4. December 2024 – Living abroad, it is always interesting to experience different traditions firsthand. Last week classes ended on Tuesday because of Thanksgiving break, so I had the chance to visit my cousin Philipp and his wife Moni in NYC.
Living abroad, it is always interesting to experience different traditions firsthand. Last week classes ended on Tuesday because of Thanksgiving break. This American holiday, celebrated on the 4th Thursday in November, has a few stories of its origin. The most prominent one is about a three-day feast in 1621. It was an event by the Pilgrims to thank Native Americans for their essential support in teaching them survival and harvesting skills.
Apart from the famous turkey, I learned about Turducken. Ever heard of it? Picture a turkey, which is stuffed with a duck, which is, in turn, stuffed with a chicken. While I appreciate creative dishes, I was happy sticking to the roasted veggies my cousin Philip and his wife Moni lovingly prepared – not only because I am vegetarian.
My time in NYC reminded me of how the same places can feel so different, depending on one’s stage in life. During my first visit, I rushed through the city, busy visiting one tourist attraction after the other. This time was all about the little moments: the pre-Christmas atmosphere, strolling through Central Park on a sunny day, learning about planetary formations in the American Museum of Natural History, and getting swept away by the broadways musical Maybe Happy Ending with my friend Belinda. Also, I got to enjoy good coffee, Matcha, vegan sushi and Phil and Moni’s cookeries.
Weekly High, Low, Buffalo & Lessons Learned
High: Unexpected Warmth
Imagine being out in NYC at -3 Celsius, waiting for a restaurant to open. What would be the best thing that could happen to you? For me, it was floor-seating with unexpected underfloor heating and incredible Korean dishes. My overall high was spending time with Phil, Moni, and a friend from my program and the inspiration I drew from our conversations. Now I feel ready for finals!
Low: Being slightly under the weather (fortunately I still could go to NYC).
Buffalo: Edible “Flowers” on the Streets of NYC
I am not used to cabbage planted as flowers. It amuses me every time at Harvard Medical School and made me smile in New York City too.
Lessons Learned:
Moni and Phil shared amazing insights on boosting studying efficiency while ensuring enough time for self-care. I will try to apply those during the upcoming finals and the next semester. Let me know if you are interested in some productivity insights in the future!
Big thanks again to Phil and Moni, for the amazing time in NYC! I’m back in Boston now and it is again a full week with lots of new insights, so stay tuned for next week’s post. Until then, feel free to reach out and continue to let me know what you’re interested in!
Liebe Grüße aus Boston!
Sophie
Yay, thanks for dropping by. It was so great having you visit us and NYC. The korean restaurant, the long walks, the squirrles… good fun all around!