Have you lost something or someone? If you’re a Christian, you would probably pray to St. Anthony de Padua, the patron saint of lost things, to help you find it.

Outside the Basilica of St. Anthony de Padua.

As a Filipino, I was brought up Catholic, and I remember St. Anthony from my childhood prayers. When we mention the saint’s name, it is always with “de Padua” (of Padua). When I found myself in Padua, Italy, therefore, I really made it a point to visit the church of St. Anthony where his bones lie buried.

My stay in Padua was not planned; I was actually planning to stay in Venice. However, it’s highly touristy there and finding a Couchsurfing host is almost impossible. So I looked for hosts in nearby cities, and found one in Padova which is just an hour’s train ride away.

My bed in Padua, Italy.

My CS host was a Pakistani PhD student in astrophysics who liked the spicy sardine spaghetti I cooked for him and his housemates at 2am. (I found a local brand, Ligo, in Brussels and brought it with me to Italy.) For the first time, I got to use an air mattress for a bed, and all I can say is that it was a bit of an experience.

Padua (or Padova in Italian) is a small city in Northern Italy. It was even considered the oldest one. I walked around A LOT there, and I was really surprised at how quiet and rural the city is. I arrived at the Basilica around 5pm, so it was already closed. (Too bad, I would have wanted to go inside!) When I began walking back to my Pakistani hosts’ place at 7pm, the streets were already deserted.

The street closest to the Basilica was empty of people by 7pm.

Where did the people go? It was still early!

I loved walking alone in deserted streets in Padua, Italy.

I only had two days in Padua, but I already met some Filipino students there who were also studying for their PhD. When I apply for a scholarship someday, I’d probably choose Padova too. Its serenity—and at the same time its proximity to major cities like Venice—make it a perfect place for learning.

Padua is a tranquil city worth visiting again!

How about you? Would you have liked to live in Padua?

 Aleah Taboclaon is a freelance writer and editor. She likes running (completed one marathon, training for the next!), diving (PADI open water diver), and traveling with her Kindle. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus. You can also email her; she would love to hear from you!

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