Blogs from Massachusetts, United States, North America - page 135

BOSTON It took about 8 hours to get to Boston on the train. The hostel is above an Irish pub that has bands every night - so it is noisy. But if you are at the hostel you get in for free - so if you can't beat them join them. Really wanted to see the Red Sox whilst I'm here but I think they are away all week. Went to the 'Cheers' bar where the TV programe was based. Well Boston was fantastic probably my favorite place out of all of them I have visited so far. I didn't do that many 'touristy' things, although did the Freedom Trail - so know so much about American history - and how naughty us British were. Made friends with a Dutch lady and went out with her ... read more

Reverse culture shock has been a regular visiter at my apartment this summer. In my opinion, culture shock (or reverse culture shock, for that matter), is not the surprise of first arriving to a place, but rather occurs six to eight weeks (give or take) after getting to a place. It's around this time when everything that was new and exciting and novel and quaint becomes reality. It's this point when you realize that this isn't somewhere you're visiting, it's somewhere you're living. The quaint and fascinating can become annoying, and the people with whom you were fascinated (or who were fascinated in you) become less fascinating (or fascinated). It's when you start to realize that you're all alone and perhaps that people don't understand you. It's a lonely time, and it sucks, to put it ... read more

Left Hartford on a Greyhound on Tuesday morning for Boston. Met up with our host Rich (Univ chemistry graduate) who picked us up in his Barbie and Ken style open top jeep. Had a drive around Boston in the evening and then went up to see the view from the prudential tower. Wednesday was spent walking around lots and exploring the shops a little. Went to Boston common, saw the Cheers bar and generally had a lovely day, but quite chilled out. Thursday was slightly more action packed. An early start at 7am to go whale watching for 4 hours meant we were quite tired but it was well worth it. After seeing humpback, minkie and finback whales (as well as a cheeky little seal) we wandered around the older part of Boston, Beacon Hill. Finished ... read more

Provincetown, MA is the "gay & lesbian" American Dream. It is white picket fences. Fresh cut grass. Beautiful flowers. A small town village atmosphere. Friendly locals and tourists. The corner grocery shops. The town bakeries. Kids playing in their yards. People walking their dogs. Locals and visitors riding bikes. People flying kites. People fishing. Kayaking. Canoeing. Lounging lazaliy in a boat. Sunning on a beach. Having lunch on the pier. Yes. Provincetown is like the gay suburbs -- however -- it is a suberb atmosphere with a "wilder" side. Provincetown is loaded with gay & lesbian nightclubs, cafes, restaurants, shops, drag shows, cinemas, museums, art galleries and host numerous special events throughout the year including Carnaval in August, Holly Folly in December, Family Gay Week in July, Women's Week in October and many, many others. Visit ... read more

Jason and I are home and safe and sound - we missed the Heathrow scare by one day.... thank God - just glad we came home when we did - otherwise it would have been a very nerve racking/scary flight home. anyways we had an amazing time and wanted to thank everyone for the messages and such - we hope to add pictures soon or at least add a link for you guys to go see them on a different website... jess sorry again - and thanks for the offer - but we were so tired and jetlagged we would have napped at your house and thats about it - lol love you NA/MH Larry I will be in work Monday morning at 9am - see you then!! (call me if there is a problem with ... read more