Five Things I've learned About Boston in Five Days

So this is the first complete day I've been in my room in Boston.  BW and I arrived on Tuesday afternoon last week and immediately found an Olive Garden, cause, you know, that's where real Bostonians eat...  Then on Wednesday we moved my suitcases into the room and then went shopping.  Four hours in Target and a surprising (for me) amount of money later we had acquired the remainder of the set up for my room.  We then found an Applebee's, the other place real Bostonians eat...I'm pretty sure that's their most recent media campaign slogan...

Thursday was (dis)orientation day.  I went to seminars on financial aid and campus life, and then we went on a walking tour of Boston led by a professor.  It was supposed to highlight that particular professor's favorite parts of Boston, so I saw some neat churches and now know where all the bookstores within walking distance are located.

BW also moved in and set up all of my belongings on Thursday morning -- she's my hero!  As any of you who helped me move know, moving is probably the thing in the world that I am the most terrible at, so this was a HUGE help and mental stress reliever.

Friday morning BW had to go home. :(  There was a welcome church service (a little on the touchy-feely side for me) and then a day of service.  We went to Wallaston Congregational Church United Church of Christ in Quincy and baked communion bread and made a meal (baked pasta, salad, and brownies) for Father Bill's Place, a homeless shelter dedicated to ending homelessness.  It was lots of fun, except for the part where my new friend Sarah sliced her thumb open and had to go to the hospital -- she's okay and didn't bleed in the food.

So, that brings you all up to speed on life in the last five days.  Here are a few things I have learned thus far:
1.) The serial comma does not exist in Boston.  I was sitting in orientation twitching throughout the presentations.
2.) Phonics will get you nowhere.  Example: Quincy is pronounced "Quinzy"...come on people!  Great, now I'm hooked on it for no reason.
3.) Jaywalking is a fact of life and is encouraged.  I jaywalked in front of a group of five cops.  No reaction.  Some people do it recklessly -- against the light across four lanes of speeding traffic during rush hour while texting.  Some jaywalking is necessary if you want to get anywhere, but have some care people!  During rush hour I'm waiting for the light to change, even if it marks me as a foreigner.
4.) BU's security force is made up of 60 sworn police officers.  They report to the Sheriff of Suffolk County, which means they have more authority than the Boston PD.  They can cross the river into Cambridge and still have authority.  They're also super nice and helpful.
5.) It is freakishly hot in my room.  I have 4 fans running in my 60 square foot room.  It's on the 4th floor of a building without air conditioning.  Part of the tour of Boston given was "places that have air conditioning".

But all things considered the people have been very nice and the historical sites are staggering -- check out this video for some laughs and an idea of the things that are available right near here!

Also, I will be sending out my new mailing address soon and demand need care packages.  Emily, I also need some new pictures of my nephew stat -- I'm having serious withdrawls!!  Please do not send dirty diapers.