It’s a small big world…
Early on Saturday afternoon, my wife and I were driving to Boston to watch a baseball game between the beloved Red Sox and the rival Yankees. It was a hot day and both of us were thinking to dress lightly since it was such a hot sticky day with showers possible. After trying on several tees shirts, I decided to put on my UMass polo and a pair of beige pants. I felt appropriately dressed for a ball game and as I have learned through experience you never know who you will run into when you are out. While out running errands at the end of the last semester, I was wearing an undershirt, more suited for yard work and loose shorts, I was happy but embarrassed to meet some parents and friends. I always try to dress professionally at work, but its often just the opposite at home.
En route to Boston, we stopped at a travel plaza on the turnpike for a break. While crossing the parking lot, we met two of my staff and their husbands on their way to attend a wedding in Boston. I thought what a small world it is to bump into them at such a busy stop.
The traffic heading into the city was extremely heavy as expected so we decided to park away from Fenway and took a T to the ball park. Once we arrived there, we headed to the Bleacher Bar for a bite to eat before the game and when our server came to the table she immediately called out my name and said something like, “I always wanted to meet you.” I chatted with her and found out that she is a junior at UMass and lives in Southwest. Not only is she on the meal plan, but she is also a fan of UMass Dining on facebook. What a small world indeed. She went on to tell us that the food she serves is great here but nothing compared to UMass – no sushi, no stir fry, or salad bar. The food we had was delicious, including my beef brisket sandwich and my wife’s beef sliders.
As for the game, it was a big Red Sox night all the way, as they won 14-1. The crowd went wild and it was a sweet revenge, since they were beaten by the Yankees the night before. I did not buy much from the food concession- $4 for a bottle of water, seemed a bit outrageous compared to $2 at UMass Concessions. I had to remind myself, it is Boston and Fenway Park. When it was time to go, my wife realized she left a clothing item back at the restaurant and almost said ‘forget it’. I encouraged her to go back and look for it. After convincing a bouncer to let her in, she was amazed and grateful to learn that the UMass student server had put it aside in a safe place, in case we returned. Not often could this happen at such a busy venue. Many thanks!
Go UMass.
This is Ken Toong and thank you for keeping UMass Dining at the top.
Ken Toong
Director
Contact Ken at ktoong@mail.aux.umass.edu
You can follow Ken Toong on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/KenToong