Ask the crew: Ramanpreet Kaur’s guide to Boston

We spoke with Ramanpreet Kaur, Flight Attendant at Cathay Pacific, about her favourite place in the world. She shares her tips for visiting Boston’s colleges, finding the best cafés and knowing where to shop on your New England adventure.

“As a child, I dreamt of studying at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston; I used to spend hours watching MIT lectures on YouTube. So when I joined Cathay Pacific and got rostered for this route, I immediately booked a slot on one of the university’s free campus tours .

“Being able to walk around the academic buildings and talk to students was both fascinating and thrilling; it felt like a full-circle moment. The most impressive landmark to look out for is the Great Dome – you’ll know it when you see it.”

Must-do

Even if you aren’t passionate about MIT, a campus visit is worthwhile for the lovely grounds. The university is easy to get to from the centre of Boston and, once inside, you can stroll the lawns, admire the myriad sculptures or simply find a nice spot to sit in the sunshine. There’s also an onsite shop called The Coop that sells books and souvenirs. An MIT cap is an especially popular choice.

Must-eat

There are several cafés around campus where you can grab a bite. If I had to recommend one, it’d be the Kendall Square branch of Life Alive Organic Café . It has many healthy, wholesome options, like salad bowls and smoothies.

Must-pack

I like to carry a small journal when I travel so that I can jot down my feelings, what I’ve experienced or interesting things I’ve learned. MIT has plenty of green spaces, so you can just sit under a tree, take in your surroundings and write down whatever comes to mind. I try not to rush and just enjoy living in the moment.