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

Ciao! So as you can tell by my title today, I went with friends to an Osteria last night! Yes! I did have a fun time, but the food was sub-par.

To begin... My day was comprised of food shopping in town, running in the rain (stupid idea, never do that,) went home, showered, went back into town to the cafe and hung around until dinner. In my "giro" I ran into one of my buddies who I was going to be having dinner with that night! After walking around town for a bit we decided to go for a cafe at Cafè Pedrochi. Yes! This is the pricey cafe in Padova, but it is actually very famous and I also believe that it was the first cafe in Padova. However, we didn't drink the typical cafe, we got Cafe alla menta! Mint cafe! I will admit it was awkward, but the espresso and mint cream blended harmoniously together... It was good!

After, I decided to head of for my spritz at a local enoteca before meeting everyone in Prato for dinner. I actually had a glass of white wine from Sicily. Fruity, but tasty!

Just thought this was interesting... Being a die hard skier, epicurean, gormand... whatever synonym comes to mind for those that seek-pleasure in gourmet foods.
However, I want you all to know that I am not a gluten! I just like eating... good foods, and non of that fast food shit, even though I inhaled a large fries and an awful chicken wrap at McDonalds up in Belluno.

After reading this article I could not help to resist going up to Cortina... When the author talked about that marriage of powder and food, I just had to get up there! Therefore, I am going to try to go up there the week before I go home... I may even going skiing on Saturday! I don't care about renting... I NEED TO GET BACK ON THE MOUNTAIN! ASAP! I could be a ski bum! I don't care! However, my mother may be upset, but she would have a place to ski (I am go down the hill in her power-wedge!) No, I am kidding. Having been a ski/boarding instructor for a little bit, I have to say my mother is pretty good skier!

Hope you enjoy the article as much as I did!


Here is the link!

http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/01/24/travel/24cortina.html?pagewanted=1&sq=Italy&st=cse&scp=3

Today was a "graduation day" at work! I no longer need to extract RNA! I have perfected and properly learned the extraction method. I will still be growing my Sica-EBV cellular line to have more pellets on hand. I actually am now extracting and purifying DNA! It's a much simpler method, but there is more waiting around for the sample to incubate or go for spin in the centrifuge! I did my first today! It went okay, however the NanoDrop analysis was schiffo (horrible,) but hey! Cut me some slack it was my first time extracting DNA! DNA MAN.... DNA! haha

Tonight I am going to the barber for a shave, and I am just finishing my spritz! I think after the barber, I will get a bite to eat in town, then head on home and do some studying! Yes! I am studying still for the GRE and also for lab. Studying the techniques and protocols, because I never had a molecular course! This is great prep for graduate school!

This weekend I am debating where to go... Thiene, where my father parents come from... OR Ferrara where the Ferrari factory is. I heard Thiene is pretty, and so is Ferrara. But, being an indecisive man (yes! in this moment I am) I am going to ask your opinion. I have researched each city online but can't decide. I want to do a day trip, because I am meeting up with friends on Saturday night! And! I figured out how to get to Pompeii! I go to Roma after work, on a Friday, and take a train from Roma on Saturday to Pompeii for the day and then go back Rome! I just want to see it! I still need to get to Southern Italy before I leave Italy. I mean! I am part southern to begin with. My physical features are mainly from the Napoli area!

Well, I would love to stay and chit chat but I need to go for my shave!

Tootles e a presto!