We've spent the last couple of days not so much pounding the pavements but sloshing the sidewalks, dodging the huge piles of snow and ice that have been piled up from the storm. Boston Common looks gorgeous with a covering of snow and loads of crazy squirrels digging furiously to find their winter supplies.

Lines of men queue with almost the same ferocity outside flower stands and inside chocolate shops and Victoria's Secret. I'm amazed at the commercialisation of Valentine's day in the United States ”“ even the guy serving coffee is wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's. Everyone seems to be getting into the spirit of things though ”“ I overheard a 6'4”, 250lb building site worker saying that Godiva chocolates are the best he's ever tasted. Even if they aren't, I'm not inclined to disagree with him.