Traveling to San Antonio during the pandemic was a calculated risk. Texas had banned vaccine and mask mandates, but the ASRS meeting gave me a chance to present a talk, moderate a session, and serve as panelist. To minimize COVID risk, I was determined to avoid large gatherings and free meals, and planned a 4-day quarantine post travel. I checked into the resort on Saturday in time to catch the first poster session, then found a quiet corner at the Genentech reception for some BBQ brisket, mac n’ cheese, and sweet tea with a colleague. I spent the next day meeting with industry partners, and ended with a dip in the pool followed by gator bites and lobster tchoupitolas at Smashin Crab. I attended more of the meeting Monday, but spent the afternoon exploring the city. My first stop was the Alamo – the Franciscan mission that became the site of the resistance for Texan independence from Mexico that ended with a siege and massacre in 1836. After my audio-guide tour of the cultural icon, I embarked on my own walking tour of the city, stopping by the Menger Hotel, Buckhorn Saloon & Museum, and Majestic Theater, before strolling briefly past the river walk to the San Fernando Cathedral and Bexar County Courthouse on the way to the Historic Market Square. El Mercado is the largest Mexican market in the U.S., and gave me a chance to taste strawberry tres leches cake from Mi Tierra Cafe. After dining solo on gougeres and Duroc pork chop at Maverick, I returned to the hotel for a late-night swim and Squid Game before calling it a night. I presented on my last day, then hung out with my friend Parisa before a delayed flight and tight connection that at least let me enjoy a Smash Burger on the way back. The rest of the week was clinically busy, leaving me only time for two instant noodles and two visits to Pho Saigon over my four nights at an Airbnb guest room. I barely saw my host during the few hours I spent in the unit, but the quarantine did give me a chance to catch up with emails and grant writing in my office. I finally drove home on Saturday for virtual fellowship interviews from my home office until I got my negative COVID results. The grueling week away from my family left me longing for the COVID vaccine approval for children.       

The emergence of the COVID delta variant had me concerned for my first work trip since the pandemic. So when the CDC authorized vaccine boosters for healthcare workers, I quickly went for my third Pfizer dose, despite having just gotten my flu shot the day prior and preparing to board my red-eye to NYC that night. Trying to sleep in a middle seat with an N95 mask was a challenge, but I was glad to be back in my hometown. After picking up some baked goods, we tried out cold nian pi, cumin lamb noodles, soup dumplings, and sweet soy milk from a nearby food court for lunch. By the time I was home, I was running a 102-degree fever and chills which had me conked out for the rest of the day. I felt better on Sunday, and shared take-out dim sum and a walk with my folks around the neighborhood. The Green-wood Cemetery provided a tranquil setting for the stroll that included a public art installation at the chapel. After a hot everything bagel with honey almond cream cheese, I reminisced with my friend Wei on his front porch before feasting on Peking duck and Nile perch with my folks and heading up to the Upper East Side to check into the Helmsley and catch up with my college roommate Ed at Hex & Co.. My 2-day itinerary at Weill Cornell was packed with deans and chairs, doctors and researchers, and a tour of the Dyson lab. Strolling through the Rockefeller University campus reminded me of my first lab experience as a high school student, and my research seminar there felt like homecoming. Dinner with faculty at Zero Otto Nove, and lunch with my parents at Japan Village in Industry City the next day also reminded me of the amazing culinary offerings of the city. On Wednesday, I took reprieve in a Minute Suite at LGA before my flight to Chicago. I stopped for mediocre ramen en route to my hotel and Retina Society conference in time for my presentation. The rest of the meeting reminded me of the energy of a live meeting, although attendance was tepid. The to-go bag lunches were delicious and appreciated, but the unmasked receptions and gala were cringe-worthy and just short of a super-spreader event. I did arrange for a dinner date with my colleague Christina at Michelin-starred Porto, where highlights included an uni toast, smoked octopus, and wood-oven turbot. On Saturday, I caught up with my cousin Steve and friend Nieraj over arancini and pistachio gelato from L’appetito before flying home. My first work travel since the pandemic gave me a chance to reconnect, but also brought unease about the callousness of meeting organizers. With more upcoming travel to higher-risk locations, I hope to plan more carefully.