Conneticut has abject urban poverty and decay, beautiful rural museums, and briskly grey industrial areas. A wealth of colleges are nearby, including an instate Ivy League school if you like history and old titles. I like the apple and berry farms: PYO = pick your own, and I eat while doing so. The local wineries can be fabulous.

• DiGrazia Wines My favorite winery, established by a physician (OB-Gyn). I'm waiting until the day they can ship to California. Hopefully they'll put up a real website before then.
• Belltown Hill Orchards We went there on my birthday in 2003. It was great. 483 Matson Hill Road, South Glastonbury, Ct 06033. Phone: 860-633-2789 Fax: 860-633-2789
• University of Connecticut, Health Center. Home to the medical school, the dental school, various biomedical research, a public health program, a small hospital, and not enough parking.
• Tisane Tea Bar Great selection of teas, though the venue has gradually adopted an anti-studying policy after 6pm. Poor quality free wifi. Food quality varies.
• The local Borders Books & Music. Now overrun due to the general low coffee shops per capita in the area. Expect to fight for a seat or an electrical outlet.
• The Farmington Public Library Small, quiet, plenty of parking, and free wifi.

When I think of Connecticut, I think of medical school. The joys of learning were interspersed with drudgery, physical exhaustion, emotional deprivation, and occasional doses of sheer terror. I leave it with no sense of nostalgia. I'm glad it's over. I appreciate the good friends I've made there, the enduring collegial bonds I've formed, and the outlook on society I now have. But I move on with no regret. –June 6, 2006

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