Last week, everywhere I looked, new things were springing. It all makes sense, considering springtime is a season of nativity - for both man and his commercial pleasures - but I couldn't help but whine to myself, why now? I graduate in less than a month. Why is Boston getting trendier just as I'm preparing to depart?
It all started Wednesday, Apr. 12. I asked my friend at my internship if she'd like to go to lunch, but she instead suggested that we check out the grand opening of Back Bay's first H&M (100 Newbury St., 617-859-3192). Never one to turn down a shopping venture, I accepted her invitation.
When we entered the two-story shopping mecca, it was swarming with carnivorous shoppers pawing through the desirable - and cheap - goods. By 2 p.m. almost everything in my size was gone, though I did manage to snag an adorable sundress and a few tanks.
Despite my success, however, I was happy to leave, fatigued by the gossiping female crowd mixed with the house beats sliding off the DJ's turntables. I'll probably revisit before I graduate, once the hype has died down.
The Newbury location is much nicer than its Downtown Crossing sister store, and it's rumored that it will soon be carrying Stella McCartney's line. I hope it arrives before commencement!
The next day, I attended the grand opening party of Davis Square's own Diva Lounge (246 Elm St., 617-629-4963). The long-awaited addition to the popular Indian restaurant was an unexpected surprise. Its white bubble interior and sophisticated lighting made me feel like I was drinking a martini at a swanky Back Bay bar.
Speaking of martinis, the selection is just as good as the Indian tapas. My favorite was the Zen ($10), a sake-based cocktail with muddled starfruit.
Diva Lounge is a great addition to Somerville. Tufts students are in need of a posh lounge in close proximity. I know I'd rather spend $20 on two martinis than on a cab back from Boston.
But as I drifted off into a sake-induced sleep, I kept thinking, why couldn't this have opened earlier in my undergraduate career?
My questioning continued Friday, as I headed back to Back Bay for lunch with a friend. I remembered hearing that a new spa was opening that day so I decided to take a look.
Emerge (275 Newbury St., 617-437-0006) isn't just a spa; it's a five-floor urban retreat from reality. From caviar wraps and facials to eucalyptus baths, the services are endless.
Then, of course, there are the premier salon offers including ionic hair straightening and hair extensions. In the men's club, males can also get some R&R with Emerge's Gentlemen's Facial and Sports Manicure and Pedicure.
What I love the best about the spa is the extras. Even if you're only in the mood for a 30-minute classic manicure, you can still enjoy Emerge's extensive facilities.
Take a break from the library and surf the net in your bikini on the rooftop garden or relax by the fireplace with your friends sipping on cocktails at the juice bar.
Tired of the frats? Watch the Sox beat the Yankees on a flat-screen plasma in the Men's Club.
I wish I had more than a month to emerge.
If you prefer luxury shopping rather than a massage, then break out your credit card and head over to Copley, like I did on Saturday.
While I was browsing for a present in the mall, I accidentally found myself walking into Jimmy Choo (100 Huntington Ave.).
Yes, one of my favorite shoe designers decided to prance into Boston just as my feet were leaving. But that won't stop me from browsing the coveted sandals over my last weeks in Boston.
Maybe I can't afford the heels now, but graduation is just around the corner.
After a day of shopping, I decided to venture to the North End to pick up some cannolis for my friend's birthday. I wasn't expecting to find anything new in the Italian food haven, but the way things had been going that week, I wasn't that surprised when I walked past Gelateria (272 Hanover St., 617-720-4243).
While I may not have a sweet tooth, I can never say no to ice cream, so I decided to try Boston's first gelato shop.
I had trouble deciding among the 50 variations of decadent gelato and fresh sorbetti. While I definitely want to head back for more tastes, I was happily content with my choice of a scoop of tiramisu. Though my taste buds might disagree, it's probably good for my waist-line that Gelateria just opened in April.
As the week came to a close, so did my discoveries of new shops and restaurants. But if you're planning to stick around after graduation, there's more to come.
Later this spring, Italian designer Valentino will be opening a store on Newbury. It's also said that Filene's Basement is planning to visit the Back Bay on Boylston.
Then there's the rumor that across from the Pru, Apple is planning to create a modern and futuristic flagship store - you can currently only purchase the computers and iPods in Cambridge or Chestnut Hill.
So however you decide to spend your last days at Tufts, it never hurts to experience something new.
Sydne Summer is a senior majoring in English. She can be reached at sydne.summer@tufts.edu.
