I like to walk around in New York City. On every corner there are things to see. And I love to watch the buildings! It is not just sky scraper after sky scraper, often there are gothic churches and other old houses squeezed in. It is nice to spot these buildings!
Walking the city and watching buildings is what I did this weekend. Yesterday I started at the Empire State Building. And I can tell you this, it was quite disappointing for me. You can see the building from miles away, but when I stood on its foot, I started doubting, I'd expected it to be much larger and taller! I walked down Sixth Avenue and Broadway and ended at Union Square. It was my first very gray day, and it was cold and windy! So at the farmers market I enjoyed hot apple cider, and that really made my day!
Today the sky was blue again! I started my walk at Grand Central, the train terminal. I've never seen such a clean building, especially for a train terminal it was just way too clean! It really is a beautiful building, however, my small camera couldn't make bright pictures of it. But if you're planning to go to NYC, just check it out! I continued my walk to the east side of the city, and then up to the north. Beautiful buildings everywhere, and I've picked my favorite sky scraper: The Chrysler Building, which was the world's tallest building in 1930! And then I was in Central Park again. The nice thing about this park is the quietness, you are in the middle of the city, and there is nothing else but silence!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Dumbo and Super Bowl
Hi!
It took me a while to write a new blog post, I'm sorry, but my routine (wake up, read in the train, work in the lab whole day, read in the train, eat, and sleep) is not too exciting to write or read about! Although, work is great so maybe I will write a blog post soon (for those who understand) on all the experiments I've done so far..
Last Sunday the weather was super bright and sunny again. Really, if you ignored the piles of snow, you would almost think it was spring! I went for a walk from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade to Dumbo (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass - check for more info about how Dumbo got its name the link). I had a spectacular view at the Skyline of Manhattan again, but the warmth of the sun was the best gift this day! From there I walked down to the small park underneath the two bridges, and bumped into the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. The ice cream was the second best gift that day, especially when enjoyed in the sun!
Dumbo is I think a great neighborhood when you know the places and when you are an artist. There are a lot of strange shops (arts and stuff), you can do workshops (arts and stuff), and you can even have your portfolio checked (arts and stuff). And of course there are plenty of bars! The Manhattan Bridge gives a nice industrial touch to the neighborhood, I liked that!
Last Sunday evening was the big event: the SUPER BOWL! The Packers vs the Steelers (no, I have no idea). We watched the game with the lab members in the apartment of one of our colleagues (sorry, no pictures). The apartment was in Harlem (an hour by train) and was huge. Or maybe the tv was even bigger than the apartment itself! I'll be honest with you: I didn't like the game (most of the time these guys were laying on top of each other on the ground looking for some misshaped ball). So this was the perfect moment to socialize and get to know my colleagues better! I enjoyed the evening very much, and had some nice conversations with my supervisor. Sadly, we were not the only ones who ordered pizza.. (luckily? we did have enough booze).
And have a happy new rabbit year!
It took me a while to write a new blog post, I'm sorry, but my routine (wake up, read in the train, work in the lab whole day, read in the train, eat, and sleep) is not too exciting to write or read about! Although, work is great so maybe I will write a blog post soon (for those who understand) on all the experiments I've done so far..
Last Sunday the weather was super bright and sunny again. Really, if you ignored the piles of snow, you would almost think it was spring! I went for a walk from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade to Dumbo (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass - check for more info about how Dumbo got its name the link). I had a spectacular view at the Skyline of Manhattan again, but the warmth of the sun was the best gift this day! From there I walked down to the small park underneath the two bridges, and bumped into the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. The ice cream was the second best gift that day, especially when enjoyed in the sun!
Dumbo is I think a great neighborhood when you know the places and when you are an artist. There are a lot of strange shops (arts and stuff), you can do workshops (arts and stuff), and you can even have your portfolio checked (arts and stuff). And of course there are plenty of bars! The Manhattan Bridge gives a nice industrial touch to the neighborhood, I liked that!
Last Sunday evening was the big event: the SUPER BOWL! The Packers vs the Steelers (no, I have no idea). We watched the game with the lab members in the apartment of one of our colleagues (sorry, no pictures). The apartment was in Harlem (an hour by train) and was huge. Or maybe the tv was even bigger than the apartment itself! I'll be honest with you: I didn't like the game (most of the time these guys were laying on top of each other on the ground looking for some misshaped ball). So this was the perfect moment to socialize and get to know my colleagues better! I enjoyed the evening very much, and had some nice conversations with my supervisor. Sadly, we were not the only ones who ordered pizza.. (luckily? we did have enough booze).
And have a happy new rabbit year!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Chinese food & The Metropolitan Museum for Art
:D
During the week I try to be a 'real New Yorker', reading every day in the train, and work hard. I even got my library card now, so I can read even more! (And probably take the train into the wrong direction again).
In the weekends I am a tourist, there is simply too much to see! Yesterday my friend Yan (PhD student in my lab) and I went to have lunch in Chinatown. This was a big adventure - eating soup with chopsticks.. (see pictures, what a fun!). She also showed me the NYU (NY University) library, which is huge! We also went to East Village (tatoo shops) and Soho (great when you have a credit card). It was a long long day, with actually too many different things (next time I better focus on a one neighborhood! What I like about NYC are the buildings, or maybe I have to put it this way: the mixture of buildings. Often you see the tall buildings alongside the older smaller buildings and churches (you'll find them in my web albums).
Today I went to the MET (Metropolitan Museum for Art) together with Anna (we were room mates in the hostel). We spent like 5 hours wondering around in this huge huge building (we even got lost a couple of times). I think you can spend there a week without seeing everything! I made a preview for you guys (however without flash, so you still have to check it out yourself!).
I bought good boots now, so I am waiting for the next big snow!
:D
During the week I try to be a 'real New Yorker', reading every day in the train, and work hard. I even got my library card now, so I can read even more! (And probably take the train into the wrong direction again).
In the weekends I am a tourist, there is simply too much to see! Yesterday my friend Yan (PhD student in my lab) and I went to have lunch in Chinatown. This was a big adventure - eating soup with chopsticks.. (see pictures, what a fun!). She also showed me the NYU (NY University) library, which is huge! We also went to East Village (tatoo shops) and Soho (great when you have a credit card). It was a long long day, with actually too many different things (next time I better focus on a one neighborhood! What I like about NYC are the buildings, or maybe I have to put it this way: the mixture of buildings. Often you see the tall buildings alongside the older smaller buildings and churches (you'll find them in my web albums).
Today I went to the MET (Metropolitan Museum for Art) together with Anna (we were room mates in the hostel). We spent like 5 hours wondering around in this huge huge building (we even got lost a couple of times). I think you can spend there a week without seeing everything! I made a preview for you guys (however without flash, so you still have to check it out yourself!).
I bought good boots now, so I am waiting for the next big snow!
:D
Thursday, January 27, 2011
SNOW!
I was so surprised this morning. I knew it was snowing last night, but I didn't think about so much snow! When I left home around 7.20am, most snow was still untouched, although some early birds already cleaned some bits. I enjoyed my way to the subway station so much, had to say hi and smile to everybody, and making pictures of all the beautiful white snow around me. Just gorgeous.
Of course, there where some problems with the transportation, so the Q train I was planning to take was delayed for 40 minutes (you see, it's not only the NS who sometimes have problems with the snow). Luckily, I could take another train down town Manhattan.
When I left my train at E 96th street I had to go to Central Park before going to work. Beautiful! There were a lot of people in the park already and dogs were playing everywhere. I had my old boots on (I don't want to ruin my nice boots with all the salt), but all this snow was just too much for them. I have to throw them away and buy new ones (or have wet feet every day, which is not very pleasant).
Just have a look at the pictures, and you know how I felt this morning; like a young child, so excited, I wished I could play in the park all day long (although, maybe I first have to find good boots)!
More snow expected for tomorrow :)
Of course, there where some problems with the transportation, so the Q train I was planning to take was delayed for 40 minutes (you see, it's not only the NS who sometimes have problems with the snow). Luckily, I could take another train down town Manhattan.
When I left my train at E 96th street I had to go to Central Park before going to work. Beautiful! There were a lot of people in the park already and dogs were playing everywhere. I had my old boots on (I don't want to ruin my nice boots with all the salt), but all this snow was just too much for them. I have to throw them away and buy new ones (or have wet feet every day, which is not very pleasant).
Just have a look at the pictures, and you know how I felt this morning; like a young child, so excited, I wished I could play in the park all day long (although, maybe I first have to find good boots)!
More snow expected for tomorrow :)
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Brooklyn vs Manhattan
Every time I tell people at work I live in Brooklyn, they start to laugh. 'Where do you live? Why do you live there? That is too far away from basically everything!' And yes, it is true, I have to commute 2 hours every day.. So far I like it, watching all these different people in the subway commuting to their work. It gives me space to think, rethink, or not to think at all.
It seems that there is something going on between Brooklyn and Manhattan, a natural rivalry. Is it cooler to live in Manhattan? Or is it cooler to live in Brooklyn? The fact is, more and more people are escaping Manhattan and move to the more quite Brooklyn. And that is also the way I feel it - escaping busy, crowded Manhattan after a long day at work, and enjoy the quietness of Brooklyn!
Yesterday I explored my neighborhood, and it is just great! The library is huge, the park amazing (and very white as well at the moment), and there are so many nice little shops, restaurants, bars.. And in summertimes there are music festivals and concerts right here in the park at the end of my street. The beach is just half an hour away! Can't wait for the summer!
Today I went to Times Square - because, well, you have to see this touristy spot too! It's just - crazy. I don't have words for it, all the lights (yes should check it out at night), all the advertisements, way too busy for me. And then there was this shop of Toys R us, which really just looked like a big fair. Talking about the differences between Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Cheers
PS: Don't forget to check out the new pictures (and their headings)
It seems that there is something going on between Brooklyn and Manhattan, a natural rivalry. Is it cooler to live in Manhattan? Or is it cooler to live in Brooklyn? The fact is, more and more people are escaping Manhattan and move to the more quite Brooklyn. And that is also the way I feel it - escaping busy, crowded Manhattan after a long day at work, and enjoy the quietness of Brooklyn!
Yesterday I explored my neighborhood, and it is just great! The library is huge, the park amazing (and very white as well at the moment), and there are so many nice little shops, restaurants, bars.. And in summertimes there are music festivals and concerts right here in the park at the end of my street. The beach is just half an hour away! Can't wait for the summer!
Today I went to Times Square - because, well, you have to see this touristy spot too! It's just - crazy. I don't have words for it, all the lights (yes should check it out at night), all the advertisements, way too busy for me. And then there was this shop of Toys R us, which really just looked like a big fair. Talking about the differences between Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Cheers
PS: Don't forget to check out the new pictures (and their headings)
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Mount Sinai School of Medicine, HDL, and LDL
Because quite a few of you don't really know yet where I study and what I'll be working on, here a short overview:
I work in the Nanomedicine lab at the Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. (Just for your information: this year Mount Sinai ranks 18th world wide for best medical schools ;)).
In this six months I will learn how to make HDL-like nanoparticles (NPs). When I know how to work with these NPs, I will try to make LDL-like NPs, which is more complicated because the Apo-B1 isolation is tricky (whereas the Apo-A1 for HDL is easy to handle). But guess I will find out! I know, most of you have no idea what I am talking about, you could do a google search, or just trust me: HDL = good and has atherosclerosis protective properties, where LDL = bad. The NPs we make that mimic HDL or LDL will carry an iron oxide (FeO) in their core, so whe can image the NPs with, among others, MRI and TEM. Sounds interesting, don't you think? Well, I am really excited about the project :)!
Today was the second day in the lab here, and I think I got pretty used to it now. And the same with the building, I think today was the first day I didn't get lost! Because of reconstructions, our offices are now at the "Autopsy Suite". I still have to get used to it, and it seems more people have: Last Monday I was in, and one of the security guards asked me what I was doing there, and he had to check my bag. I think I have to get used to that, because these guards always tend to ask who you are and where you are going.
I have no pictures yet of Mount Sinai, I will try to make some when the guards are not paying attention!
I work in the Nanomedicine lab at the Translational and Molecular Imaging Institute of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. (Just for your information: this year Mount Sinai ranks 18th world wide for best medical schools ;)).
In this six months I will learn how to make HDL-like nanoparticles (NPs). When I know how to work with these NPs, I will try to make LDL-like NPs, which is more complicated because the Apo-B1 isolation is tricky (whereas the Apo-A1 for HDL is easy to handle). But guess I will find out! I know, most of you have no idea what I am talking about, you could do a google search, or just trust me: HDL = good and has atherosclerosis protective properties, where LDL = bad. The NPs we make that mimic HDL or LDL will carry an iron oxide (FeO) in their core, so whe can image the NPs with, among others, MRI and TEM. Sounds interesting, don't you think? Well, I am really excited about the project :)!
Today was the second day in the lab here, and I think I got pretty used to it now. And the same with the building, I think today was the first day I didn't get lost! Because of reconstructions, our offices are now at the "Autopsy Suite". I still have to get used to it, and it seems more people have: Last Monday I was in, and one of the security guards asked me what I was doing there, and he had to check my bag. I think I have to get used to that, because these guards always tend to ask who you are and where you are going.
I have no pictures yet of Mount Sinai, I will try to make some when the guards are not paying attention!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Arrival
Hi follower,
Thursday I arrived in NYC! The flight went smooth, and there where no problems at the border, I guess they liked me :) With a yellow cab (that one famous in all movies!), I was brought to my hostel :). That was really a spectacular ride, with all the cars, lights, chaos, and the honking...
The hostel was at the Upper West Side, and I love Central Park, it is so quite and beautiful, especially with all the snow now! I am curious how it will be in spring, summer..
On Friday I had to arrange a lot of things for my internship - toxicology screening, health information protection, fire safety... Bit boring, but well, had to be done.
Saturday morning I moved to my place in Brooklyn. I have such a nice room, with a great view on Manhattan. Loads of sunshine and light as well in my room!
Today I explored the subway (constructions, so you have to be inventive sometimes), Brooklyn Bridge (which has great views, but was freezing cold with the wind), and downtown Manhattan (including my first picture of the Statue of Liberty).
Tonight I went with my 'landlord' Pascale to a local bar to have a winter wine tasting menu. That was really nice, good food, nice people, and a lot excellent wines!
So far I really like it here! People are friendly, helpful, and very enthusiastic! Yes, I like it here :) This will be a great experience!
Iris
PS1: when you click on the pictures, the web album should open!
PS2: I write this blog in English, so my English and Hungarian friends can also follow my stories. Furthermore, it is a nice way to see my English improve (maybe?).
PS3: I don't like reading long blog stories, so I won't write long stories. However, I will try to keep you updated regularly (and thus no long stories needed..).
Thursday I arrived in NYC! The flight went smooth, and there where no problems at the border, I guess they liked me :) With a yellow cab (that one famous in all movies!), I was brought to my hostel :). That was really a spectacular ride, with all the cars, lights, chaos, and the honking...
The hostel was at the Upper West Side, and I love Central Park, it is so quite and beautiful, especially with all the snow now! I am curious how it will be in spring, summer..
On Friday I had to arrange a lot of things for my internship - toxicology screening, health information protection, fire safety... Bit boring, but well, had to be done.
Saturday morning I moved to my place in Brooklyn. I have such a nice room, with a great view on Manhattan. Loads of sunshine and light as well in my room!
Today I explored the subway (constructions, so you have to be inventive sometimes), Brooklyn Bridge (which has great views, but was freezing cold with the wind), and downtown Manhattan (including my first picture of the Statue of Liberty).
Tonight I went with my 'landlord' Pascale to a local bar to have a winter wine tasting menu. That was really nice, good food, nice people, and a lot excellent wines!
So far I really like it here! People are friendly, helpful, and very enthusiastic! Yes, I like it here :) This will be a great experience!
Iris
PS1: when you click on the pictures, the web album should open!
PS2: I write this blog in English, so my English and Hungarian friends can also follow my stories. Furthermore, it is a nice way to see my English improve (maybe?).
PS3: I don't like reading long blog stories, so I won't write long stories. However, I will try to keep you updated regularly (and thus no long stories needed..).
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