TravelStream™ news feed for member rtcolling on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/rtcolling en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:47:59 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1223750280/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1223750280/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1223750280/tpod.html Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:47:59 -0400 USA Elective 2008 New York

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

New York City, New York, United States

Well this is going to be my final entry in the blog I think. I have had terrible problems getting online and have not been able to write as much and put up as many photos as I hoped, however I shall be home soon so you can see for yourself. So this may turn out to be a bit long and if so I apologise.

This week I have been doing a bit of this and that. I have been visiting haematology (blood), which you may say is odd if you knew that that is my first 6 week rotation when I get home... however it will make an interesting comparison for my elective report and also makes a nice transition into next year.

I don't have any great plans for the rest of this week short of buying some souvenirs and packing. I leave on Saturday evening and should get home Sunday lunch time. Daisy is picking me up from the airport and for those who want to know my flight details are: BA0116 landing at 8.10am on Sunday. The coach gets in at 12.20pm. OK well now it is Saturday so I am going to say that I had an easy last few days due to Jewish holidays which resulted in the world stopping. The only interesting point to note is while I was down in TimeS Square a guy (next to the free standup comedy guy) was selling McCain and Obama condoms.... now there are so many places to go with that but I'll choose just one; they are both Catholic.

So shall I make some conclusions? Of course because I know the questions that people will ask. Did I enjoy it? Of course I did... this is an amazing place that everyone should visit. I have done so many excellent things in the city that I am glad I have the blog to remember them. The high points I think were with my visitors, things are better with company. But of course not forgetting the actual reason I am here (which I often do forget), the pathology rotation. I have learned a lot and have enjoyed some fab teaching. Its also been quite laid back and I have been free to explore the things I want and study up in the library. What did I think of it all? A challenge at every step.... From researching where to go, to applying, getting the visa, meeting deadline, getting the funding, travelling on my own, living alone and joining a new course where I knew no one or how things work. I have found frustrations at every point but its been a great experience and has been more than worth it. What will I miss? I will say that I wont miss the noise or the 500 turns of my windup radio required for 2 hours of listening everyday... but I will miss my regular breakfast and coffee, my access to lots of cheap fast food around and my occasional donut! I shall miss the bizarre election non-sense and presidential debate shows and of course my old friend the subway.....

Oh and one last word... McCain or Obama? Well I say join the United Empire Loyalist movement and bring back the Crown! Obama will win of course..... and if he does he not we all better start building those nuclear bunkers in the back garden...
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1222925520/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1222925520/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1222925520/tpod.html Thu, 02 Oct 2008 02:34:38 -0400 USA Elective 2008 New York

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

New York City, New York, United States

So I got up early on Saturday (before 12) and gave the place a quick clean in prep for my guest. Clare arrived late on Saturday afternoon, the shuttle took an hour to arrive and over an hour to get here. I managed to sneak her in past the doorman! Its fair to say that she was virtually dead when she got here so after we had had a quick coffee and cake and short walk round to say hello she popped off to sleep for a bit.

Begrudgingly, she got up and we went out for dinner that evening as I had booked it in advance. We went to the Boat House Restaurant which is on the edge of The Lake in Central Park. It was a bit rainy/misty 'alla Cornwall' but the lake looked very nice actually in the streetlight. We had a very nice (and posh!) meal and it was not long before she was dropping off. So we had a little walk through the park home and she was asleep as soon as she saw the bed.

The next day we were up fairly early and now let me see if I can remember what we did... we did A LOT! Clare got her money's worth and although she has only just left a few moments ago I'm already forgetting. Once again you never feel like you have even scratched the surface here and everything is so big that you are always walking to get a train or find somewhere and then waiting or queuing and it all just takes so long and makes you exhausted. I am dead and I had no jet lag to start with.

So anyway, we went for breakfast in my local diner and she was very excited at the pancakes and maple syrup. After stuffing her face I took her to the NY museum to watch a video on the history of NY and got her oriented a little bit. Next we went down 5th Ave and looked in a few shops on the way to top of the Rock. Yes we went in Tiffany's, yes they tried to get me to buy her something and no I didn't! We also went to the Apple store. So anyway it was all a bit nasty and raining and the guy in the Rockefeller Centre said not to go today as it was awful viewing. So instead we went over to Times Square and looked around. We went in the M n' M store and bought stupidly expensive M n' Ms. I also dragged her to the music shops. I am having a bit of a mental blank on what we did next, help me out Clare.... I know that we eventually went home for a rest. Later that evening we went off to find Little Italy for some food. There was a problem with the trains and we got a little lost but I think it was worth it in the end.

The next morning (Monday; I was taking a few days off while Clare was in town) she was just about starting to feel normal I think and it was actually sunny so we ran (after some more excessive breakfasting) to top of the Rock. We had a good amount of queuing as everyone was descending on it for the good weather (it rained all week so far). They had a whole system in place and time slots and all sort of things we didn't have last time. They had photos being done and we had to (we were forced) watch the video on the history of the centre before we went up. When we got up we had a perfect view of the whole city and I was very pleased it held up for her.

When we got out we were straight on the subway and headed down to south street sea port to get on the boat trip. Before we got on board we went for a quick beer (of course) and had a look at the Brooklyn Bridge. Now we had combined it with our Rock ticket and so we had about £15 off which was excellent. We got on the posh boat and it took us all around the south part of the island with a guide giving us the info tour. Then it went off and we got pretty close to the Statue of Liberty which was great. I think this is the best way to see it because you are close but not too close as if you went to the actual Liberty Island. It fair to say we were finished for that day after all that so we went back for what was becoming a regular afternoon nap. This evening we went out for fast pizza and it was very nice. We then headed down town to a blues club to see some live music. Clare was pretty exhausted but wanted to make the effort to enjoy the nightlife as well as the sightseeing. However as she was virtually asleep I took her home before the first half was over!

Tuesday was my turn to start to feel dead. I was not feeling much better after my usual cheese omelette and coffee but we pressed on. Rome was much easier... We went straight to Central Park Zoo and saw a various array of animals as one does at a zoo. Don't ask me what, I was asleep. Clare on the other hand was quite awake and enjoyed it I think. She did buy me a monkey though and I was quite excited by this. Unfortunately it did not make a noise so I had to do that myself.

After I had convinced her I needed coffee we went on to Times Square where she had seen a place she wanted to go for lunch. They make these 'club' sandwich things which is basically an entire meal between to thin slices of bread. After we did a bit more shopping and then went back home to sleep. Its just started to thunder and I know she wont like that but hopefully she wont notice in the airport and it will have stopped before she flies. The rain is not looking fun though for when I go out in a min (yes out again). Now where was I? Yes, the saga of the planetarium last week was that actually the date was this week. So reluctantly I got up and we (running late due to my laziness) got a taxi. We were on time and it was very worth getting up for as we had a really good talk on this months stars and the projector was fantastic. Clare seemed to really enjoy it a lot as well. I did have to tell a stupid giggly couple to shut up though; I've never seen two people so shocked as them when I told them to be quiet! After the show we headed to the med school library so Clare could check-in and print her boarding pass off. Then we went and got beer and crisps and ice-cream and went and collapsed in front of the only video I had on my computer.... National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation!

So today was her last day but that was not stopping us hitting the town. Breakfast (each day breakfast got a little later by now it was 10.15am) again and I was brave and had a vegetable omelette much to the waitresses surprise! So next we headed to the Natural history museum. We didn't go around it all (I have been four times now and I'm still working on it) but we did all the animally bits that she likes. After this we went for a wander in the park and stopped at the boat house again, this time for a cheese burger in the cheaper part hehe. Then we walked on back home and Clare got ready for the shuttle pick up. It was right on time and no sooner had she gone but the rain started. It should be noted that my room was miraculously tidy once she had left, although carrying her bag down felt almost 10 times as heavy as mine! I am sure I left some info out Clare so please enlighten us on my forgetfulness.....

But there is no stopping me.... For some reason I thought booking a concert for tonight after she left would be a good idea.... Still I am tired but I have paid good money for some good seats at the opera house so I am going now to get ready..... Im just back from the opera (I'm writing this in bits you are probably realising) and it was a good show. It was indeed very posh and I had my suit on! They were good seats and was worth the money. The show was excellent and they even had a subtitles screen on the seat in front! Some busker thought it was clever to play the famous aria from the first act just as we all piled out into the subway station which I thought was funny.

I shall be back to the hospital tomorrow after a bit of a lay-in and my cheese omelette. Oh yes I'm getting complaints (literally just had a text from Daisy) that I didn't go to see David Blain, I was going to but it was all over before I even had chance! For those who don't know I am coming home a week on Monday I think it is but I shall post more details up on that as I get around to it. I would be grateful of a lift from the bus station if anyone can... Dad mentioned car insurance; didn't know you were looking but thanks and I will try and get on-line although its virtually non-existent in my room now and msn in the library is not possible. If you email me that might be best and I was thinking of paying it monthly by the way.

There are only a few photos attached to this so check back in a day or two and there will be plenty added I hope. Until next update....

Thank you for coming sweetie, hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.....
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1222326600/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1222326600/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1222326600/tpod.html Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:25:24 -0400 USA Elective 2008 New York

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

New York City, New York, United States

So Monday I went to Queens and I found the Irish centre which was amazing... it was a bit over symplistic but I am promised we will move on to some reels and jigs next time. Tuesday I headed to the museum to watch the monthly star show..... however I read the advert wrong and had the wrong day... you win some you loose some I guess....

Today was quite exciting... I headed to a place called the Cooper Union to see a free lecture by Oliver Sacks. For those who have no idea who that is; he is a famous neurologist who had written several books, including 'The man who mistook his wife for a hat' which you might remember I read. He also wrote 'Awakenings' about his time as a doctor in the Bronx which was made into a film where Robin Williams played him. Anyway of course it never occured to me that non-medical people would want to see him and lets just say it was easy to find the location because the queue was around the block! I did get in though and got a good seat and he gave a great talk about music and the brain and its relation to disease. *The woman sat next to me asked who he was! It seemed odd to me that you would want to queue for so long for someone you had no idea about just because he was famous...

Now Daisy has told me that David Blaine is doing something pointless in Central Park which for me to go to would be my equivilant so the above if I went I guess but I have instructions to take photos..... oops I just did a google and he has finished it! Sorry.

The weekend is supposed to be sunny but rain forcast for Sat! Not more rain and for Clare I hope becuase the last time it was a wash out. I also found out the rain destroyed my mp3 player! So fingers crossed. It has been a lot cooler here of late, although just as sunny its quickly got cool...

Anyway enough for now...
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1222054260/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1222054260/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1222054260/tpod.html Sun, 21 Sep 2008 23:34:26 -0400 USA Elective 2008 New York

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

New York City, New York, United States

Now first of all in case you have not looked, I put photos on last weekends entry. Also someone say hello to Nan and Bill for me as it cost far to much to call her with the amount of talking she does! Could someone send me Nan K's address so I can send a post card....

My phone seems to be accepting text messages and can send them now so that's a relief. OK so this week has been going steady. I have been doing dermatology (skin) which has been interesting. Nothing too exciting to report though.

Monday I went off to Queen's to find a tin whistle group (cant remember if I mentioned this but I found a group a people playing some Irish stuff on a Monday), unfortunately I never found the alleged Irish centre so that was a wash out. However I have a better idea of where I'm going so I am going to have another go this week. Thursday I went downtown as I found myself a ukulele teacher so I had a lesson to get me some tips and a head start on it. I am going for another session at some point as he only does them in blocks of two. He was a typical New Yorker; loud and mad but very nice.

Friday I went to the Lincoln Centre (where the free concerts were) to see the NY Philharmonic Orchestra in concert. I got the cheapest seats in the house and was very pleased when they upgraded me to some spare seats at double the value. It was a piano concerto by Rachmaninov which was good to see.

Saturday I went out for a relaxed day. I went to the City of New York Museum which is dedicated to the history of NY. It was quite interesting. I also went back to the music store to collect the case for my ukulele, only to find out there was a mix up and its not there yet, annoying as its quite a way. I then had to go into Times Square area to find a tin whistle (I'm going to play it in the group on Monday). I was not looking forward to it, and it was just as busy and stressful as I thought it would be.....

So I found a cheap whistle and that was good. Sunday I was not feeling great (headache) and so I stayed home. I did actually (I was amazed) managed to talk my Austrian housemate, Bernard, into going to a bar for a drink. He was never keen on the spending money and staying out late aspect (he starts at 6am) but we had had a few beers on the balcony and now we took that next step ha ha. So it was nice to have someone to go for a drink with. Did I mention that the other housemate (Tee-total) left the other week? Anyway.....

So tomorrow I will be going to my tin whistle group I hope, Tuesday I am planning to go to the planetarium for the monthly look at the night sky. I also have a few things up my sleeve for Wed and Thurs.... then of course Clare is coming on Sat!!!

OK that's it for now, internet continues to be very bad and its quite annoying... I had to resort to going into the hospital on a Saturday to look up details of things to do! OK so bye for now.....
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1221609660/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1221609660/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1221609660/tpod.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:13:18 -0400 USA Elective 2008 New York

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

New York City, New York, United States

Yes I do really! Its cold today. I mean its a bit chilly this evening to be precise, but its been cloudy and windy and I had to put a jumper on.... I still have the balcony door open all the same. Its nice actually.

I have to make a correction and appology.... I didnt actually know you had bought anything in there Fiona! Fair enough I'll take it back there was a point in going in. Not sure you actually looked at anything going up all those levels but I'm male and I think Ill never quite understand the appeal so.....

It was good to have George though! And it was fun, maybe he could work in the computer shop up Kingswood... not quite the Apple store I know :)

I forgot to mention about a certain group of people we kept bumping into. Its enough to mention that I saw these again the other day and I love the fact that if I tell you the guy said to me 'free comedy club tonight, live comedy!' you will be able to pin point my exact location in the world to within 100 meters.... Thats Times Sqaure by the way...

Last night I made an attempt to go to an Irish whistle group. I got quite lost in Queens and so I didnt make it! Oh well I will try next week. No great news to tell except that I have finally booked tickets at the NY Metropolitan Opera House to see Mozart's Don Giovanni! Im quite excited because this is a big famous and world renouned opera house and so I shall be dusting off the suit I brought for this very occasion. Needless to say they were almost all sold out, but I still got pretty reasonable seets at the centre of one of the middle leves.

I am adding some pictures to the entry for last weekend so keep looking back a few times as I add them, I seem to have found internet now!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1221428700/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1221428700/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1221428700/tpod.html Sun, 14 Sep 2008 18:01:26 -0400 USA Elective 2008 New York

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

New York City, New York, United States

First of all I apologise for not having been updating, again its internet issues. Second my phone seems to be not working; it wont send or receive text messages. Its been a week so lots to tell.....

Last weekend Dad, Fiona and George came (lol so you folks can skip this stuff). We met on the Friday afternoon as I finished early and we went up the Rockefeller Center building which overlooks the city. It was a nice and sunny day, but cooler because of the breeze. At this point Dad didn't believe me when I said hurricane Hannah was on her way :) So from up top we had a good view of the city (I'll attempt to add photos if the connection works) down towards the Empire State Building and the rivers etc. Uptown we could see Mt. Sinai and my apartment block and a great view of the whole of central park. The queues were surprisingly not too bad so from here we went to get some food if I remember correctly.

After pizza and beer we went up the Empire State Building. By now it was night and it was lit up bright yellow. It was nice and cool now which made a change and from the top it gave a great view of the city lights. I thought myself that the Rockefeller was better view and you can see the ESB from there! Still it was good and have more photos to show. Next we went to get an expensive Guinness and all was done for another day...

On the Saturday I got up and went to meet them for breakfast at Smith's diner :) I had my usual breakfast favourite of cheese omelette and toast. Not as good as my usual place, Pete's on Madison's (they give you free juice), but kept me going till lunch. Now first thing they wanted to see was ground zero WTC site. I introduced them to the wonders of the very very hot subway system. Today was cloudy and it had rained in the night and was now very humid and basically horrible. When we got to the World Trade Centre site it was all bordered off and you could not see anything. A bit disappointing for them as they were keen to visit. There was a security guy telling people not to stand on the wall and look over. We are not sure why this was but it was close to the 11th so....

Then we went in a department store and of course Fiona got chatting to someone from the plane she met. We then headed down to Battery Park which is close to the area on the harbour and walked up around to the Brooklyn Bridge. The famous bridge is quite a walk inland to actually get onto from the waters edge and by then we were all pretty hot. We walked across about half way to view out. We took some photos of the mist and rain clouds coming in over the Empire State Building. The view was not great because of the weather but we could see down around to the Statue of Liberty. We headed back and walked up through China Town. Once again it is striking the sudden appearance of Chinese people the moment you walk in to the area.... I swear they don't leave.

Then through Little Italy and down the subway again. We took the train up to Bryant's Park where we were going to have lunch. No. We went into the sandwich shop and when we were ready to leave the rain was coming down, in what I thought at the time was a heavy fashion. So we sat in and had lunch and decided now was the weather for heading to Macy's (famous department store Fiona was set on seeing). So off we went with our raincoats on (including Mum's which I stole from under the stairs cupboard!) and got pretty much soaked. This was not too bad at this point and we soon dried off. Now why we went in this store I was not sure. I'm sorry folks but we just kept going up each level (and there are about 20 levels it looks like) without actually looking at anything to buy. Anyway after 8 levels I think we convinced them it was time to stop.

Now was the dash back to their hotel. This is when the rain really started. Now a lot of the time we were under cover walking (scaffolding up over lots of the area) but it was sooooo hard that it rained through that and we were still soaked. There was one point at which it was even dripping down my back and down my legs some how through the raincoat. Anyway when we reached the hotel we all had to change and I had to borrow clothes from Dad. The only part of me which was dry were my feet... my trusty walking boots never fail me. I was the only was able to walk through the deep puddles as the streets were beginning to flood.

After a little rest (and several episodes of 'The Suit Life' and something about Kermit the frog on TV - shame I don't have one in my place) we went for more pizza and beer I think (I remember running to avoid getting wet, only across the road). Miss Piggy rounded off the Muppets appearance and we then went in Smith's for a pint. A quick dash and I was down the subway again.

Sunday I heard was more shopping on the agenda and so I took the opportunity to sleep in. We then met for lunch halfway up 5th Ave and if you remember there is nowhere to eat in this area, which was interesting. The only place we found was your stereotypical fashionable $1000 for an organic ice cube type joint. We headed into the park and I pointed out I didn't know of anywhere in there to eat other than hot dog vendors. I knew about the posh boathouse place but that was all. Anyway we asked in the information desk and some sweet old dear gave us not only a place to go, a print out of directions step by step (which included 'count the number of traffic lights and cross over after three'), but also a menu!

After this we walked around the park for a little bit. We went down to The Pond (this city is not very imaginative; there are street's 1, 2, 3 etc... avenues 1, 2, 3 etc... there is a park in the middle called 'Central Park' which had a reservoir called 'The Reservoir', a lake called 'The Lake', a pond called 'The Pond', a big lawn called 'The Great Lawn'.... You can see where I am going with this, did I mention the really long island called.....). There were a whole load of turtles basking in the sun.

I think we then went to find the infamous Pig n' Whistle I have heard so much about since their last visit. Oh by the way this day was very fresh and sunny. Much better! We had a beer in the P n' W and later went back for a meal. We also had a good look around Times Square and the near by area. After that it was back on the subway and leave the folks for their last day while I was back at the hospital.

This week has not been very exciting I suppose. The hospital has been quiet and I have been quite tired, in addition the rain returned and so I have been in a lot. I have sat in with Dermatology and learned a few things I think. For some reason the consultant had a whole load of alcohol given to him from a Russian patient. So I was sipping brandy (only a small one!) over the microscope looking at skin cancers.... he was suprised when I said I didnt think it was that strong lol.... an odd day. Yesterday (Saturday) I went over to Brooklyn. This was my second attempt and again they think it's a great idea to shut the line down on a busy weekend. OK so this time I went all over the place to catch connecting trains to get there. I took me quite a while and of course the trains were packed because everyone was getting them. Brooklyn is nice though. I walked around and went in a few second hand book stores (always my fav) and went around the park. There is a wood in the park and it was very hot and humid in there after all the rain we had on Friday. I guess Brooklyn is the Totness of NY. Today it has been super hot, in the 90s. I did go out to get lunch and instantly regretted it (yes you cannot win, its either too hot or pouring with rain). So now that I have some internet I can write this. Don't be surprise if it's a while again because its been tricky at the moment. I will try and add pictures but if you cant see them now then I will add them at another point. OK hope everyone is well and enjoyed the read!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1220542740/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1220542740/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1220542740/tpod.html Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:58:25 -0400 USA Elective 2008 New York

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

New York City, New York, United States

I have not been updating for a while I realise and my plan for designated updates has gone out the window. There have been some problems getting online and I have been quite busy believe it or not!

So at the weekend I tried to go over to Brooklyn, but that seemed to fail due to construciton on the subway and so nothing much to tell there. We had 'Labor day' which is basically bank holiday Monday and so I headed down to Battery Park on the very bottom tip of the island which sits on the New York harbour I think. It was very very hot, we are in the 90s at the moment and its getting hotter I am sure. I miss most of the heat inside with aircon but at the weekend you kind of remember the sun is there. So I had a nice wander around and from the bay you get a nice side view of the statue of liberty.

This week has been varied so far. Tuesday I was a bit miffed, not because we went all the way to the Bronx and waited around only for the autopsy to be cancelled, but because I missed the free pizza lunch AGAIN! The hospital I went to this time is the Veterants Assosiation (VA) hospital. It is part of a state (yes a state) run, free, healthcare system especially for ex-military folks. State run equals confusions and inefficiency with zero organisation; we call this the NHS is the UK. I wont bore you with the silly details of how they did not have a clue how to get the paper work and assistants ready.

Anyway, Wednesday was much better. There was another autopsy case with lots of interesting problems and history. This time I dissected out the kidneys with the adrenal glands and followed the plumbing down to the bladder etc. I also got the exciting job of searching the bowels for pathology, often given to the lowest member of the food chain it seems. I did a few other bits and pieces.

Today I have had a lecture and a meeting and it was a bit quiet so I slipped out for lunch (aka caffine and carbohydrate) as I slept through my designated breakfast slot; its so easy to hit the off button instead of the snooze button when you are in a state of sleep deprived panic as your alarm goes off. I dont have mummy to bring me coffe, followed by hair drying, follwed by 'its X O'clock Richard', follwed by front doors, follwed by 'did you hear me?', followed by a knock at the door 'are you getting up today?' and 'oh well I just thought you would want to know what time it is'.

So I am off to brain cutting in a moment and then who knows what. Tomorrow Dad etc is coming so I am finishing early and heading off to the Empire State Building I am told......
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1220050200/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1220050200/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1220050200/tpod.html Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:01:35 -0400 USA Elective 2008 New York

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

New York City, New York, United States

Today was a fun day.... we started the day with the autopsy conference in the morgue. The doctor looking after me decided to make a big fuss about having a student from England present and annoced it to everyone, they were all very excited by it! Then the chief of pathology was telling us how Mt. Siani has discovered more diseases than any other medical school in the world. This was quite funny because the case they then went on to talk about was a disease first discribed by a doctor in Plymouth! I put my hand up and told him this and they got all excited again!

Then I was whisked off to an affiliated hospital in the Bronx to assist in an autopsy there. The case was very difficult and complex but I assisted and dissected a number of things, including a very nice thyroid dissection I think :), and took some samples for histology. So that was very good to do, I should be going back next week to see the slides and write up the report. I then was taken for some impromptu cytology teaching (where you look a cells which have been collected with a needle). So all in all I had a very good day and learned a lot! I was even bought lunch by the resident!

Tonight I was planning to go to a star observing event at a park but it was cancelled due to virtually the first cloudy night we have had since I have been here! So I am going to investigate a rumoured supermarket down the road...... as for the weekend (long one thanks to labor day) I cant say as I seem to always change plans!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1219978620/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1219978620/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1219978620/tpod.html Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:10:41 -0400 USA Elective 2008 New York

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

New York City, New York, United States

OK so I promised an update yesterday but as often happens I could not get the internet to work so I appologise....

Tuesday was an OK day. Of course the 8am thing was not running for the summer (the schedule is very hit and miss as to what is actually running until the summer is over, which is officially after 'labor day' on Monday). But other than that it all went quite well. I saw some more gynae slides (i.e. slides of tissue under the microscope, most of what I have been doing is this; its called histology) and saw a case of a rare ovarian cancer from a gorilla! Now I cant say much on this over the internet so ask me at some point to tell you more... I also got lost trying to find my way to the conference I went to last week (I went on my own this time) so I ended up missing the free pizza - but I KNOW for next time!

So much happens everyday that I start to forget what I did so I'll move on to Wednesday.... oh I decided I was hungry, had no food and wanted to eat 'til I was bursting for once so I went and had a 20oz stake on Tues! OK so Wed was a OK kinda day... I saw some interesting things in gynae.

Oh yes and we have a new flat mate who is from a London medical school which was cool. We sort of hit it off, as they say here, and ended up deciding to try and do some sight seeing. Its been a bit hard to make any friends here as the Germans kind of keep them selves to them selves or form groups of German only conversation which I have no idea what they are saying! I need Louise... The Americans seem to stick together as well... you must ask me about a story there as well (are you taking notes?)... Bernard seems to never be in and keeps himself to himself...

So we went to look for the United Nations building (not my idea) on Wednesday night. We managed to find it and I was quite underwhelmed but my flat mate wanted to take photos so.... They had taken all the flags down so it was just a concrete building. We did find the Crysler building which was better but difficult to appreciate from the ground. We then headed to Times Square (also not my fav place - crowds!) which was actually cool to see at night all lit up! We went to find something to eat and a beer.... we walked a bit down from Times Square and I think wandered into a slightly dodgy area and found a number of porn shops, We went into one (again not my idea... no really it was not!) and they had peep shows at the back... My mate decided to ask the man at the counter what a peep show was, not a funnier moment let me tell than this Spanish American guy trying to explain that it was a quick flash of porn for a dollar for guys who are passing and feel a bit horny (tissues not included). I thought it was good value and convienient... Then we decided to walk back to save subway money (again not my idea you can imagine). All in all a good night.

You may notice my plans to go to a concert were scrapped (as I often seem to be changing plans at the last minute - good to be flexable) as I thought some company would be nice.

Today was a very interesting day; one of those days when you get to see a lot of rare interesting stuff - its usually like busses as a med student, cool stuff comes all at once. Now unfortunatley there is enough info about where I am and what I am doing to break the law if I write too much about what I saw, so Ill only mention a few brief details. I went to a very interesting autopsy which was quite exciting. I also went to the infamous 'brain cutting' session and saw a foetal brain. I also saw a case of a disease first discribed by someone from Derriford hospital in Plymouth! But ask me more in person if you remember.... I also looked at some neurology slides today with a training neuropathologist from the UK. She is very nice and has an interesting mixed accent of middle English with American.

That reminds me that here everyone gets excited about my accent. I had one person say I was bringing refinement to thier department ha! Another kept asking my name and in the end admitted it was just because she liked the way I said it!

Tomorrow should be good as well... I have kind of swapped from gynae histology to neuro now so I should be doing more of that for a while.

So I'm going to stick some more photos on let me know if you like (hint Clare your present is in the photo of my room, can you spot it and work out what it is? It is quite bright) - some of my room. Also I will try and write on Friday as well (Sat for you I guess). Until then....
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1219714020/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1219714020/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/rtcolling/3/1219714020/tpod.html Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:01:30 -0400 USA Elective 2008 New York

Jump to the full
entry & travel map

New York City, New York, United States

I am living in a country where you ask for the cheque and pay with a bill.......

So I had a pretty easy, going weekend in all. The Friday night concert was OK. Saturday I went back to the natural history museum to finish what I had started. This was good because I managed to have a look round the human evolution hall at all the bones and sciencey things which was interesting. I had another lazy stroll and sun bathe in the park which was nice too.

Yesterday I had a bit of a lazy day, I had a bit of a walk around and in the evening I went off to see another free concert (the last outdoor one of the summer alas). It was an American roots concert, which included blues, bluegrass and rockabilly. Boy they sure like their 'yeeeeee haaaa's and country time music over here. Still it was an interesting medley of folk music quite different to the Falmouth sea shanty festival in some ways, in other ways identical. It was quite amusing to see these old guys, like Capt'n Luke hobble on the stage with a stick wearing a sailors hat (and looked like he had never even seen the sea in the deeps of the old south) and do his best at singing some old blues. It was quite good really. I had propped myself up on a wall at the edge of the seating area so as I was in the shade and for some reason some bloke and his son decided that next to me was the perfect spot to be. Now I had my legs up on the wall momentarily and was angled facing the stage. Of course it was right in my view he just had to sit, not so bad but the son just had to sit on the floor where I was just about to put my legs back. So this meant I was now hemmed into a spot between two people, cramped up not able to put my legs down and no view. Now OK fair enough it's a concert and I chose to sit here, but they both just pulled out books to start reading and then the son fell asleep. Now with the whole of Manhattan to read in did he have to do it there? Well I moved as soon as I was able to climb down from my height-imposed prison. Amusing though. I did enjoy a nice sunny evening of music and doughnuts though...

Today I was back into the hospital and the guy running the elective was back from vacation. I have to say he was the nicest guy you could hope to meet and we had a long chat about lots of random things. He is also trying to sort me out with a few extra things to do and get me a pager so I can be freer to move around without missing out on things. I had a nice 8am lecture on lung cancer, which meant be in the diner at 7.20am to get some toast and coffee (neither I can have at home), which meant be up at 6.45am, you see for me that's early when I finish at 5pm. Still I know it will be worse as a doctor, but at least you get paid! Tomorrow's lecture is on breast cancer I think..... I also had some good microscope teaching as well... I have decided my favourite cell is the eosinophile; see what you think for yourself....

I didn't go out tonight, I must admit the early morning and constant gallivanting is keeping me nice and tired, but I am quite happy with a beer on the balcony and playing some ukulele (or trying to). I am planning on to go to a (paid) concert on Wed so I must save the pennies or 'dimes' (or is it nickels?) for that one.... I think you always feel like your not doing enough when you're here, but I'm trying to pace myself in both energy and money :)

Dad, Fiona and George are coming soon, on the weekend of the 5th and so that will be nice. Also Clare is coming to visit! This is news just in by the way for all those 'oh you never told me that' types out there; you know who you are! Well she got a cheap last min flight and is coming for three nights starting the 27th of Sept.

So I thought I would do this from now on so you all know when to check for updates, because otherwise I leave it and get too tired to be bothered lol.... This way it will be less often but regular so I remember to do it and don't put it off. Ill update on a Sunday, Wednesday and Friday night I think...... so till Wednesday then......
]]>