"Crossing Continents: Exploring the Contrasts Between Old & New Cambridge"

We are embarking on a new chapter of our lives, one that spans the Atlantic. Our base is now Kendall Square, an acclaimed hub of innovation considered the most pioneering square mile globally.

Let's shed some light on Kendall Square:

Cambridge, MA, is a city of "squares" (pun intended throughout).

Contrasting our familiarity with "old Cambridge," what stands out about "new Cambridge" is its distinctly multifaceted identity, which is somewhat trifurcated. With Boston just across the river and the influence of Harvard & MIT, the name "Cambridge" doesn’t occur as frequently as it does across the Atlantic. In my spatial cognition, it's either Kendall, Harvard Sq., or Boston, all within this astonishingly picturesque town.

The essence of this newsletter isn't merely to chronicle experiences but to immediately highlight the discernible differences between the westernmost edge of the Old World (Britain) and the easternmost edge of the New World (New England).

Pace of Life: It might just be my observation, but the average speed in the US resembles a gallop or a sprint. It surpasses the pace of pretty much any place I've experienced (Europe, Middle East, Africa & South Asia). Sleep isn't a popular activity here, and days commence early (dawn wake-ups, y'all).

Social Fabric: Everyone smiles in the US, but the warmth underneath those smiles is another question altogether. In Britain, the exterior may appear rather gray, yet there's an incredibly humorous vein that permeates the national psyche. The US, founded by Puritans from East Anglia (the epicenter of which is Cambridge), distinctly reflects this heritage!

Aesthetic Norms: Quirks seem to be scarce in the Boston-Cambridge area. There's a prevalent aesthetic culture where people strive to present their most flawless selves. In Britain, individuals sometimes stroll along the streets as if they just rolled out of bed; there's an endearing kind of untidiness about the UK.

Diversity and Homogeneity: The US boasts exceptional diversity (befitting an Empire), yet the Almighty Dollar reigns as the local deity (Mammon has certainly made his mark). All immigrants are assimilated into the Protestant-Puritan ethos, fervently willing this material paradise into existence.

Competitive Culture and its Toll: While the US nurtures an astonishingly competitive culture, arguably the best on the planet alongside East Asia, there's a dark side to this relentless drive. Social cohesion appears frayed; this is a society where the pursuit of advancement trumps (pun intended) genuine social bonding and harmony.

My priors are heavily influenced by the UK, but my varied experiences across different parts of the world allow me to make some informed comments as to the “Noveau Monde.”

Adieu.

Zach