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kismet09It has been a nice visit so far. The med school is definitely a friendly, accessible place, which is counter-intuitive to me, since it's one of the most high-powered schools out there, especially in terms of research. I think in part it's the joy of knowing you're one of the best, and then being able to be somewhat modest about it. That said, though, the people really do seem genuinely nice. I think it has something to do with the culture of the midwest in general, with a little bit of a southern hospitality mixed in.
The medical campus is pretty impressive. The hospitals and teaching buildings are interconnected by skywalks, and it's a good bunch of blocks' worth of space. The new student center is incredible, with a living room feel to it - first and second year each have their own floor with small group spaces, a lounge, study carrels, and a computer lab. The students are obviously crazy smart, but fairly down to earth, easy to talk with, and genuine in their interests as well.
The part of St Louis that I've explored is fairly upscale, and reminds me a little of a slightly less fancy version of Lincoln Park in Chicago. There are coffee shops and restaurants, a couple of galleries, a health food store, a cupcake shop (and my cupcake was delicious). There are two Starbucks within a few blocks, and a new one going in. It's odd to get used to the smoking in buildings that still happens here. I walked into the local coffee place and the smell was strong enough that I had to run off to Starbucks.
Last night we had a fancy dinner, today was talks and a Cards game (from a party suite on the third base line, which was amazing... but I paid more attention to the updates on the Sox game than I did to the game at hand). Tomorrow is more talks and the Botanic Garden and a fancy dinner, and then I head back home.
I've caught up a little on my flashcards, and I've finished three iPod sweaters to sell at the craft fair. All in all, this has been a productive visit so far.
The medical campus is pretty impressive. The hospitals and teaching buildings are interconnected by skywalks, and it's a good bunch of blocks' worth of space. The new student center is incredible, with a living room feel to it - first and second year each have their own floor with small group spaces, a lounge, study carrels, and a computer lab. The students are obviously crazy smart, but fairly down to earth, easy to talk with, and genuine in their interests as well.
The part of St Louis that I've explored is fairly upscale, and reminds me a little of a slightly less fancy version of Lincoln Park in Chicago. There are coffee shops and restaurants, a couple of galleries, a health food store, a cupcake shop (and my cupcake was delicious). There are two Starbucks within a few blocks, and a new one going in. It's odd to get used to the smoking in buildings that still happens here. I walked into the local coffee place and the smell was strong enough that I had to run off to Starbucks.
Last night we had a fancy dinner, today was talks and a Cards game (from a party suite on the third base line, which was amazing... but I paid more attention to the updates on the Sox game than I did to the game at hand). Tomorrow is more talks and the Botanic Garden and a fancy dinner, and then I head back home.
I've caught up a little on my flashcards, and I've finished three iPod sweaters to sell at the craft fair. All in all, this has been a productive visit so far.
