, Dottore..." there is more to this song, but I forgot the words. So, since I graduated already... maybe I should do this... lol. Because, in Italy I am considered a Dr.! Yup! If you graduate the university you are automatically considered a Dr.

I am right now in a rush to head over to the Busonera (where I work.) They need more documents from me... So I will update everyone later today on my adventures.... I am meeting a friend tomorrow in Padova! Finally! Its been lonely walking around Padova by myself!

a presto,

PJ

Salve,

Today was the first ugly day thus far... lots of fog! Yuk! But I will admit the hustle and bustle lifestyle of the city and the markets continued... For me it has just been a SLOW day. I did go to the market to buy some cheese, fruits and veggies, because once work begins the time to shop quickly disappears.

Today would have been my first day in the lab, but it was pushed back to Monday the 5th, and now even further to the 7th! Well, I have more time to enjoy the city! It's just getting very frustrating. I know where I am working, but my schedule, and actual job within the lab will not be given to me until next week, the day before I begin. Having no internet in my apartment, it will be hard to get this important email. (If you are wondering how I am writing this post, I am in a WiFi Cafè.

Tomorrow is another busy day, as I need to go to the bank to get my lab insurance. I know your thinking "the bank?" Yes! I thought that to! I will admit that I am the kind of person who needs to be VERY organized. Especially when it comes to research, work, and even school! I need to be informed about a work schedule (and even my job) in advanced; not the day before, especially when it is not easy to check email. To be honest I was so excited to start in the lab today, but having it pushed back another week stressed me out just a little bit...(Mom, I admit that's an understatement.)

My frustration level shot up tremendously. I know I am in Italy, but adjusting to the "piano piano" life style is NOT easy when you grow up in a community where everything is completed and initiated very quickly.


a presto,

PJ