Spontaneity

So many of my friends are travelers. Some have studied abroad in the past, some are abroad now, or some have just traveled a lot on their own. I try to live vicariously through them, as if hearing about all their adventures will transfer some of their coolness to me. As excited as I get to hear their stories, I feel pangs of jealousy when I think about how little of the world I’ve... Read More

And How I Miss It All…

I’m currently on my grand adventure abroad. Sono a Padova — which means I’m in Padua, Italy. I think I’m somewhat shell-shocked, because of the huge shift in my day-to-day structure of life. I go from the lazy, hard-pressed-for-excitement month at home, to doing something pretty much every day, in a non-native language. My Italian improves daily, and my notebook... Read More

Dear Las Vegas,

I am writing to inform you that I will be visiting you this weekend. I have seen multiple movies with you as a main character—er, location—but no little about you otherwise. I figured I’d just make a short list of what I expect you to be like, based on my limited exposure to you. 1) George Clooney likes to steal money from slimy casino owners. Hell, he’s good at it in the... Read More

Crosstown Traffic—And Lots of It

I never liked the way the maniacs on the East Coast drove. Especially New Englanders. Honestly, any time I took the green line on the T to downtown Boston and got off at Boylston Street I said three Hail Marys in the hope that I didn’t get killed trying to cross the street. You think I’m exaggerating? Go see Ben Affleck’s new movie, The Town, and tell me with a straight face... Read More

Back in Boston

So I am officially back from France and two weeks into my senior year. My semester abroad flew by and I cannot believe I am inches (around 6 months) away from venturing out into real life. Terrifying. Before I (maybe) leave, here is a list of things I still want to do in Boston: Go to a BU hockey game. Any game will do, but I feel like I have to go see one in order to say I was... Read More

Teatime, A British Tradition

By Christa Finger sandwiches, pastries, scones… now I feel that I am in Great Britain. It’s 3 in the afternoon, high tea time, and I am about to attend my first tea party in about fifteen years. The last one I attended involved teddy bears and baby dolls. Friends and I have decided to take part in an English tradition this Sunday afternoon. What is more English than tea... Read More

Flâneur

Much like famous author/drug addict/ people watching connoisseur Charles Baudelaire, one of my favorite activities in Paris is sitting on the metro and watching the constant flow of people moving around the city. Baudelaire sauntered (via sidewalk not train) through the city. In fact, his time “flâner”-ing (or strolling) around the city inspired his theory of the flâneur... Read More

In London

By Christa Walking down London streets for the first time, even through a haze, a jetlag, symbols of British/English/London culture can be immediately recognized: amazing red doubledecker buses zip by on the “wrong” side of the road while pub banners advertise the “Best Fish and Chips”. Beyond the sight of these icons, the British/English/London identity... Read More