I've spent a year adjusting to life on the east coast and while the culture shock isn't quite gone, I've passed the point where unfamiliar things surprise me. I made it through the frozen hell that is winter, adopted Dunkin Donuts as a staple of life, and didn't bat an eye at the man I saw running the marathon in a kilt and sandals. The one thing I've yet to acclimate to, however, is cycling.

Few things scare me more than the idea of riding a bike in traffic and in Somerville, it seems to be practically culturally unacceptable to get around any other way. Luckily (I guess), my persistent friend is both very patient with me and stubborn enough to talk me into getting onto a bike in the first place.