Love & Laughter

Love is in the air baadaadaadadada, love is in the air! Chomping my way through chewy coconutterly good nanbreads at, ‘punjabs palace’ in Harvard ave myself and collegues met at an Indian restaurant to satisfy our craving for it during the week, Friday night. From Harvard ave, which is a really neat street in Brighton/Allston, offers all trendy people a grand night out dining and then onto wining with their range of bars and restaurants up and down the street- we went to a colleagues engagement gathering to celebrate the engagement of two wonderful love birds. I work with Nick, and have Zumbaaad with his now finance lovely Lane! It was a nice night of laughter and I even learnt a few new party games.. .. ….

 The following morning I earned some dollars at the garment district having a semi spring/summer clean of a lot, A LOT, of clothes which I don’t want to take back to Scotland, then giggled my ribs around at the AMC movie theater through seeing the Hangover 3 with molly.

Sunday brought a new location to my check list, I visited the sowa markets with Alana, Michelle and her delightful family. The markets are interesting, so many wonderful stalls and with the gorgeous weather that day I could have happily pondered about for the full day looking at pretty trinkets, and vintage peculiars.

 

After a stop at pret a manger (keeping it European) I headed to the airport to meet out new international coop from Scotland at logan airport. It was so thrilling to welcome a new face into Boston, and of course into her new life and journey ahead of her!

Marathon Monday

After hearing the awful news from this afternoons explosions during Boston’s most famous marathon, it saddens me to type that I was so thankful and happy to have missed the manic madness during the marathon.  Having planned this weekend so far back, we had clashed dates with many events such as the Husky Ambassador gala and marathon Monday. I would have been lying if I said once this realization hit before the weekend I wasn’t upset at the event clashes, but as I sit here on thus back to Boston full of best wishes and hope for the injured, I am so glad to have spent a crazily cheery weekend away from Beantown.

Sadly I’ll remember this day of missing the marathon with my thoughts of fear for friends that could have been injured in the explosions which occurred at the final of the Boston marathon, on Boylston street right in the city center. Its terrible news, which no one ever wants to read and my thoughts go out to everyone who experienced the trauma today, and to the families who have lost their loved ones.

Invitations and Indigo

Today I received this wondrous invitation in work.

 

I had to sadly decline the invitation to the End of the Years Gala, hosted by the Husky Ambassador Program Organization on campus.  This event is going to be a great event, I'm sure, to have all of the talented students together in one room, razzleing and dazzling each another with their outfit choices.  This would have been my opportunity to play American proms, but alas I have other plans.  This upcoming weekend myself and the Scots are traveling down to Philedelphia for a funfilled weekend of touristing it up and catching up and meeting a new friend! I cannot wait, love traveling and exploring as you learn and see so much of the world.

 

This past weekend I managed to climb the mammoth (in my eyes)((although it was only 500+ feet) mountain that is called the Great Blue Hill, within the Blue Hills Park south Boston.  After you make the 30 minute ride down via the T and a bus, you are entirely separated from the city and emerged into nature. I really do appreciate weekends where I mix it up a little, saying that most weekends I do different things.. .

Anyway, Katie, Safaa and myself enjoyed hiking up, down and round the forest taking in the amazing views looking back at Boston.  By then ending the evening in a quirky little Italian restaurant in Dorchester. I could honestly have sat on the antique cushioned chair all night. .. . I will definitely making a stop there again in future to chitter chatter with good friends and enjoy grande cappuccinos.

the grand finale.

Well, I maybe never got my lead role that I had possibly dreamt I had.. .. But the proof is in the pudding. At around 1:16 onwards my friends and I appear in the crowds!  It obviously isn't that clear as we were too great to be shown, at a better angle, and so with the little help from red circles- you can spot ourselves in the crowds!

I am so glad to have been able to experience Fenway Park, for free, after hours with little crowds.

Lets allll go to a baaaaaal game.. .. .

BooksINBoston

Boston Public Library, the first public library to rent books in America, established in 1848 experiencing such a grand building left us dazed and amazed.  The exquisite statues, marbeled floors and bannisters leading towards book upon books Boston surely must be proud to have this open for viewing to their public.  We explored the many rooms, and relaxed in the lovely courtyard watching the fountain lure viewers with its impressive light show from the glistening reflecting sparkling trickling water bouncing of the sun.

mapsANDmusic

Walking in the whispering world, literally – I was in complete amazement.  After out twenty minute presentation, exploring the past of the globe, listening to words of wisdom from Ghandi,

Nelson Mandela, Oprah Winfrey, Eleanor Roosevelt, The Dalai La Martin Luther King, Jr, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr and other aspirational leaders we explored wonders of the Mary Baker Eddy Museum.  http://www.marybakereddylibrary.org/

Unfortunately they didn’t sell a globe of the world as I really fancied buying one for adding to my American room.

We also enjoyed (once again) the free delights of Greek frozen yogurt from Ben+Jerrys at their fair trade music festival!  The band that was playing was secretly soulful and played tasteful tunes for us to tap our toes along to.

FireyFestivals

Fumetastic fire and toasty acts were delivered at the Hungry Tiger Good Festival.  We headed down to the square not really knowing what was involved other than possibly food and Tigers… .

We actually got our picture taken from the artist herself who designed and painted the tiger-arc, which we accidently made happen.

Fire dancers (and drinkers) hosted a variety of acts ooo’ing and aaa’ing us all as the fire whizzed and spun around in front of us with such fragile human handlers!

 

Following on the festival streak we browsed round China Town during the celebration of the Moon Festival.

We witnessed tinywiny turtles being sold of at bargain prices, traditional Chinese food stalls and authentic arts and crafts.  From there we headed to the north-end, Bostons ‘little Italy’ and enjoyed (for the 1^st time) a cannoli out of the famous Mikes Pastries!

GLEAMINGforGOLD

Croaky voices occurred through the joys of cheering on the successful Andy Murray.  Today we sat in awe watching the final for the Tennis Golden London Olympics watching Murray and Federer battle out the title of winner.

Happy to help – during lunch today we joined the NU Community Service group http://www.northeastern.edu/communityservice/aboutus/index.html .  This will give us the opportunity to do more whilst in Boston, contributing to the communities that need a little ‘TLC’.  So, for the future we’ll be getting our paws dirty and joining in on the high community spirit!  I’m looking forward to making the most of our year in Boston with Northeastern University.

MagazineMARVELS

The inquisitive moment when someone unexpectedly tags you in a post on Facebook….  To my surprise I had been printed in the UKs NO.1 magazine.  My last full day in the UK I spent at Ayr race course, celebrating my year ahead in style at the Sunday race day!

By this time in present I had actually completely forgotten about being ‘papped’ with my close friend Gillian Sharpe, a Glasgow school of art student.   This weekend from the arrival of Daniel I received the Scottish magazine, and now have my own copy to marvel at.

Kindly I was also introduced to the free Boston magazine called ‘Improper Bostonian’ at work when someone had nicely gave me a copy.  Its an insight of all the events, reviews and news on entertainment and activities happening around Boston.  Through reading during lunch I’ve learned some more truths on the ‘dreaded’ Revere Beach, and came to the conclusion that I must try salsa classes and they are so frequent and free to attend it’d be pure rude not to join in! cha-cha-chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

CHUNKYcheeeeesecake

Zapping the flab down at Zumba in the morning we kicked of our Saturday bouncing and gliding to the energetic music from the amazingly fun and feisty Zumba class. Once ready the three of us rejuvenated, showered and all headed for a planned day at the Prudential centre!  http://www.prudentialcenter.com/ 

Sadly once we arrived at the tower to see a panoramic sky-high view of Boston, we were turned away by an emotionless sheet of white paper reading,

‘Closed, booked for Private Function’

And so we then decided to return another day as we had no choice and headed for the Cheesecake Factory even earlier! (no complaints)

It was what I was craving and more.  To my misconception, when I first heard of this amazing place I assumed it was a factory that made and sold cheesecake, however it is actually a restaurant selling grand foods along with specialising in cheesecake.  http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/

The creamy cheesecakes were amazingly appetising, slightly to much to enjoy so we had to take doggy bags with us home. 

‘Shear madness’ was our next Saturday scheduled stop in the theatre district.  We continued the food theme on our way and made a stop into Sugary Heaven, marvelling at their selection of Americandy which was quite impressive.

We left surely having worked our abs from an outrageously funny show.  The theme of the act is shear madness indeed, and being able to interact and guess the killer throughout really gets you involved and one with the stage!  Thanks to the NU student affairs we got the tickets for free and attended the show as a large friendly pack of huskies.  On the way home we stopped in to watch some of the play in the Boston Common Park.

CHEARS at the Cheesecake Factory



My b-E-A-U-tiful slice of heaven.




My fabulous friends by the Reflecting Pool



In SUGAR Heaven.

SUGAR HEAVEN

The Charles Playhouse!

Shakespeare in the park.

CADBURYSandClothes

Its Friday, which can only mean one (free) thing in Boston at summer – its Free Friday Flicks!  Last night we watched Kung Fu Panda 2, which was very cartoon childish but fun! 

Beforehand I had the lovely pleasure of becoming a tour guide once again as another Scottish visitor was arriving to bonnie’Boston.  Daniel a work friend from my part-time occupation in Scotland was returning in the U.S this summer to volunteer for two weeks at his summer amp that he worked as a lifeguard the previous year.  Emphasis on his exhuasted’ness, kind Daniel arrived at my workplace after his lovely long haul flight with a suitcase pour moi!

I could not be any more thankful for him doing such a kind thing!  In appreciating for my suitcase and to welcome Daniel once again to Boston I and my roommates made Daniel a chicken stir-fry for dinner before heading out to the esplanade.

Tonight we didn’t make the mistake of arriving late and lost and arrived just after 7pm easily tracking down Anthony and his fortress of basking blankets and bags of candies!  We lay in the humid hot hazy Hatchshell watching the movie,  it was a nice evening, which ended sadly as we were saying goodbye to Anthony as he prepares to leave in two days to fly to Germany to complete his co-op until Christmas.  Although I've only known Anthony for a short time, as of anyone else here in America I couldn’t be more happier to have grown a friendship with such an intriguing interesting friendly character.  I wish him all the best on his working adventure and hope his experience in Germany will be as great as mine has been so far here in Boston, MA.

On a chirpier note as I type this up I’m enjoying some Cadburys chocolate which Daniel gave me.  It was smooth, silky and creamy! MMMMM how I love (Scottish) CHOCOLATE!

BritishBUDDIESandHAGGIS

This week my Scottish family grew one larger becoming now three.  Katie Masheter arrived with a broken bulky bag, droopy eyes, hazy tired head but still beaming her smile and chirpy personality.  Arriving at work, I contained my utter GLEE as much as possible hugging her like a sister, she’s here- IN BOSTON.

Becoming a tour guide for the 2^nd time, we met with the marvellous Molly after I finished work and headed to home, sweet home.  It’s quite surreal having now two close friends staying with me in the states.  I really don’t feel like I’m 3325 miles away from home as I have my happy homely housemates with me.

On Tuesday we wined (Irn Bru) and dined at the only Scottish themes restaurant in the whole of new England called The Haven JP.  Surprisingly and very luckily it so happened to be the night of a Scottish charity night, hosted by the ‘Saltire foundation’.  The Haven graciously squeezed the 8 of us into the event allowing the ‘3 Scottish and 5 Americans’ enjoy the evening of Scottish poetry and songs.  We even slyly won the Scottish quiz though we weren’t included in the draw as understandably we weren’t event members and being Scottish helped answer the questions!  We all dived into the scrumptious cuisine being that of Haggis, scotch eggs, fried mars bars and washed it down with the Scottish fizzy pop drink being IrnBRU!  Overall a proper pure dead brilliant wee night out, CHEARS!

Free Outdoor Movies!

Lifes a fillet o’fish.

 

We enjoyed our first outdoor movie being screened – ‘THE MUPPETS’ which shamefully I had never seen until last night.  To my surprise it was almost a musical which allowed me to belt out my nightingale impressions with the rest of the friendly family spectators.  

 We had planned to meet with my work friends though through mobile battery failure and signal loss we could not find them in the flocking fams.  NB:  Arrive earlier than 730 as it starts at 8pm, the early bird catches the worm, and in this case you want to fly their early to catch a good seating position closer to the shell for obvious screening reasons. 

It was a lovely experience, sitting alongside strangers chomping numerous candies, watching the Movie next to the Charles River by the esplanade, which is glistening for the glowing gleaming sun setting sun- 

The freebies which you recieve on entering the esplanade aren't too bad either. EVERYTHINGS better when its free. 

Burny Cuusine

Surnburn sucks.  This weekend we informally introduced ourselves to fried chicken.  Definitely felt fatty and more like a stereotypical American with greasy fingers and burnt tongues.   Our visit to the prudential centre which had many different dining options such as; Mexican grills, organic fresh stations and fried chicken stands.

Mainly browsing the shops in the Prudential centre due to hosting the excellently expensive shops such as Gucci and Swarovski we shuffled past pink berry which I noticed was another fro’yo seller.  Its on the to-do/visit list as my love for the funky frozen freshness is growing contagiously! … .

I did however buy an old style global map from papyrus.  It is supposed to be for wrapping paper, but its healthy to switch things up a little and it is now about to hang on my wall, in which I’m looking forward to gazing at to guess where my next international adventure will be.  I am certainly getting ‘itchy feet’ so to speak, wanting to travel more and more exploring in the future.

The Sunday we ended up at the beach for some relaxing retreat treatment, which did indeed end with two hours of sandy sea sitting and a badly burnt stomach.  – NB: BUYING SUN LOTION.

We headed home with a stop in at Bertuccis, which I have now found out is like a well-known Italian chain restaurant in America.  It was scrumptious, I tried strawberry lemonade for the first time and my favourite dish was the entrée of rugged roasted Mediterranean vegetables! 

That was my valued and cherished weekend plans over and now for another interesting week to start at work.. .  I wonder what I’ll learn!

NUgym-note.

On the exercising topic, I am pretty sure that I can join in on the NU gym classes that are offered for the summer students in the Marino Center which is a massive big gym area, since I am staff at NU. 

However I've opted to stay closer to home, and luckily the zumba is taught at the Gym right beside our apartment which is  very handy, and of course there is the lake in which is great for running round.

Happy gymming..

ZUMBBBA

oi-oi!

Molly and I have been going to ZumbaaAAAAaa (three times now) and absolutely love it!

It is taught 3 times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturday mornings which is really handy as it’s a great schedule to make at least two out of the three party dance classes!

The thing that makes the Zumba much better than what they were when I exercised in Scotland is that they are taught by a overly enthusiastic lady Ketty, who just loves what she does getting the full class 100% involved shaking there flab to infinity!  The even better thing is that it’s great fun and I don’t even know I’m trying to exercise!!

The picture shows the amazing lively lady herself doing what she enjoys in one of her Zumba classes.

http://www.northeastern.edu/news/2012/01/zumba-2/

I can't wait for tonight to roll up as it'll be ZUMMMMbAAAa time.

My office.

FINALLY, I have taken the chance to take pictures of my Office.

Hopefully I'll be able to personalize it a bit more, and make it more of a professional me theme.

I love coming here for my work placement, its so fresh and freindly!

This is a picture I took a few days ago of our amazing visitor center, its just an experience to be in!

More news on my workplace within the Northeastern News.

http://www.northeastern.edu/news/2012/07/visitor-center/

Works a Carnival..

Wednesday at work it was a lovely beaming hot day as normal, except Northeastern had a free event going on in the central common area, which was a miini carnival!  Having my lunch hour we took advantage of the festivities and headed over for some free cotton candy and popcorn!  Following up with making sweet sand sculptures, which has now been christened my first work office decoration.  Its perks like this that just enhance my placement here at Northeastern, its a delight heading into work wondering whats going to differentiate my days!

Yesterday at work I was able to particiapte in a very important event whilst hosting international councillors interested in our university for prospectful students to apply.  I felt I had a lot of advice to offer even though I had only been here two weeks, I am an international student so to speak and could answer niggling questions on what it is like to move from a foreign country and arrive at such a wonderful place.

These little beauties were my handy craftmanship, I prepared 39 of them to be exact which we gifted our guests to welcome them to Northeastern University.  I hope there experience was a pleasant one even if it was just for a short day, reflecting my pleasurable experiences I have had settling in over the past few weeks. 

evenMOREdonuts.

I was surprised to find a little present as I arrived to work this morning, one of the students who works part-time in the visitor center had kindly gave me a Boston Cream Donut as I had never tried one!

I can safely say it was truly delicious!  Again very sweet and sugary, but- oh.so.gooood.

I'm hoping to take everyone down to a Scottish themed restaurant in the Jamaican plain called The Haven, which offer sticky toffee pudding, Scottish fry ups and of course deep fried mars bars.  I'm sure that'll be a fun experience.. ...

PhotoOFtheDAY!

Today at work I got a tad excited as I was shown that yesterday I featured in the photo of the day at Northeastern University News.

The new and improved shiny amazing fantastic fabulous visitor center has been open one whole week now and it is receiving a lot of attention from fellow students and press on the visiting store. 

There have been a lot of astounded families walking in our doors and its obvious why, the space allows a tranquil environment welcoming newcomers and friendly faces to explore more about our University.  The genius software on the walls allows touch sensitive play, bringing up a source of information, photos and videos highlighting information, encouraging play and learning at the same time.  The mood walls softly beam out various colors changing throughout the day, enhancing the full experience whilst visiting northeastern.

I am pretty proud to say that I have been able to work and learn here myself, and look forward to working here and in my office for the next 11 months!

Highlighting our new visitor center in the news, I appear in the last photo on the sequence.

http://www.northeastern.edu/news/2012/07/welcome-to-the-new-visitor-center/

This picture can be found on the northeastern website; http://www.northeastern.edu/news/multimedia-items/welcome-to-the-new-visitor-center/    Photo by Brooks Canaday