Wednesday, August 25, 2010

The North Shore, Massachusetts: Perspectives from a newly transplanted Pacific Northwesterner

People here are not cold and distant. They are, however, very helpful, sometimes overly helpful, loud, talk way too fast, and love to help and share information (that is, when it’s their idea, don’t ask for any favors)

The town next to us was founded in 1629. I love the history. Old white churches, huge, old mansions

Proud

Patriotic

I drove through one town where the street lines were painted red, white, and blue.

Our new home on campus
The Atlantic Ocean

Orchards and Farms

Customer service? What’s that?

Pronunciations of towns: Worcester=Woosta, Woburn=Woobun, Gloucester=Glawsta, Peabody=Peebidy

Pineapples on front doors and signs= colonial symbol of welcome, good cheer, warmth. (I had to ask)

Roast beef and Seafood; Roast beef and pizza; Roast beef and subs; Roast beef and…you get the idea. 
Nick’s Famous Roast beef, Mikey’s Famous Roast beef, Bill and Bob’s Roast beef, Giovanni’s Roast beef, Kelly’s Famous Roast beef-just to name a few.

Grocery carts are called carriages

Most grocery and convenient stores do not sell wine or beer

You have to pay (a lot) for parking to go to the beach

Library passes are wicked cool-you can get free access to parking at parks and free or discounted passes to 
museums and local attractions

Yes, I said “wicked cool”

Dunkin’ Donuts on every corner

Yummy yummy seafood

No roads run east to west, just in circles

So many trees I have no idea where I am or where I’m going…

Watch out for horses on the road and polo players

Snapping turtles and turkeys are dangerous, especially for toddlers.
“Those turtles can snap your finger right off”
Rockport, MA on my birthday