Central Square

I think I am in love_ with a T-stop. Forget Prince William, Tom Cruise, heck, even Larry Bacow! Central Square and I are now engaged. The self-proclaimed Mecca of Cambridge really does seem to have it all from a distinct night life to unique shops to street musicians with accordions, serenading passers-by with their rendition of the Amelie theme. Swoon.



Fifth Stop: Central Square



To begin, I must admit that in the past I have held a certain grudge against Central Square. Earlier this year, while trying to see a quite humorous Improv Boston show, I spent an entire hour lost amidst brick townhouses due to a lack of proper road markings (i.e. street signs).

Located in Inman square, a mere six block walk from the T-stop, the Improv Boston Mainstage tackles long form improv comedy on Saturdays nights with other delightful improv forms delivering the funny the rest of the week, Wednesday through Sunday. As a postcard on my wall reads: Exercise! The poor man's plastic surgery.

However, for the "lazy of heart" (i.e. ME) there is much to do within a few mere footsteps from the rising escalator that transports you to the outside world. Skipping straight down the street you'll come across The Good Life bar and restaurant which houses both fairly cheap food ($4-$9) as well as just fabulous bright red leather furnishings on the wall. Also, should you be outside taking note of this fine establishment while a table of college boys are eating their meal, perhaps you too will be lucky enough for them to wave, bang at the glass and stick their tongues out at you (a treat I tell you).

Further down, at Rodney's Bookstore, there is shelf after shelf of well-organized (mostly) used books. And, no, I'm not hallucinating. With a wide variety of genres ranging from UFO's, which got two shelves, to Near Death Experiences, which, alas, only got one shelf, nearly every interest is represented. I even picked up the Official Civil War Songbook ($5.25) for my Pappy. Anyone for a sing along of "O, I'm a Good Old Rebel"?

Now, for a genuine admiration of my love's glorious melting pot of foreign foods; there are restaurants ranging from Indian to Brazilian to even Ethiopian. Making for one of the most unique eating experiences of my life, Asmara's authentic Ethiopian atmosphere and cuisine was practically surreal.

With drumbeats in the background and colorful tribal art on the walls, surrounded by fellow eaters using their hands instead of traditional cutlery, I have never enjoyed the simple act of eating so much. The price was a bit on the expensive side ( $10+ per entry), but the adventure my senses and imagination had was well worth it.

If your belly still isn't full after your lamb-based stew with vegetables and red peppered spices, then a few doors down, you might care to take out a brief lease at 1369. Drink some coffee and find out what time it is in Kenya. Or, don't look at the various clocks on the wall telling the time of such fun places as Hawaii or India and actually do some work _ both are completely valid uses of time.

To be specific, there is still "tons" of "stuff" to do in Central Square. You can see belly dance shows as well as music at The Middle East, get teeny tiny itsy bitsy revealing cheap clothes at Tello, or, just cheap clothes at Goodwill.

The Cantab Lounge has a multitude of evening events including: poetry slams every Wednesday night, Improv ($3): Faces for Radio on Thursdays ($5), and various musical acts on the weekends at varying prices. Meanwhile, at Asguard, you can enjoy your flame broiled-burger in a Celtic castle.

Harvard Square, eat your heart out.