The Long Road To Freedom

It’s almost Thanksgiving. For students, that means it’s time for some well deserved relaxation. For professors, that means it’s time to assign large assignments and tests before the kids can escape to faraway lands for a few days of freedom.

The past few weeks have been hectic, to say the least. From the basement of Baker dorm I procured a free bicycle; a rusty mess with a chain that wouldn’t turn more than a few inches. With a little elbow grease and some oil-based lubricant, I’ve restored my new chariot of fire to a general working condition that I am hoping will not be a health hazard.

As a test, I rode from Cambridge to Lexington along the Minuteman Trail last Sunday when the weather was crisp with no rain in sight. My destination was Neil’s parent’s house where my extra clothing from Japan was being kept following Neil’s short return to the US. The bike performed well along the trail, and I mistakenly rode the Minuteman Trail out to its end before realizing my error. Turning back, I navigated the streets of Lexington until finding the Pallaver residence. Sadly I did not get to meet the Pallavers (the next door neighbor informed me that they are quite an outdoor family, not to be found at home on such a glorious day), but they left my clothing in a box inside the garage. Filling my pack with sweaters, scarves, hats, and gloves, I set off for my next destination.

Jeffrey Goldberg, long time friend and schoolmate of my father from kindergarten to college, lives with his wife and kids in the rural town of Lexington. A short ride from the Pallavers, I found no one home at the Goldberg residence when I first arrived. Riding until I found a sub shop (and getting a few stares at my giant backpack from the locals) I stopped for lunch and watched cars drive through the sleepy town.

When I found my way back to the Goldberg’s house for the second time, the family had just arrived home. Jeff and his wife were surprised to see me, to say the least, and I stopped for a while to chat and hear old stories about my father before racing out of Lexington before the sun set beyond the horizon.

Also this week was the Rush appreciation dinner at Theta Chi. All the new pledges were waiters at the meeting, which was hectic but well run, according to those that have been to many an appreciation dinner.

Happy Thanksgiving.