Hours from now, I’ll be flying to Baltimore for an elective in Ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins. It’s been years since I’ve lived in a dorm, and packing for this trip has brought back some not-so-fond memories of leaving home for college or CTY. Beyond the basics like clothes and toiletry, I’ll also be bringing bed sheets, hangers, pots, and kitchen utensils. I’ve even got my own hot plate since there’re no stoves in the building. The most difficult part, however, will be spending a month away from my wife. Today, we went to the romantic 5-diamond restaurant L’Espalier for their prix fixe lunch menu before my flight out. Our meal started with field greens from their rooftop garden and a delectable chilled watermelon soup for appetizers. These were followed by a delicate pan-roasted trout and a divinely-rich pork belly confit. Desserts included a decadent chocolate cake and an expresso-flavored creme brulee, both of which were adequately pleasing. Unfortunately, I doubt this will hold me out for a month of cafeteria food. I’ll hopefully figure something out … or die of starvation.