Madison: A Nice Place To Be

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Wil and I recently moved to Madison, WI, and we are loving it! Wil has promising job leads at a few very respectable establishments, and I'm working at the University with the Space Science and Engineering Center (sounds cool, right??), studying how satellites see snowfall at Earth's surface.

The view from my office!
Downtown Madison has the same feel as Ann Arbor, but the whole city is much better laid out (in my opinion) and therefore has little in the way of traffic. It's absolutely glorious. We're also on the hunt for a house, which has been a challenge in compromise. Wil and I agree on almost everything we want in a house, but the housing market here doesn't agree with our budget! Even so, I think we'll find a great first home in the next year or two.

Madison is the capitol of Wisconsin. From April to November a huge farmers' market surrounds the whole capitol square!
The "Urban Target" here has an escalator for your carts. Incredible.
Wil and I wanted to say a few last words about our European trip--the pros and cons, and handy tips about each country. I hope it helps anyone who decides to go to these places!

Istanbul
  • Unless you enjoy hot, muggy weather, visit in the late fall
  • Comprehensive metro system; helpful because driving in Istanbul is terrifying
  • The British obsession with queueing is fully understood here, whether at an ice cream shop or airport passport check
Poland
  • Incredible food here, and inexpensive because of the exchange rate
  • Everyone who visit the region should attend a former concentration camp tour, so we never forget what happened
Czech Republic
  • Everything's slightly more expensive in Prague, but city passes are useful
  • Even if you don't like beer, a visit to the Pilsner Urquell brewery in Plzen (and their restaurant) is worth the trip
Switzerland
  • Everything. Is. Expensive. Cook at your hostel or hotel if possible, it will save you $50 a meal
  • Both city and country have plenty of attractions
  • Visit CERN. DO IT.
Italy
  • Similar to other locations: watch out for the drivers, and visit both city and countryside
  • Pay a little more to skip the multiple-hour line at Rome's big attractions
Overall
  • Eat local--the food is better and cheaper
  • Always carry cash, no matter what
  • Travel by train and combine all the best parts of flight and driving without the hassle

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