The Great White North

In honor of the Memorial Day weekend I made a couple of treks to the great white north this weekend. My first trip was to the Bronx, an area largely unknown outside of Yankee Stadium to most Manhattanites.

The borough is full of surprises. Did you know that there are multiple enormous, beautiful parks in the Bronx? Niether did I, but I saw at least three on the walk from the subway to the Museum (Art in the Bronx!). I got off a few stops too early, but it was still an impressive array of greenery.

Next, I had a great lunch at a place called Dominick's on Arthur Ave. It was hands down the most authentic Italian restaurant I've been to in the city. Nothing I've seen in Little Italy compares (Debate welcomed). With a commute under 30 minutes on the express train and unbelievable cheap rents thrown in, The Bronx has become a serious contender for my next semi-annual relocation. I never thought I'd say that, but there it is.

My next trip North took me even further a field. Hopping the Fung Wah Bus I found myself in the WASPy -- yet, oddly, fiercely democratic -- strong hold of Boston in just under four hours. How this trip cost less than the cab to Chinatown is still a mystery to me, but I took full advantage none the less.

I spent my graduate school days just outside of Boston -- to preempt any mockery, yes, I went to Harvard -- and I must admit I didn't think much of the city. It was white. It was cold. The food was awful. Friends had told me the city proper was different, but I did not have high expectations.

I ended the weekend pleasantly surprised. I stayed with friends in Beacon Hill, and the area was spectacular. The only problem was that I was far from the only person enamored with it, and I shared the streets with mobs of Japanese tourists all weekend. Again, the north distinguished itself with green spaces. My friends apartment included a patio area that allowed for holiday grilling, and the city was kind enough to offer a outdoor concert on the river as well.

I guess the moral of the story is that, during the summer, the great white north turns green. I highly encourage you to check it out for yourself.