Hello from New York!
Hi! I’m Luise, a product designer from Switzerland, and I’ve recently begun my 18-month J-1 Trainee Program at Sherle Wagner International. It’s been an exciting start so far. My team has been incredibly welcoming, and settling into the office has felt surprisingly smooth. One of my favorite perks is the location: the showroom is right across Central Park, which means I can spend my lunch breaks wandering through the Park. I already have a favorite sunny bench where I like to sit, enjoy my sandwich, and observe the people walking by.
The other day, I visited The Frick Collection, which has just reopened after an extended renovation. Walking through the beautifully restored rooms felt like stepping into another century. The historic interiors, combined with the impressive art collection, made the visit particularly inspiring, especially for someone passionate about design and craftsmanship.
Outside of work, I’m exploring New York as much as I can. I’ve been taking long walks along the East River, doing Pilates classes in Central Park, and trying out different cafés and bakeries on my way to and from work. I also discovered a hand-pulled noodle place in Chelsea that might become my new go-to spot. I’m also experimenting with local gym classes, which has been a great way to meet people and get to know different neighborhoods.
This past weekend, I visited an Italian art museum about an hour and a half outside New York, near Cold Spring. Magazzino Italian Art is a beautiful museum surrounded by nature, and even a few Sicilian donkeys. The train ride up along the Hudson River was especially beautiful with the autumn colors and soft light at this time of year.
This week is already Thanksgiving, and I’ve been invited to a friend’s home for a potluck-style Friendsgiving. The hosts will take care of the turkey and pies, while the rest of us bring something to contribute. I’m really excited to experience these traditions for the first time and to see how Americans celebrate one of their most beloved holidays.
