Sunday, July 21, 2013

Progress?

hello all,

just checking in...
if your sites are like mine,
then there are several things happening all at once.
additionally, the reality of the summer coming to a close places an extra spin on things.
curious how your projects have developed.
let me know. 
I think I mentioned it before,
but my two big projects are related to cystic fibrosis and gastroschisis.

hope all are well.

j.p.   

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Greetings from Brazil! Week 1

Hi all,

Joseph, a conference at a resort sounds fancy! And Pam, it is nice to hear the you are getting along well at INSP. Can't wait to learn what everybody else were up to this week.

Well, I am really happy with my placement with Dr. Peres at FioCruz. Dr. Peres and his wife Carla, my office mate and second person for questions, are super nice. The project is even better than I had imagined so I will be able to have a paper by the end of the summer in addition to a follow-up project after I get back. Hooray!!!

Oh, have you guys seen the news? It is going down around here. People are on the streets protesting the increased cost of living in the country. The police is arresting people for having vinegar (long story)! It is mayhem! Despite the turbulent times, I haven't had any major problems (other than when I forgot to take my wallet to the supermarket and a well intentioned lady offered to buy me food. This REALLY happened! LOL).

Have an awesome time, guys!

At FioCruz - Oswaldo Cruz bust 

Friday, June 14, 2013

Cuernavaca - Week 1

Hi Guys!!

My first week in Cuernavaca was good. I guess the hardest thing to do was adjusting to a 9-5 workday, as  students we get spoiled by the flexibility in our schedule. I find it so hard to focus for more than 2-3 hrs in a row, then I find myself chatting it up with the other people sharing the office with me. My mentor is great, she is super sweet, I had my first follow up meeting with her today to show the progress of my work. So far so good : D. 


I hope you guys are having a great time!!!

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

SPAIN

Hey All,

Things are good here as well.  Yesterday was an orientation day and today was work, work, work.  I really liked it.  I am jealous of the beach scene however....looks amazing!  Sorry to hear about rainy Cuernavaca, bummer.  I hope the sun comes out soon.  I am working with some really amazing people and I feel like its going to be productive!  I caught a really nice glimpse of the Mediterranean upon arrival, but haven't had the opportunity to see again since flying in.  Although, we have a conference at a resort nearby next week, yeaaah!  Good luck to all.

All the best,

Joseph

Monday, June 10, 2013

First Day in Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro

Hi All,

How was your flights? Well, mine was exhausting. But, after 10 hrs trying to squeeze some comfort out of an airplane seat I was rewarded with the wonderful city of Rio de Janeiro. Not too shabby! As a fan of Bossa Nova, I was tear-eyed to finally see where Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Morais wrote classics such as Girl from Ipanema and Samba do Avião, which is the song I was singing in my head as the plane landed. Click here - Samba do Avião. Songs that were dear to me growing up, gained a new meaning because now I know what the composers were talking about. Okay, I know this is corny but go along with me for second, will you? LOL

I called Dr. Peres as soon as I got the apartment and scheduled our first meeting. I am excited to finally start working on his project. To close the day, I went out for a walk at Ipanema beach, which is a skip and a hop from my building ... Jealous? What are y'all up to?








Sunday, June 9, 2013

Cuernavaca

Hi guys!!

They were not kidding about rainy season in Cuernavaca.... this will be our week in the city of the ETERNAL SPRING.. 


I hope everyone made it fine to your locations ...