by Tao Oliveto, Boston, MA

Arriving at Boston Airport, renting car from a sea of SUV’s and Hummers, then trying to get onto the correct exit to Amherst was crazy/frustrating, especially at rush hour. The one problem of driving less in daily life is that ending up in traffic seems even more exhausting and awkward. But, we had heard of a rare macrobiotic restaurant outside the city and were determined to get there on our way out of this gridlock. We finally parked on another busy street and continued on foot to the front door, which was locked.

Just as I was about to declare Boston the least hospitable place I knew, a man approached us to share our disappointment about the closed restaurant. He explained that it was indeed a popular place but some establishments shut down during Spring Break (which made me look again at the busy streets and wonder what it was like when school was in session?). Our friendly stranger suggested another place serving vegetarian food about a mile away. He even offered to drive us there. We turned down the ride, but not until we showed our gratitude and had an enjoyable conversation about good food, home towns and kilts (Jerry was wearing his).

It was after dark when we arrived at Delta Organic Farm in Amherst. The quiet house was especially comforting. Our host greeted us briefly but warmly, said he would be working in the fields the next morning and invited us to come find him when we were awake.

I felt a little like a kid coming home, tucked in the little bedroom with a breeze blowing through the open window…and fell fast asleep.