Everyone says that the hardest aspects of third year are summer quarter and retina. But for me, fall quarter (which just wrapped up) was an endless struggle to stay afloat. I remembered summer quarter fondly and I wanted nothing more than to get away. Two weeks ago was fall break–there were no classes to attend, but we still have clinic. When I completed my clinic shifts, I boarded an early flight to the East Coast, where I met up with one of my brothers for a mini-vacation. And it was great. We drove into New York City and spent a couple of precious days sight-seeing and touring the great metropolis. It was my first time in New York, and what struck me was just how expansive and endless Manhattan is. Upon returning to Chicago, I couldn’t help but realize how tiny my own city seemed in comparison.
The Woolworth Building on 5th Avenue facing Central Park and the legendary Plaza Hotel
Left: The never ending skyscraper strewn avenue. Right: …filled with endless yellow NYC taxis
The always lively Times Square. At night time when it’s pitch black, it’s still daytime in the square lit up with endless LED screens.
Left: The Atlas Statue at Rockefeller Center. Right: An obstructed view of the Empire State Building
One World Trade Center, the tallest skyscraper in America.
Left: A view of the skyline from Bryant Park. Right: SUNY College of Optometry, across from Bryant Park
Laduree Cafe on Madison Avenue–a must-stop for macarons and other French treats
The New York Marathon along Central Park
Left: Conde Nast, where all my favorite magazines are published. Right: Chelsea Market, home of runway sample sales and much more
Left: Rockefeller Plaza. Right: A pretzel from one of the billion food carts that feed tourists like me