So this week was very interesting! As you all know by now, I begun working independently in the lab. Initially, this was tough considering my research background. All of my colleagues have for more experience with laboratory work and either are working on their PhD or already have it. But, I am learning… Tomorrow I extract RNA again and prepare a pellet for Wednesday’s extraction. As they say practice makes perfect.

Well, the weekend was pretty interesting considering I went into the “mountains” on Saturday. Yes! If you haven’t heard or looked at my facebook page, I was in Belluno. Ok, you would think after reading the tour books and noting that Belluno is where the Venetian plains meet the Dolimiti that Belluno would sound like a pretty town. However, after a two and half hour train ride through plains and mountains I arrived in Belluno and was in shock! It was a DUMP! I should have listened to my friends and godmother… One friend called it a “hole” and the others said it’s blah! They were right! I don’t think I will ever be going up to Belluno anytime soon. I would like to go back to Cortina d’Ampezzo. Now that’s a beautiful town in the mountains! So I decided after walking around for 1 hr to get back on the train and head back to Padova. Prior to my departure I stopped of for lunch. Try to guess where I ate! 

Hint #1: I never eat here

Hint #2: My friends were all shocked when I told them

Hint #3: Trans-fat

If you haven’t guessed by now, I ate at McDonalds… ick! Haha. I am in Italy and I eat at McDonalds…. What’s wrong here?

Okay, enough of my complaint with Belluno and lunch. Back in Padova I decided to go out for a spritz at Pedrochi… expensive but worth it! Shortly after, I met up with friends and we went out for spritz in the Ghetto (the old Jewish section, not the other Ghetto….) Great place, and  great atmosphere! By the time we finished it was 9:00pm and we were making our way to dinner at a local Osteria. The food was Tuscan and the décor was Siena and the Palio… All the banners from each contrada were hanging on the ceiling and walls. The food was terrific! I had a Pasta alla Colonna. A famous dish comprised of lard… figures I would be the one to order this! I must say however, that it was excellent! The entire day was made up for during spritz and dinner! I can’t wait for next week!