Caro a mia familia, amici, e stranieri,

Just wanted to update you all and let you all know that my meeting at the Busonera (where I am working) went very well. I officially begin next week, and I love the people in the lab. They are all extremely nice. I am not sure if I mentioned this but I am working in the Department of Oncology and Surgery. :-)

CANT WAIT TO START!!!!!!!!! Finalamente!

Well! I have been here for just about one week! To be exact it is my 6th day here in Padova, and I have already done and discovered a lot. For example... there is a fencing gym five minutes from my apartment! When I found this out I was excited. Today I have to meet with my boss at the Busonera where I will be working for the next year. Her lab deals a lot with Neuroimmunology... something I am very interested in as a matter of fact.

Being in Italy is very different. Despite having traveled to Italy numerous times and even studying here in college, I must admit that being independent and no where near American students is both a relief and difficult. On the plus side, I am learning more about myself and how well I can cope with adversity. When I was in Italy with my class we spoke english to often, but being alone I am finding myself using Italian even more; at the cafè, at the market, and in phone conversations. So far so well (I think!)

If you thought the garbage in the States was a pain, spend a week with me. I have four separate garbage cans with four separate garbage bags for each... It was not easy understanding which goes in which... But hey! I am in a different country! It's fun and exciting!

I have adjusted very well! I am slowly but surely making friends, I am meeting a friend for lunch this weekend, and then going out with another (possibly) next week. To really press the small world story, my friend who I am going out with this weekend is a good friend of someone (my age) who I met at the golf course in Padova six years ago...


Padova really is a great city! It's beautiful, small, and very Italian! I have yet to see an American tourist!

a presto!