Adventures in Hooterville

I'm getting pretty good at this travelling thing. My most recent adventure was prompted by the Society for Neuroscience annual conference, i.e. the biggest conference ever as far as a neuro-geek like me is concerned. My lab goes every year, because my advisor is wonderfully generous with travel funds. So, off to Chicago we went.

Unfortunately, after a science-packed first two days, I came down with a nasty head cold. So I didn't get to see much, if any, of the Chicago night life but I appreciated the city from afar, let's say. That turned out to be, though not ideal, alright with me because I got to spend some quality time in our incredible accommodations. We rented a pair of condos, both right downtown. Condo #1, where I was staying, was right on a park in an brand-new high-rise complex. We were on the 7th floor, not too high (thankfully) but high enough to have a really nice view out of the floor-to-ceiling windows. Add to that some ample floorspace, king beds, giant flatscreens, wifi, washer/dryer, full kitchen… TWO bathrooms!... and you have a recipe for a very comfortable week-long stay. Condo #2, on the other hand, was really lame. I can't believe I didn't get more complaints from my labbies who were, unfortunately, staying there instead. This place was on the 57th (!) floor  of the Hancock building. The view was.. well… take a look:

Not much to say about that, but you wouldn't know it from the way my co-workers went on and on ;)

I also felt like this was the most productive year, for me, when it came to making contacts and learning about interesting science. Considering I was sick for more than half of the conference, maybe the lesson here is that less is more? Maybe, or it could be that the timing was excellent: I'm in the market for the next step in my thesis project, so collaboration ideas and possible new directions are a welcome distraction. Either way, I'll take it.

PS- To the guy I sneezed on during my poster session, I'm really very sorry. I hope you have a killer immune system and an abundant supply of vitamin C. Though I didn't get your name, if you care to identify yourself, I would be more than happy to send you a care-package of noodle soup and lemon tea? Thank you so much for your interest and your gentlemanly demeanor.