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