Beanpot 2011 - four universities fighting for the championship

Indeed, the academic quality and density is high in the Northeast. Alone Boston has got over 33 colleges and universities which are competing with each others all the time. But these students are not only academically outstanding.

On February 7 and 14, four of the best universities show that they also have a talent for sport. You know what I`m getting at.

Known as "Boston`s social event of the winter season", the Beanpot 2011 is taking place soon. Harvard is playing versus Northeastern and Boston University versus Boston College on February 7. The final game is on February 14.

Get your tickets now to see how sporty our students really are. Right now, you can still get some good deals for this famous annual tournament at TD Garden.

First Snow

It's the day before the official start to winter and Boston is finally getting snow. It seems like Europe and the West Coast have been getting slammed, but Boston has just had a few flurries so far. As usual, the amounts are different from what the weather people said, but what else would you expect? Tomorrow morning when you're shoveling or trekking through the snow, think of these boston.com commercials and your beloved hometown to bring a smile to your face...


**Update - SNOWLOKO has hit Boston... the Blizzard of 2010 is here!

Frog Pond

The opening of The Boston Common Frog Pond was originally scheduled for last night. However, due to the unseasonably warm weather we've been having (typical New England), the ice wasn't ready. The opening has been postponed until Sunday, November 21, at 5:30pm.

Skating on Frog Pond is a classic winter activity in Boston. It's pretty cheap and Boston Common is so pretty and peaceful at night with all the lights. To skate is $4 for adults and kids under 14 are free. If you don't have your own skates, you can rent some for $8. It opens to the public every day at 10 am. Monday it's open until 4pm, until 9pm Tuesday thru Thursday and Sunday, and until 10pm on Friday and Saturday. Personally, I'm not very good at ice skating, but I went last winter and I had a lot of fun! It's ok to wipe out (several times) it makes it more entertaining for everyone else!

If you're taking public transportation, take the Green line to Park Street or Boylston. The Red line also stops at Park Street. If you're driving, the Boston Common Garage on Charles St. is convenient.

Insider Tip: Tuesday nights from 7 until 9 are Varsity Frog College Nights. Half price admissions with a valid college ID.

Below is a video I took last year at frog pond, watch to get a feel for the atmosphere!

Hiking in the snowy White Mountains

Since the last hiking post was very popular, probably because of the nice pictures, here is "Hiking in the White Mountains 2".

This time, we experienced a lot of snow and ice on our 4 mile Carter Notch trail. A stream was constantly flowing next to the trail and sometimes even on the trail. This was a bit muddy but really nice.

First, we encountered a lot of rocks and stones and even climbed with our huge backpacks. Then, we had lots of ice and snow on our moderately steep path which made it slippy but also adventurous.

Since this trail leads to Carter Notch Hut, there are lots of bridges and safe river crossings because lots of people hike there.

The hut was really crowded in the evening and we met many different people from NH, MA and even Québec. In comparison to a shelter, it was very luxury to have one´s own kitchen and a bunkhouse to sleep. So, we enjoyed delicious Lasagna after the hike and pancakes the next morning.

Additionally, we didn´t have to bring a lot of equipment, only warm clothes. The weather was extraordinary sunny and warm for November and we could take some of these amazing pictures I want to share with you. The frozen pond was really impressive but we didn´t dare to walk on it.

Watch the pictures, look for good hiking boots and plan your next hiking trip in winter. Hiking with snow is amazing.