Monday, August 11, 2008

Beat the heat...Go to Boston!

This last weekend Paul and I went to Boston, MA to visit some of our newlywed friends Brooklynne and Sam Peters. Brooklynne starts her graduate program in Journalism in a few weeks and before she starts her classes we decided to pop in for some great conversation, good food and check out the sights.

We left on Thursday morning, average temp in AR had been between 95-105 degrees. When we arrived in Boston, it was a cool crisp 72 with light showers. Can you say RELIEF!!! The whole weekend was like that. Cool temperatures and scattered showers, it was great! When you drop 25 degrees, I don't mind a little wet feet.

Upstairs on the Square Restaurant near Harvard.

We had an absolute blast! We visited Harvard and got to see a "Free Tibet" rally. Ate some delicious food, and discussed our lives over some drinks. After dinner we traveled to an Irish Pub that oddly enough decided tonight was Hip Hop night and wasn't' playing Irish music, which was disappointing since the inside made you feel like you were in Ireland.

Park on top of what was called "the big dig" in North End

Paul Revere and Quincy Market in Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Friday was our "Tourist Day" so to speak. We went down to Faneuil Hall Marketplace where we did some shopping and of course ate some good food. I'm usually not a fan of Clam Chowder (Chowda) but let me tell you, even in the fast food type places it was great! After lunch we traveled to our friends new apartment in the North End or Little Italy. So of course you know I loved that neighborhood. Since "The Big Dig" was complete this neighborhood has been renovated and is brimming with life. This happens to also be where the Old North Church is located that sent Paul Revere on his ride though the streets of Boston yelling "the British are coming!"

Old North Church in the background.

After a tour of the neighborhood, their new apartment, tour of the Anglican church from which the lanters were lit "one if by land two if by sea" we headed off for our dinner reservation at the famous Legal Seafood Restaurant. Where we split a fabulous bottle of wine and ate some great food! Not bad for a days walk.

Downtown Boston from the Harbor

The rest of our weekend was very relaxing. A trip to see MIT, take a ferry round the bay and then a few games of spades and a movie before we few out. Our trip to Boston was so much fun. I think that I actually like that city more than NYC, because of its history, culture and atmosphere. Every time I venture to a city with history, whether its in Europe or in America, it makes me realize just how "new" America is. Boston has buildings that are over 200 years old, which to me is still amazing but in terms of Europe or Asia its nothing. All the history of our founding fathers in one city, it was just exciting. I can't wait to take Noah there when he starts studying that part of our American History so he can experience it first hand. What a great trip! Thanks Peters for a fabulous time!!!

P.S. This weekend would not have been possible if it wasn't for Hugh and Jo Gower keeping Noah. He spent some good time with the grandparents so that Mom and Dad could have a long date in Boston! Thanks a ton!