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.)

More pictures from Ferrara!!!! Sadly no Ferrari

When I say Ferrara you say Ferrari!

Today, I woke up to cloudy weather here in Padova, but that did not stop me from taking a little day trip to a neighboring city... I thought that Venice would also be cloudy, and therefore had to forfeit my option of venturing out to the Venetian Islands, more specifically Torcello, which houses the oldest building (Cathedral, if you want to be exact,) in the entire island chain. having been constructed in AD 639. My second option was Bassano Del Grappa, but I have already been there and decided I should probably go somewhere new... Where other than Ferrara, however I wasn't looking into buying a Ferrari nor would I think it would be a good investment at the moment.

At first when I walked out of the station I think I said "cavolo" but who really cares. It seemed like a dump. However, once I followed the signs to centro and after a 20 minute walk I was in complete awe!

The city center was elaborate, vibrant and maintained it's own personality; one that was warm and welcoming. I have never really seen such beauty prior. However, small, the city had a lot to offer and see. From the welcoming side streets to pedestrian ally-ways, to the Duomo, to the Castle and of course to the food. Sadly, I didn't eat a memorable meal here.. just a pizza. Bummer, because Emilia Romagna is the region known for it's food! This is a city I will definitely have to take my parents to for the weekend. I know they would appreciate it for the food, art, and personality that it endures.

Ferrara maintained a hustle bustle feel similar to that of Padova on a typical Saturday as it is another University town. However, the climate was much warmer and graize dio, the sun was out.

So a lot has happened since my last post. Therefore, I need to update everyone on my adventures in Padova and of course Italy. Since my return I really haven't ventured outside the city yet, as I have been sedulously studying for the GRE on top of working in the lab. However, i am not locking myself inside like I did in college to torture myself to the bone. I am in Italy and I need to take advantage of my location and opportunities.

Last week was my friends birthday so we all went out to local Spanish joint outside of Padova in Salvezzano. A small town near Abano Terme. There we had the feast that never ended. Despite being served tiny portions, I must all in all the night was wonderful! What better to spend it then with friends? So after the 15 course meal... that's absolutely right! Your eyes aren't playing tricks on you! 15 courses! That's probably the biggest dinner I have ever had in my entire life!

The other night I decided to venture out into town to grab a bite to eat after contemplating what I was to do... Cook my own dinner, or be spontaneous and grab a bite to eat at an Osteria (Osteria Fabbri)
To be honest, I actually enjoyed eating out at the local Osteria. The food was great, and the environment was warm and welcoming. Nestled in the Ghetto, this Osteria offered a wide variety of selections. I however had the Lard and cooked rabbit with a balsamic reduction glaze sauce. Fantastic!

Now it is spring time in Padova, and the allergies are beginning to get me. Pretty soon they mutate and attack me head on....... Just like at F&M.I just need to survive through April 9th and assuming that all goes according to plan, and I don't bomb the GRE, it should all be smooth sailing from then on out. I would just need to write my essays, which would not be a problem! I love writing!

I am looking forward to the coming weeks! For Easter, I am going to Luzern, then I will be in Milano the following week for the GRE, then heading up (maybe) to Lugano, Switzerland for the night on Saturday, and then my friend comes to Padova to visit!

So I just recently returned to Padova after an unexpected 2 week trip home which I prefer not to get into. My first few days back I spent battling the infamous jet-lag that accompanies any trans-atlantic flight. Basically, I just vegged and ventured off into the city to purchase all the necessities such as food (something we all know I can't live without.) The past few days have been gorgeous; sunny and warm! To make matters even better, there is more day light! Finally, I can leave work at 6pm/7pm and still see the sun! It's amazing!

I am very happy to be back, and I am looking forward to seeing my friends and colleagues again! 
There are more adventures planned and more outings with friends! I am keeping this blog short because I am currently studying for the GRE which I take in 2 weeks! I have already been able to increase my math score by over 100 points! Now, if only I can repeat that on the test day! haha

Ciao da Chester, NJ!

That's correct! I am back in the "908" for one week (at least that's the current update.) My return to Italy all depends on the Visa... which is looking both positive and negative. It can go either way....

My flight home was obviously long and grueling, but I managed to make two American friends who are living in Italy, and very close to me. So at the end of the flight we exchanged contact information. I also found out that they are on my return flight back to Italy. I was sitting next to a very nice guy (my age) on the plane. The flight makes all the difference when sitting next to someone who is friendly.

I will keep this blog short, but at the airport in Venice security was extremely tight! I was happy to see these precautionary measures, but at the same time it delayed our already delayed flight. We check in at the front, go through security, then passport control, then before we boarded all 200+ passagners (it was a fully booked flight) had to be body searched, and had our bags searched by hand. They had to open everything! But I made it back alive. During our decent, we were told we would be arriving at Gate 9... We land... "Sorry folks, but there are no gates available for us!" eh......Vaffuncolo! That night I chowed down on an endless supply of Sushi! Something I haven't had since I left!

Caro tutti! So, tomorrow I depart, once again for the country of my birth... USA. All my bags are packed and I am ready to go! However, I am dreading the flight; both coming and  returning. I have never been more uncomfortable on an airplane when flying. The plane is old, uncomfortable, and the attendants are snippy, caddy and rude. What I am trying to say is that the service could use a slight tweek! Honestly, in passing through the first class section which looked anything far from first class, I said... this is like flying coach on Continental. Continental is by far the most comforting. Warmer cabin, and better food.  But it's only a 9-10 hr flight! Lots of time for movies, books, studying, and sleeping! To make matters even more agitating, Delta, once again overbooked the flight... oddddiooooooo!!!!! (good-grief)

The purpose of my return is not confidential, so I will tell you all! My mission, this time, is to return yet again to the Italian Consulate of NY to request the VISA to stay until September. This time I have all the documents plus more in the event they press my buttons. I am more aware of how to deal with them... I am not leaving until I get something, or they kick me out. I made it this far, and managed to obtain all the required documents. It's on their website, so if they begin to bust my balls again, I can simply just produce this print-out.

All of my colleagues and people within the institute are all pulling for me! They were very happy when I told them I received the document that would allow me to get the VISA. However, I shouldn't get to excited, because the consulate still has the final say, but I it's looking pretty positive.

My days (this week) have been spent on packing, studying for the GRE, (but honestly, how much vocab and math can I study,) and working on graduate schools...Right now I am really pushing John Hopkins. I have been looking into their Neuro and Immunology programs, but have been taking a recent interest in NF1/NF2 and Pediatric Neurology... Perhaps I can somehow tie in Pediatric Neuro with neurofibromatosis types I and II. It's a thought.....Speaking, of neuroscience, I am reading a cool book on the study of human obsession entitled "This is Your Brain on Music" It's very interesting, right now the author is going into depth on the musical background. Luckily I have background in this having taken a course in Music where we studied the technical applications and music history of Western Art Music. Loved it! Great way to start the morning....

I find that I can spend the majority of my brain power on neuro based applications, and less for other things! I guess that's a very good sign, and I am already heading in the right direction by choosing something neurologically based.   Interesting enough, if you check out my facebook page, you see how much of a nerd I am by looking at my video upload on Auditory Transduction. This was one of my favorite pathways apart from the Visual pathways.

Well, until next time!

Ci vediamo ed a presto!

What a day!!!!! As you all know, I went back into Venice for the day, to witness Carnevale again! This time however, there were more people, and even more things going on all over the city. I will be the first to  say that the train ride in was a living hell!
This time, I took the regional train and there were no seats, people were standing in the aisle, and the spaces by the exit were full! If I took the EScity or one of the high speeders I would have had a seat, but the regional trains are different. It made the experience a living hell, but also quite interesting and a little funny now that I look back at it. We were cramped like a jar of olives for 30-45 min and couldn't move a muscle! The worst was when we stopped in Meastre to let even more people on! (Oh! I should mention, the train ride back to Padova was similar, but gradually the train emptied instead of getting more crowded and more crowded with each stop.) 

Being stuck in purgatory for 30 min was just a small price to pay for what awaited me in Venezia. I was greatly impressed this time around, as there were more masks, more flamboyant and creative costumes! In all honesty you would want to curse or even regret going in (like I did at first,) but it was well worth it in the end and an experience of a life time. It is something you have to do! It's one of the those Things to do before you die.

Carnevale was one giant party... go figure!  I heard so many different languages including English... oddly enough! I could tell by their accent that they were American, more specifically, from the east coast. If I had to guess I would say New York area? There were people from France, Germany, Italy, The States, Great Britain, and Asia! Just being in Venice was incredible. But is it not? .There really isn't so much to say about what we did considering we just walked around, went to the Rialto bridge and St. Marks square, were there was some performance going on with giant bugs and an old puppet show! My favorite part was the costumes and the decorations and traditions that occurred throughout the day.

We also made our way down to the Danieli Hotel (you know that 5 star right on the grand canal) and just stood there talking for a while, and soaking in all of the beauty of Venice.

Carnevale is a lot like Mardi Gras but probably more conservative without the beads and women tearing off their tops at any chance they get! The masks and costumes all date back to the time when Venice was a Republic, and all hold great historical significance. I am not sure of the exact meanings, but every mask and style describes someone's social status within society. You would think that there would be only masks like I did going in, but I actually saw Halloween like outfits as well...
 People dressed as Sheep, cows, Noah and the Ark, clowns, and even a Spritz, which I thought was pretty cool! I think for Halloween next year I will go as a Sprtiz! 

I am happy that I decided to take the opportunity to see Venice at this time of year. I have only seen Venice in the summer, when it is hot! Now, it was cold, and had a very different atmosphere but managed to maintain its majestic atmosphere;  a beautiful yet colorful atmosphere!

Tomorrow (12th of Feb) I am going to Carnevale again in Venice for the day! This time with people!

And I decided on Luzern, Switzerland for my 3-day vacation in April!

Upcoming adventures!

Attention to all my American bitties! I will be home in NJ (according all goes to plan with this Visa document) from the 20th to the 27th of Februrary

Easter: April 2-5th I will be in either Lucerna or Bern, Switzerland

April 9-12th Lugano Switzerland

Weekend trip in May: Termoli (Southern Italy) It's a small town so I could leave early Saturday and come back late Sunday! 

Will keep you all posted!

Catch 22, the story of my life

So, I just got back from the movies! I saw Avatar in 3D... Even better the second time! But enough  of that...

Here is a quick update from the front... In order to register for the course in Legal Medicine, I need to have a Visa.. when I was told I need to register in order to get the official Visa! Addesso, io proprio dico... CHE DUE PALLE!!!!

I will keep yall up to date. I may be going back to Venice this weekend for yet another hoooorah at Carnavale! This time with friends... I am not going to go alone!

It's always a good idea to be spontaneous!

So, this morning I woke up, went for a run, this time in the sun, came back, showered, and went into town to eat and study for the GREs. After 2-3 hours of studying, drinking my cafè and munching on a muffin, I decided to go to St. Antonio's to pray. It wasn't until shortly after (when I was walking out of church,) that my spontaneous nature settled in. For those of you who know me... YES! I am becoming more spontaneous... Brace yourself!


I was near the Bo' and cafè Pedrochi when I decided to hop a train to Venezia! I actually had no camera and no tour book (it was already 1:30pm and my books and camera were at my apartment on the other side of town,) but I decided to go in anyway to just walk around and try not to get lost again.

Getting lost in Venezia is probably the most scariest thing that has ever happened to me, apart from Thunderstorms and snakes. In all honesty, Venezia would be the perfect place for a horror movie because of the narrow pathways, and uncountable dead-ends. Just don't ever get lost in Venice at night!
 Always bring a map! However, I managed to get lost with the map once. Venice is tricky.. not going to lie.

My day took an interesting turn, when I walked out of the station doors. A different Venice was before my eyes! Yes, the water was still there, but capes, gowns, hats, and masks filled the streets! "Che palle! It is Carnavale! " this was my first thought, but after a few minutes joy ran through my body!
Okay okay... At first I was agitated because nobody would move, and the streets are too narrow. It was like herding cattle! And I was one of the cattle.

 Finally, after loosing the crowds, (and not getting lost, beato me (lucky me)) I made my way into some nicer sections. I even managed to purchase a hat and a mask! However, two young women saw me and burst into laughter! But who cares, they don't know me, and will never ever ever see me again! It was Carnavale and everyone had some type of outfit on.

I will admit that I actually enjoyed Carnavale! I never witnessed it before and it was beautiful! I actually enjoyed myself so much, I want to go back in next weekend when there will be more costumes, and sadly hoards of people!

I am very reluctant that I had this urge to get out of Padova. Despite not having my camera, I saw something different, something I have never seen before, something I have always dreamed of seeing. It's great having such a lovely and majestic city 30 minutes from you! When the weather gets warmer I will be exploring the islands more and maybe going to Lido... the beach! haha