While it hasn’t been the easiest of transitions moving across the country alone (my previous post paints quite the picture), I must confess I’ve relished every moment thus far. Two months in, and I’m finally feeling a bit more settled in my new home. Oftentimes I think the idea of being a Bostonian hasn’t quite registered, and then I’ll find myself in the produce aisle at the grocery store putting oranges in a basket- all of a sudden, the reality sinks in. I live in Boston. Life is funny like that. Sometimes it takes the most mundane and ordinary tasks to spark an epiphany.
One great thing about living on the East Coast is how travel-friendly it is- everything is just about a hop and a skip away, which makes for perfect weekend getaways. With that said, I’m making it a point to travel and explore as often as my hectic schedule permits. So far, I’ve made several trips to New York, and Washington D.C. I have a budding list that includes Nantucket, Cape Cod, Vermont and Maine once we’re graced with warmer weather… though I’ve been told it’s been a mild winter. You can take the girl out of California, but you can’t take the California out of the girl.

My big brother and one of my dearest friends came to visit me during my first weekend here in Boston. We were on the hunt for the perfect New England Clam Chowder. After some research and trekking in 7 degree weather, we found the perfect bowl at Chart House on the Waterfront.

My first snow in Boston. I ran downstairs in my pajamas when I saw the flurry coming down and snapped this photo right outside my apartment.

I hosted Sunday morning brunch with friends at the apartment. Sarah made these delectable sticky buns that were to die for.

Sunday mornings at Clear Flour Bread. I am fortunate to have this charming little bakery right in my neighborhood.

A short four-hour bus ride later, I stepped off the bus to find the most glorious view of the Empire State Building.

This is my Big Brother, also known as the Mayor of LES/Chinatown. We carried two jugs and headed down to the neighborhood store to bottle our beers.
Da Pan Chicken at Henan Flavor. A Xinjiang specialty served up with knife-cut noodles on top of a giant plate of chicken and potatoes bathed in a Sichuan pepper sauce spiced with fennel seeds, cumin and tons of garlic.
Malaysian Curry Beef Noodle Soup at Overseas Taste Restaurant in Chinatown NYC.
Waited an hour in the rain for Cocoron Soba. Homemade soba dipped in piping hot broth is well worth the wait.
Fried Chicken and Biscuits with friends at The Dutch in SOHO.
View of Capitol Hill, Washington D.C.
Lincoln’s Waffle Shop is a staple in D.C.
A half-smoke is a sausage delicacy found in D.C. Similar to a hot dog, but larger, spicier, and with more coarsely-ground meat, the smoked sausage is often half-pork and half-beef.