Home Sweet Home...

'My heart's like an open book
For the whole world to read...'

Motley Crue


After a mere 48 hours of being in New England, it does indeed feel like home: I could have been here for months! From the minute I arrived at Logan Airport in Boston, I immediately felt at ease. Being met by Christina and her boyfriend helped - just like with Kristin, I immediately connected with them and from the moment we hugged hello, it was as if I'd known them for years. I was immensly grateful for the help with my luggage, too! The journey to Northbridge revealed a beautiful landscape: endless shades of green, golden in the sunset. The slatted houses and picket fences are really pretty and the whole area is peaceful. I feel safe here.

Just like Washington, everything is on a bigger scale and houses are enormous! Kristin's dogs - two beautiful golden retrievers - are also enormous and being very much a cat person, I hope I'm going to be able to handle them alone! On Saturday, Kristin took me to a party which could have been taking place on the set of 'Desperate Housewives' - the road looked just like it! The house was simply stunning, and so big mine could probably fit inside the garage(!) There was also a pool in the back garden (or 'yard'), which is normal here. I got introduced to lots of people, all of whom were incredibly friendly and welcoming; I have several offers of a place to go if I feel lonely and a list of people who want to take me out and show me places, which is fantastic. I was also introduced to a Year 6 student who has just been awarded a place on an 'Ambassador' programe - he'll be visiting all four corners of the UK next July - and his reaction to being told my nationality was astounding. He could not have appeared more awed or excited to be talking to me if I'd been introduced as a film star...or possibly even God! It was a very surreal scenario...I could get used to it ;)

The party had a live rock/ blues band playing on the lawn, which, upon discovering I rather like the Foo Fighters, dedicated 'Times Like These' to me. I had to go on the mic first though, and say my name and a few sentences so they could all hear the way I talk - and people keep repeating the things I say, mimicking my accent, which is also surreal. Everyone seems genuinely interested though, which is nice (even if I was mistaken for an Australian at one point!!). I'm also learning American colloquialisms, and may post a brief list at some point, if I have time. I also had my first real American hot dog (which doesn't look especially appetising but tastes great) and burger (which was out of this world), plus shrimps (king prawns to the UK contingent reading this) and clam chowder, which was yummy. Clam chowder is a typical dish here, as are steamed clams and lobster (both of which I tried today, by another pool, this time olympic-sized) but my favourite food at the time of writing has to be the pecan pie!

So what's it like here? I hate to repeat myself, but it really is just like the films! I'm going to be living and working in what is essentially 'Pleasantville', fourty or so years after the town became technicoloured, I've been to a party in a 'Desperate Housewives' type house and I've even got shopping from the supermarket in a huge paper bag (which caused me much excitement, much to Kristin's bemusement). I've been fascinated by the wildlife: tree frogs, possums and hummingbirds. The people are the friendliest and most generous I've ever met - the lobster and clams dinner today occurred simply because I'd said at the party I'd never eaten either and everyone I've met has told me I'm welcome in their home anytime and that they're all here for me. Tomorrow, I get to see inside my new school, and have a go at driving, both of which should prove to be interesting experiences! That said, with such and incredible support network, and beautiful surroundings, I think I'm going to be just fine (...well, hopefully...).