I stayed at Deborah’s for two months and a half during my research period at Boston University as a Fulbright scholar. Being my first experience in the U.S., and from an ethnographic perspective, her colourful place and one-of-a-kind personality represented a privileged entry point into some of the most characteristic features of the American life. I had the chance of spending there, with her and my Australian housemate, some special moments such as Halloween with a cornucopia of candy for the ‘trick or treat’ ritual, ornamental pumpkins and costumes; a pre-Thanksgiving family dinner when Deborah made excellent use of her well-equipped kitchen by serving stuffed chicken and traditional side dishes; Thanksgiving at her sister’s historical barn in Ipswich, where I enjoyed a delicious meal with a barnyard turkey at the centre of it; the setting up and decoration of a beautiful and authentic Christmas tree in the sitting room; without mentioning the football game at the Harvard Stadium and, even more fun, the preceding tailgating. We also happened to share several casual, unplanned dinners and bottles of wine; as well as conversations over my understanding (and misunderstanding) of Americanness and other funny human interactions. Deborah has always been generous in sharing her opinions, perceptions, and support. Profound prophecies based on her expertise in astrology have turned out to be true! Looking at the New World from this unique place has certainly provided me with stimulating insights into new manners and forms of humanity. You will find your second home here if you feel in an open-minded, exploratory and sharing mood, if you look for a place full of reminiscences, if you want to grasp the inner soul and shades of entire life histories. This is a fully lived-in house, with benevolent presences appearing at times to replace bulbs and fix locks and windows, and intense memories of past and present adventures. If you feel minimal and uncommitted, or like to stay on your own with very limited interaction and absolute privacy, you are going to miss a very great deal of the house and of its owner’s character, then maybe better to opt for an undecorated room elsewhere. The place is within walking distance of Boston College, one of the most fascinating campuses in Boston; 40 minutes from Copley and Harvard Square; and only a 25 minutes bus ride from Boston University. The house is situated in a friendly neighbourhood - I was greeted by people the second time we met, and this is certainly something quite rare when compared to the rest of the city. I could enjoy the blessing of a tiny fresh fruit and vegetable shop in Brighton centre, as well as a couple of good Irish pubs, tempting biscuits and cakes at the local pastry shop, and a well-furnished liquor store in the vicinity of the house. Being an insatiable reader and a mildly enthusiastic shopper, towards the end of my stay I would have appreciated some additional space in the room in order to accomodate...