So, I am back in foggy freddissimo Padova. Valencia was HOT HOT HOT! I was amazed with the diversity of the city and architecture, and people. It was very different. I have never traveled  to Spain before, and I would love to go back very soon! However, the food was ok. I did not eat well during my stay. For food, I recommend Italy. But, I was not there just to eat.

Many of you know that I was there for the Ferrari Pirreli World Cup. Very exciting. My sister was jealous of me. She is a car fanatic, and told me before I left... "Why are you going? You don't apprectiate cars.."

The first night, we went to the big gala with all the heads of Ferrari and the racers... However, I watched from the outside because we couldn't get in... So, we went to dinner and flaminco and then out to the bars... Many of you who know me from F&M will be very proud of your buddy! I stayed out till 4:30/5am and we had a bus to catch at 9am... :D

That day, I saw the most Ferraris I have ever seen in my entire life. The new FXX, formula 1's, Pirrelli, and much much much more! I really enjoyed the race, it was very exciting! I know for a fact my friends are all jealous because many of them have told me... sorry bitties! I have pictures for you!

So overall I had a wonderful experience in a new country. Though I didn't eat well, I still had a lot of fun! Come on! FERRARIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The only regret is that I flew Ryanair! NEVER AGAIN! The pain, annoyance, and screaming I went through... Take this story... To avoid the 35 euro fee for my carry on which was supposed to be 10kg and weighed in at 11.5kg I had to wear three jackets on board... I couldn't carry them, they made me wear them on board. Why? I have no clue.. my suitcase and body go in the same space so what does it matter? They do have great fares, but they RIP YOU OFF! I am shocked they didn't charge me for breathing or fastening my seatbelt!

Incase you were worried about me, and my flight, I have arrived safely to Valencia, Spain. So I am here ya´ll :-D

ATTENTION BITTY LAND!

Today I am leaving for Valencia, Spagna for two days... I return Monday night to Padova. In Valencia I will see a Ferrari Formula 1 race, and be able to see parts of the city! When I get back, pictures will posted on the blog, and on Facebook... So keep a look out! CIAO!

a presto...

:D

Today I it was raining cats and dogs, but I went to Verona for Elisabetta's parents 52 wedding anniversary. The meal was excellent! I have never had a bad meal yet. Last night's meal was wonderful! Thank you Pietro! I am sure I will be venturing back, if I can find the place again :-D But, the bar is easier to find... :-)

So, going back to Verona, in Verona... For the past 2 Sunday's I have been eating VERY long meals... It's great because it's like a dinner too! I save money and food this way... Maybe I will eat some cheese and salad because at this moment your buddy (me) is SFINITO! (Dead.. finished... stuffed beyond belief)

What did I eat? Lots! Besides the wine, and drinks from last night with Pietro and his friends, today I had more wine too! But not too much don't worry!

For my primo piatto I ate pasta with sausage and radicchio, and for the second course... monk fish, then some strong liquor chocolate thing for desert and finished off with a cafè. Then more food when we went back to Elisabetta's parent's house, followed by more wine... The meal was wonderful and I was surrounded by wonderful people as well! My Italian is getting better, but it is still aggrevating at times because I can understand, but to respond is the hardest part. The night that I went out with Pietro and his friends was though because my Italian isn't the best, even though I can write and read it very well! Ma Pietro parla inglese molto bene! Grazie dio!

Sono pronto per questa settimana, e più per il weekend! Andrò a Valencia, Spain, per un giro di Ferrari! Che culo! :-D

A domani... forsè. Forsè avrò i foto da scherma e miei amici da CUS!!!!!! However, I have only hung out with this crowd at practice.. I am going to ask for their numbers tomorrow! They are all my age and students in Padova. My other friends, are students in Milan...

"Oh What a Night"

So, last night I ventured out into the hills (nei colli) with Pietro and his friends to eat carne! It was a great experience, and I was able to eat amazing foods! First course, Biogli al Ragù, and then we split 3 ways Bisteca Florentina! Yummmm! Not to mention, I also had an appetizer (shared) of corstini con lardo... you can guess what it is....

After dinner, at around 11:45, we then ventured out the bar, in the center of town... This bar is actually 5 min from my apartment. I really enjoyed myself last night. Everyone was so friendly and a lot of fun to talk to!

FUNNY NEWS FLASH!

So, you in the movies how one poor shmuck gets drenched while walking on the sidewalk... Yup! I am one!

The other day I was walking home from work, and it was rainning, so I decided not to risk riding my bike on wet stone... I have seen many people wipe out before.

Anyway, I was on the sidewalk minding my own business. The next thing I knew a truck (camion) was heading in my direction, and once it approached it hit a HUGE puddle. Of course, I had to be right next to the puddle, so all the dirty, muddy streety water splashes everywhere..... I was drenched! Ero tutto bagnato! But I hear this happens often in Italy... so I will most likely be taking yet another "street bath" again!

Salve tutti!

Just wanted to send another update... A lot has happened since the last email! Work is going very well...I am learning a lot, and using my hands more and more. This week I have been extracting RNA to determine the integrity (RIN: RNA Integrity Number) of the gene marker for colon cancer, assisting in projects with IL4Ralpha (which causes immunosuppression of T-cell response,) and I have been given my own line of cells (lymphoblasts; Sica-EBV... not that I expect you all to know what that means) to follow... simply to practice with... It will not be long before they give me my own project to do :-D

I have been learning a lot about myself as well, as expanding my scientific background. As you all know the beginning was very tough for me, and I had to face and overcome many adversities.
 However, I finally adjusted and have been making friends everyday even though I am in the lab from 8:30am to about 6pm Monday-Friday. Great prep for graduate school!

I am now capable of dealing with bureaucratic nonsense, phone companies (not fun), food shopping and other day to day things.To be honest, the most difficult and scariest thing is probably riding my bicicletta that I just bought and installed a cestino (basket.) It is safe and easy to ride it in the city, but you just need to  be very cautious. The drivers here are pazzissimi (very crazy,) and stop for nothing! But I have been very safe :) Only fell once... getting off the bike. Ma sono tutto bene! Nessuno mi hanno visto.. io penso?  (no one saw me.. i think?)

The thought about staying an extra year, or even for graduate school still crosses my mind. This past week, I started a course in Oncologìa (Oncology,) which is of course ALL in Italian. I was surprised that I could understand just about everything! Looks like my Italian has really improved! However, I am learning the Veneto dialect, and some other expressions... which have dual meanings, so I need to be careful of the context I use them in :-D

Quindi, tutti vanno bene! (Everything is going well)

I am sorry that I have yet to post pictures.... I don't have any of my friends and I yet.. but soon! hopefully by the beginning/middle of November.... (I am now officially on Italian time... so bare with me.) haha.

With love,

PJ