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