The Travelling Lush

Earlier this year, the Arts Department - after enjoying our journalistic stylings within the Sports Department - asked if we would help fulfill the role of the Travelling Lush. At first we both balked: we didn't want it to get in the way of serious academic pursuits that involved longstanding stints at Tisch. However, after a deep consideration, we realized that we couldn't turn down the opportunity to go out and show off the dance moves we practiced in the mirror or during a few wild nights in fraternity basements (ahem, Manali) and in the EPDC (Beibhinn; she's an engineer). And so began our brief, albeit memorable, stint as the Traveling Lushettes.

We could have taken on a variety of topics in this last piece, from the exploits at Sophia's on senior pub night, to an all-night pre-spring break party in Faneuil, to a sweeping review of establishments from here to Boston. But in all of our travels, we've created our best memories closest to home in Davis Square.

To start, we chose to pay homage to one place where we feel everyone might really know our names (the doorman, Patrick, has at least half the senior class' numbers, literally) - the Burren. Nestled in the heart of Davis, just a quick ride on the Joey will get you to the door of this popular Thursday night senior attraction.

What brings herds of Jumbos out on Thursday isn't the wide selection of drinks, or the traditional Irish band in the front, or even Patrick (well, maybe a little), and it's definitely not the upscale d?©cor. We all go for the same reason, the Swinging Johnsons. This cover band is known to play everyone's favorite selection of cheesy hits from the 80s and 90s, and we've seen enough of you "singing" along to "Sweet Caroline" to know you love it.

Though it gets crowded, and sometimes you have to wait in a long line to get to the "Back Room," it's always worth it to see that mousy girl in your history class breaking it down to "Pour Some Sugar On Me" in the front row. We will miss this place, especially the tall band member on the left who speaks gibberish between sets.

In the event that the Burren line deterred you, the Joshua Tree is across two lanes of mild Davis traffic and offers a more low-key and urbane (well, for Davis) atmosphere. Big-screen TVs have showcased a plethora of thrilling sporting events, and a wide drinks selection helps make the stay enjoyable. That's about it. We all know it's a second-choice - it's just more awkward when you start singing along to songs at the Joshua Tree.

If dancing is out of the question, and the bar scene is too stifling, a walk down a side street will land you at Benny's oasis - Yee's Village. (Manali: Do you think that's the restaurant owner's last name? Do you think his name is Benny Yee?). Yee's offers a great opportunity to catch up with some friends over a potent scorpion bowl. No one's sure what's in these bowls, considering they taste different every time; we're not even sure Benny knows, but no one has complained yet. (Have you ever seen him mix them? He talks, watches TV, eats, reads, and throws a stunning array of bottled substances into a tacky, but endearing, bowl all in just under a minute).

The good thing about Yee's is that there is an extensive food menu that can compliment nicely the liquid diet many patrons intake. While perhaps not the most exciting weekend outing, Yee's is just the place to quench a mid-week thirst.

And so it goes, as it appears our appearances in Davis watering holes are essentially over, given that going out to the Burren next year is akin to showing up at a frat party after you graduate. As we head our separate ways, at least we have memories of (or pictures reminding us of) shenanigans and fun times had at our neighborhood bars. To Mom and Dad and everyone else reading this, we want it to be known that Manali and Beibhinn are both graduating in very good standing, despite what it may seem like from this article. Congrats to the class of 2003, go forth and use our advice wisely while exploring your new neighborhood nightlife.