Well, THAT was different!

I finally got back today from my travels to Boston (had to present a paper at a conference) and I've come to the conclusion that I'm just not a "big city" gal ... especially an east coast "big city" gal. Maybe it's because the east coast was settled first and there's not as much space over there than on the west coast. Okay, just stay with me for a second. Have you ever noticed that the state sizes on the eastern part of the U.S. are (generally speaking) A LOT smaller than the west coast? I mean, what's with Rhode Island!?!? It's like a pocket-sized state compared to those on the west coast! Okay, so maybe that is a bit size-ist of me, but I'm a westerner -- and proud of it. Of course, I'm also proud that I was born in Alaska, I come from a large family, and can burp on command. Yes, it's true, and no, I will not burp for you. *burp* Okay, I had to!!! My mom is sooo proud of me right now.

Anyway, for all my complaints about the size, I really did appreciate touring around the city. As I took my first taxi cab ride I couldn't help thinking about the bit Jerry Seinfeld does:

• "To me the really funny thing about New York cabs is that you never get that much scared... when you're in the cab. I don't know why, something about being in Manhattan. No matter how dangerous it seems... it's all quite amusing in the back of that cab, isn't it ? He's flying around the road, he's... doing 90 up a one-way, and you're going... (amused) "I've never tried that in my car !". It's all a huge joke ! It's your life. And somehow it's all happening on TV there, it's all not quite real. The dumbest thing you can think in the back of a taxi cab is "well I'm sure the man knows what he's doing." Have you ever thought that ? "He is driving fast. And quite recklessly. On bald tires. But after all he's a professional. I guess he does this all the time. He's got a license, I can see it right there".

I will admit that I was a bit freaked out by the speed my cab driver was going, especially when I compared the speed limit signs to the speedometer, but then I totally went into the "I'd never try that in my car" mind set.

One of the most memorable things, other than the AMAZING museums, streets and streets of brownstones, and just the history that permeates the city, was a restaurant I went to called "Betty's Wok and Noodle." I was a bit apprehensive considering they're an "Asian-Latino" restaurant. Um, Asian AND Latino? This had all the makings for a catastrophe. So I walked into the retro-feeling establishment with songs from the Rat Pack playing (great, just one more indication of the schizophrenic identity of the restaurant) and wound up having one of the best meals of my trip. Who knew that mixing fajita seasoned meat and vegetables with rice noodles and peanut sauce would taste so good? YUM! I highly recommend the place if you're headed to Boston (it's located by Symphony Hall in the "arts" section of Boston).

All-in-all, I had a good time, but ultimately happy to be home and I already feel the tension and stress starting up again. Less than two months until I graduate and I just plopped down a chunk of change for my cap and gown. Now it's really getting official!