It's a working, vigorous city with a lot of fun in its heart. The old stone walls are home to modern stores and bars; the Palazzo della Ragione, once the 13th century law court and council chamber, is now at the heart of a thriving market; modern art hangs happily just metres from Giotto's famous frescoes.
And then there's the university- the same one where Galileo taught physics from 1523-62. Doctorate students graduating from the University of Padua (Padova) face a frankly terrifying tradition. At the start of the ritual they must dress as their classmates dictate. Now, this is a group of mischievous university students we're talking about. Most of the outfits are, well, I suppose 'original' would cover it.
Once dressed, they must go to the city centre which is where the real fun starts. Here in full public view, the hapless graduates must do whatever their peers decide. This young woman, dressed and made up like a colour-blind drag queen with a fetish for hair gel, had to beg for money from everyone she could find, while drinking from a bottle of wine and smoking a cigarette!
That was just the beginning. When she was done, she had to publicly read an account of her life so far, a document that had been edited by the same classmates.I don't speak Italian but from the blush of her cheeks when she was reading, I'd guess that the editing was, shall we say, colourful.
And they still weren't finished with her. Because after that, they put posters up. Very rude posters. Here's an example. See what i mean?
Well, it would be enough to turn me to drink. Fortunately that's one thing they're not short of in Padua. There is always a handy bar to retire to after facing such a trial- or even just watching one.
And if alcohol wasn't the answer (Ha!), then how about an ice cream (gelato)? Works for me!
Ciao!
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