Driving the Town

When George Bush declared that America was addicted to oil, he wasn't kidding. There are no shortage of cars in this city that was not built for cars, or (in some parts) even horses. Walking probably is the best way to get around the core of Boston, but that doesn't stop thousands and thousands of drivers every day from taking on the challenge.

And this is not the town for the compact car, or even the sedan. No, to take on the challenges of Boston one needs - excuse me is required to have - an SUV of course. You never know when that 4 wheel drive action will be needed for off-roading through the Common or Harvard yard.

And man - they love the horn in this city. They use it if you go slow or fast. They use it mostly it seems when you obey traffic laws.

This became apparent when I drove for the first time here the other day. I knew I'd get the horn at some point - it is inevitable. So I mentally prepared for it. Pshycing myself up, or down depending on how you look at it.

Well, didn't get the horn (woohoo!). Did make a risky lane change; for Toronto that is. In Boston last minute lane changes are common, so that my risky action is in the norm.

Says something about a place that a risk, is the norm. And that "good" driving (safe driving), is bad driving, or at least worth giving somebody the horn on.

Food, Food - Everywhere Glorious Food

It truly shows the ingenious nature of Americans that in the middle of a symphonic concert, right at the height of an aria as the strings section reach their emotional and triumphant crescendo - that some one can approach you and ask "Would you like fries with that?" Only Americans could successfully and seamlessly bring together Shubert and snacks.

Each year the celebrated Boston Pops not only offer their guests nights of music, but snacks to munch in time with the music. For years at home I innocently wondered what those tables were for...did they concerts take place at a restaurant? No - the tables are set up for the audiences with floor seats to eat snacks at while they are presented with the music of Gershwin, Copeland and Hamerstein among others.

And the snacks in question - chips, soda, sandwiches, chocolate - all the great American favorites. Not the high end wine and cheese event you thought, huh?

No snack time is anytime here in the USA. Almost anywhere snacks are accepted as part of the regular day. At home if you march into a store proudly carrying your morning java, you are marched back out again. In Boston, they sell Starbucks at Target and Dunkin' at Stop 'N Shop. "Why not provide convenience for the shoppers - why not please the customer" says the American business model. And hey - WHY NOT?

Snacks and commerce, snacks and music; snacks in the morning, snacks at night - it all makes sense.

But please don't measure the waist line. Or think to hard about the calories. The BSO doesn't offer the 100 calorie pack version of anything.