We’ve now spent 5 whole days in Boston. It has been a great couple of days. It’s been busy; all the planned activities, all the places we’ve been, and last but not least all the things planned to get through during the set free time. Looking back the hassle is definitely worth it.

I was a bit concerned about the seven hours long flight. Even though it was split up because we went through London, it’s still the longest flight I’ve ever been on. To be fair I enjoyed it. Got time to do everything I usually try to fit into a normal 2-hour flight. I slept, ate, listened to music, did some schoolwork, watched the halves of some films, some TV episodes of ‘Friends’ and ‘Live at the Apollo’ (a small screen with a choice of media did help the time pass by). To not seem too antisocial I should mention that I also had time to get to know some of the other people going on this same trip.

The view from where we stayed; 40 Berkeley; a hostel in South End, Boston, fairly centrally located. The rising sun at 6am.

My favourite activity so far is definitely our visit to Dyn and Acquia, both companies working in a sector dealing with web content management/ infrastructure. We were given some insight into how they ended up where they are today, some individual stories, entrepreneurial ups and downs, also into the sector and how the companies are run. One of the offices felt like being inside a small scale Google workplace. It was set in an old industrial building in Manchester, New Hampshire. Free, unlimited amounts of coffee, innovative and creative working space engaging the employees, a gym, a small indoors golf court, a corner showing off the newest of the company’s newest merchandise, and the next upcoming thing; a meeting room with a climbing wall. What is there not to like? Now there is hope for the existence of the workplace of my dreams.

One day we did a guided tour around Boston University, including a very delicious lunch in their big cafeteria. 2 stories of food and people; think I’ve never before seen so many different foods and people in one place at the same time. We also paid a visit to Worcester Polytechnic Institute, about one and a half hour bus ride from Boston. They focus on science and engineering, but also mixes it with entrepreneurship, which is a very interesting mix. Got to see some of their on-going robotic projects as well. In the end we had a nice lunch with talks from staff and also got introduced to the president and vice president of the entrepreneurship club (as student societies in the UK).

During our stay we also had a formal dinner and networking event with alumni from Lancaster University. A great way to see where we might be some years ahead. Have had some time to be a tourist here as well – seen some attractions, visited parks, done some shopping, visited a food market, and last but not least paid Harvard University a visit. The weather has been lovely too. It’s been cold; as in mittens and down jacket, even though some felt a t-shirt would do! But the sun’s been out most of the time, and I wore sunglasses for the first time this year! Our visit to the Cheesecake Factory should also be mentioned. A lot of cake in one piece! Some of us also went to a basketball game, Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat. There is a lot going on and it’s a great experience, even for those not to fond of watching “normal” sports.

I have met so many fun, lovely people on this trip. Before going I’d only met three of them, and now I have gotten to know so many more. The staff and business people we’ve had the chance to meet has provided me with more theory and practice relating to my studies, but also for me personally. The places we’ve seen, all the nice buildings, everything has been very good. It has all inspired me very much, and now on my way to New York I’m eagerly scribbling ideas and future plans. I can’t wait to see what this famous city has to offer.