Greetings from FREEZING Boston :)

Post Dated Wednesday, 10 Jan 2008 @ Boston City

Rich blessings to one and all from freezing Boston. If you need an idea how cold it is down here, just take a look at the photo I took as the Delta Airlines flight we were in was over Boston City.

You can still make out that the river below us had frozen up and this is still the warm spell according to locals.

Well... after nearly 24hrs worth of back-breaking flying, we've settled down quite well at our hotel - The Charlesmark Hotel - which is basically quite a neat place at Boylston Street. Check out the photos below (ours is a room with a view, as Doris will testify)...

Needless to say, it's been quite a culture shock for us already because here, coke is cheaper than water, and water (which we take for granted at home sometimes) can't be consumed off the tap - something I always used to do. Yesterday when we caught dinner at Burger King, the attendant asked if I wanted ketchup but I asked for chili sauce instead. He just gave me a "which planet do you come from" look. So now we've learnt. Apparently spices here are pepper, Tabasco and mustard sauce. I'm missing chili padi already...

Just a bit of background on Boston. This city is said to be the oldest and most European city in the US. There is a lot of heritage to the place as this was where the British pilgrims landed way back in the 17th century if I am not mistaken. Boston was also where the fight for independence between the settlers and the British began (which of course was eventually won by the Americans under George Washington) and hence, one can indeed feel plenty of proud tradition in this place. Even the local football team is called the New England Patriots!!

Post Dated Thursday, 11 Jan 2008

Here are some shots of Boylston Street and Newbury Street by day and by night, with a little special effects thrown into the mix for the night shot. We'll certainly upload more pics as we go along... in fact, we heard that the weatherman is predicting some snowfall here next week so that'll make some cool photos. Do wait out then.

In the meanwhile, we'll need your prayers as we begin searching for an apartment over the next few days. We'll be meeting a housing agent later at 9am to try and secure a nice apartment as soon as possible because without it, we won't be able to settle down. My studies begin on 22 Jan so getting a house is imperative. But we are trusting in God's provisions and favour, so look out for our upcoming stories and adventures ok?