“If you want to show your English friends that you’re trying to embrace the culture, here’s what you do…” The speaker at international students’ orientation pauses for dramatic effect. We lean forward and she says: “Have a drink in your hand.” When I moved to England, I wanted to acclimate to the culture. Looking back, … Continue reading What Living in England Taught Me
Goodbye, Massachusetts! Hello, Florida
It happened so fast One minute, I had three jobs: marketing assistant at a regional arts center, hostess at a family-owned pub & grill where customers called me by my first name, and journalist at the local magazine - a role which has taken me beyond coffee meetings and, as my friend Ana phrased it, literally into … Continue reading Goodbye, Massachusetts! Hello, Florida
Escaping Reality: St Fagans to Old Sturbridge
“They’re real alligators in a hotel!" I press against the railing and peer into the pond. A two-foot-sized gator drifts across the surface of the water. Then there’s another one basking under the heat of a lamp and another one sitting still upon a rock. We’re at Gaylord Palms Resort, a luxury hotel in Orlando. … Continue reading Escaping Reality: St Fagans to Old Sturbridge
24 Hours in New York City
"Remember, nobody is as important as you." My brother, Chris, coaches me on how to navigate the ground-level life of New York City. Overtake pedestrians when they're walking too slow. Proceed with confidence across the crosswalk even if a car is turning. Maybe even cut someone in line if they're on the phone. New Yorkers … Continue reading 24 Hours in New York City
Sweet Delights in Worcester County
With a sweet tooth to satisfy I've made certain that Worcester County's bakeries have not gone undiscovered. There are four things that I love: cupcakes, cannolis, coffee, and alcohol. When I'm offered all these things, my heart feels like exploding with joy. This is how you make me happy. Just so you know. Also, I suppose family, love, … Continue reading Sweet Delights in Worcester County
A Week in Worcester County
“I can’t believe you’re here.” I wake up on my birthday and roll over to see my best friend, Tofu, sleeping beside me. The night before, I found a giant present in the foyer and when I unwrapped it, she popped out! I was so shocked, I started crying. Now she’s here for my birthday. … Continue reading A Week in Worcester County
Bristol to Worcester
Naturally, I was feeling homesick for England. I even wrote about it in my other blog (read here). I missed how funky and artsy the cities were. Upon my first few weeks of living near Worcester, a small city in Massachusetts, I believed I would feel the absence of an urban artsy vibe. But then, … Continue reading Bristol to Worcester
Why “Mass Discovery”?
"Why are you here?" The restaurant owner asked me with furrowed brows. I was in a pub and grill in a town called West Boylston, in rural Massachusetts. This was an area with no sidewalks, only forests and with highways connecting the bars and gas stations. The houses were old clapboard and the only shops … Continue reading Why “Mass Discovery”?
