30th March 2009

The Chief Inspector on the MBTA gave us step by step instructions on the benefits and value of the Charlie Card, and the need to buy limited number of journey’s as a month’s pass would not apply until 1st April. A good guy and great Boston accent – particularly the way he said “Chaaarrlee” card. After guiding us to the platform he wished us well, and we got the train to Harvard Square, exiting the station to the sound of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”, played by a busker. I collect my Harvard ID (!!) joining the many other prospective US presidents and Nobel laureates who attend Harvard (at least until I’m found out!) – Then I’m shown my desk and computer and meet the faculty staff at the Hauser Center where I am based, and try to figure how I’m going to do my work….. Outside it is still raining, and later I travel back to Charles / MGH on the “T” (as the subway is known). The busker is still playing Hallelujah, and Anji tells me he was playing it earlier to bunch of Spanish tourists as well. Harvard Square is full of students, academics, aspiring presidents, Nobel Laureates and a surprising number of beggars, perhaps reminding the students to study hard and stay focussed – or else – either that or else they’re failed ex-presidential candidates. We notice the students writing music over coffee and in small groups deep in ardent conversation about something very important.