Welcome home Minako!

Our Scheduling Coordinator Minako just returned from vacationing in Seattle and San Francisco with her husband--where they had a wonderful time exploring the cities and eating good food!

Here She Is, Miss America

I decided to post another picture of teacher Ali since the previous picture I posted was not as true to life--here Ali is wearing one of her favorite dresses and she is clearly having a grand time (I think she's discussing prepositions or something equally as fascinating).

Shakespeare on the Common

On Sunday, I went with Leah (teacher) and another friend to the Boston Common to see the outdoor Shakespeare production of 'As You Like It.' We sat in the rain waiting for the show to begin (underneath umbrellas enjoying wine and chocolates--and some very strong raspberry vodka). At 7pm the show was cancelled and we left. As soon as the show was cancelled, the rain stopped. Here are some pictures from our walk to and from the Common.

More Rain

Here's intern Katie yesterday going out for lunch. As you see, it was gray and rainy--but today, happily, the sun is out.

Rainy Day in Cambridge

Students tend to cancel their lessons in the rainy weather. Today is a good day to stay home and drink hot cocoa--read a good book--or go to a movie. (This is the view outside Boston Life--the church across the street)

Welcome Ali!

New teacher Ali has quickly become one of the most requested teachers at Boston Life--her combination of enthusiasm with the lesson and discussion topics along with the structure and notes/examples she provides each student, have won her a huge fan base. If you want an appointment with Ali, book early!

Bonjour Rebecca!

Rebecca (center) is one of our students from France. The teachers adore her; she is smart and interesting-- and her English is fantastic! On the left is Katie and on the right is Shaina, two escaped criminals from Cambridge County Jail. They also occasionally lead our free conversation groups when they're not hiding from the law.

The Long Hot Summer

Walking home from a friend's house last night. A hot, sultry summer evening...quiet and still. The Prudential (top), Hancock (middle), and Charles River below.

All American Tuna Sandwich Recipe

Yesterday I said tuna fish was the most popular lunchtime food in America. The following is a traditional tuna sandwich recipe:

-Drain the liquid from 1 can of tuna
-Place tuna in a bowl and add 1-2 tablespoons of Hellman's Mayonaise (use full fat mayo, no low fat or low calorie), 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon finely chopped celery, 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion, 1/2 teaspoon fresh dill (or 1/4 teaspoon dried), and salt to taste. Mix well.
-Toast 2 slices of white bread and spread each slice with softened butter or olive oil. Evenly spread tuna on one side of the bread and place the second slice of bread on top.
-Cut sandwich diagonally in half and eat. Serve with a tomatoe salad and potato chips.

There are many variations to the traditional recipe. Some people add chopped pickles to their tuna, or basil (instead of dill), a teaspoon of curry powder, cranberries, raisons, chopped walnuts, garlic, etc. The variations are limitless. I like to put all the ingredients in a mini blender and puree the mixture until it's creamy and smooth. That's when it becomes comfort food.

Lunchtime

Boston Life teachers eating lunch in room A between classes. I'm going to take a wild guess and say that tuna sandwiches are the most popular lunchtime food in the U.S.

Cafe Club Topic: Holding Hands in Public

I joined Cafe Club last Friday for conversation and tea--I had such a nice time! We discussed movies, stalkers, boys, the expression 'getting hit on' (which I have a lot of experience with--why am I so desirable??), and holding hands in public. Two of the young women from Korea said they hold hands when they are walking down the street-- and they wanted to know if holding hands could be interpreted as something other than friendship: so the answer is: yes, people may think you're gay. or maybe sisters. However, dancing with female friends in clubs, etc. is something a lot of women do since boys may not always ask us to dance or we just want to have fun without getting 'hit on.' (I think female friends in the United States are more likely to link arms when walking together rather than hold hands)--I would say that you should feel free to do whatever makes you happy. Also, definitely do not give a guy your phone number ever unless you really really like him (and he's very very cute!)

The Boston Public Library

I met teacher Angela in the courtyard of the Boston Public Library on Saturday and we went to lunch on Newbury Street (at Stephanie's--I had poached salmon salad--Angela had chicken, which I'm sorry to say did not look as tasty as my salmon). After lunch we went to Filene's and saw what may be the ugliest purse/bag that has ever been created in the history of the world. It was white and runny green and plastic--truly hideous--I can't do its uglyness justice. It was a Jessica Simpson bag. I wanted to buy it as a gag gift but it was $75! Back to the library: the Boston Public Library is a beautiful building with many art exhibits, an oudoor courtyard perfect for meeting friends and taking lunch (they also have a cafe), and various free lectures and speeches. It is the first public library to allow people to borrow books and materials and take them home to read and use. There are many gorgeous restored paintings throughout the library by John Singer Sargent (as well as other artists). Currently they have an exhibit on the third floor: American posters from the first world war. I love those old nostalgic posters. However, my favorite room in the library is on the third floor behind the poster exhibit: a small room with the most charming dioramas-- based on famous masterpiece paintings. You must take a look.

Our volunteers are completely normal. Completely.

Shaina (below left), our talented intern from Northeastern, is an amateur photographer and baker. Lauren (in white dress) is an education specialist and mind reader, Katie (on the right), also from Northeastern, is an expert in literature and witty commentary, and So Yeon (middle right) is a brilliant student who will one day rule the world. We are lucky to have such dedicated staff!

Images of Rockport, MA (continued)

I would recommend taking a day trip to Rockport, MA when you've got an open day with nothing to do. It's a pretty little town North of Boston (take the commuter rail from North Station--it's only $7.50 each way) with a beach, shops, galleries, and restaurants. Bring sunscreen and flip flops for the beach and a little spending money for lunch.

Small Town USA 4th of July Celebration

On Friday I went with a friend (hi Nance!) to Rockport to celebrate the 4th of July. Rockport is a small beach town located an hour North of Boston (you can take the commuter rail from North Station to Rockport). We walked around town, went into all the fun little shops and art galleries--I bought 2 pair of earrings and enough chocolate fudge to last until December (or in my case, until tomorrow), and we had a lovely seafood lunch (I had the lobster roll--very good--my friend had scallops). After lunch we walked along the beach and watched the small town 4th of July parade which seemed to consist of firetruck after firetruck after firetruck...apparently firetrucks are very popular in small town parades. Back in Boston--at 10pm as I was walking across the Charles River into Cambridge and ran into teacher Frances and her adorable boyfriend! (funny coincidence since there were a million people on the bridge) and we watched the fireworks together, which I have to say were spectacular--the crowds were enormous but well-behaved. A nice holiday--I recommend Rockport to all students who want a fun, easy escape from Boston for the day.