ELEW

So tonight I was invited to an event at the Kennedy Memorial Library. They were hosting a concert by the celebrated "RockJazz" pianist Eric Lewis. It was the first concert to be held at the library, and was organised to commemorate the fact that Jackie Kennedy had hosted the first jazz concert at the White House when she invited the Paul Winter Sextet to perform in 1962.

I was invited to a reception beforehand where I met a number of influential people connected to the library as well as people who had previously worked for the late Senator Ted Kennedy. I also enjoyed the roast duck, grilled artichoke and glazed salmon canapes, all washed down with some Sauvignon Blanc and a couple of chocolate dipped strawberries for good measure.

There was a stage set up in the auditorium with a grand piano in the centre, and seats were laid out all around. We had an amazing view as seats had been reserved for us so I was able to witness every bead of sweat, or grimace which crossed his face. It was an amazing performance, I haven't seen anything like it. Someone made the valid point that you'll be paying hundreds of dollars for tickets soon! My favourite tracks were Heartbeats by the Knife shown in the video and Michael Jackson's Human Nature.

Spectacle Island Cruise

So, these posts are a little outdated but I like to work chronologically. Orientation week was a busy old time. This photo was taken on my first boat trip, a MechE cruise out to Spectacle Island in Boston Harbour.

So this particular island used to be a landfill. A little gross, but that does mean there was a lot of interesting sea glass for all the keen beach combers. I wasn't one of them. We climbed to the top of the island for a scenic view and a windy lunch. Alison and I went for a swim figuring it was only going to get colder. There was a tiny area fenced off for swimming, jaggy rocks underfoot and something bit Alison's toe. Glad to have done it but I don't think I'll be rushing back to Spectacle any time soon.

The lady on the ferry told us that Shutter Island was based on one of the islands in the harbour and filmed around here but the island in the movie was just a mish mash of locations from around America. This means you can't go and visit it and get spooked.

My new 'hood.

I have been in Cambridge for two weeks now and have settled into my new house. I did not want to post a picture of my actual house so instead, here is a house in the general area that I am quite taken with. Living off campus means it is a bit of a trek into university; I am either going to have to learn to get up early or buy a bicycle. Once the work kicks in however I think I will appreciate being able to totally remove myself from the place! For those considering a visit, rest assured, I have managed to maintain my high standards and found a room which is not unlike "the palace" I used to live in back in Glasgow, chandelier? oh, aye.