Finally, after 2 years, we went back to Boston

Saturday:  Bright and early a car arrived to drive Ryan and me to the airport.  We got through security with enough time to swing by one of the new “Starbucks Evenings” locations – we made a mental note of it in case any of our future flights ever get delayed.  The flight was short and shaky but before we knew it, we had landed at Logan.  My aunt and uncle [who I spent a lot of time with when I was in school] picked us up and drove us downtown for the Sox game.

Ryan and I grabbed a bite to eat, walked by my old studio, and shopped for some Sox apparel.  Just as the game was about to begin so did the rain – the start was delayed but not for too long.  The first few innings were a bit slow but after a home run about halfway through, things got interesting.  Unfortunately it wasn’t a W for the Sox but they fought hard to come back.

After the game we had plans to meet my aunt and uncle for dinner so we took advantage of the beautiful weather and walked from Fenway to the North End.  Along the way we stopped by the memorial that has been created in honor of the Boston Marathon, through the Public Gardens and the Boston Commons, through the Theater District and Government Center, and eventually ended up at Ristorante Villa Francesca.  We wined and dined – I tried my first oyster – and called it a day after dessert.

Sunday:  After a couple of weeks of waking up at 4:30AM, it felt absolutely wonderful to roll over and see 7:45AM on the clock.  We ate a leisurely breakfast, caught each other up on life over coffee, discussed plans for the day, and got ready to go back downtown.

Ryan and I walked down Newbury Street, popping into a few of our favorite shops and checking out new ones.  I was shocked to see how many shops have changed locations or have been vacated in the past 2 years.  We ate lunch at Trident Booksellers Cafe and joked about how I selfishly kept it a secret from Ryan – despite his frequent trips to visit me, I never took him there…  Whoops!  With our bellies full, we decided to keep exploring but headed back towards my old studio.

We walked by Berklee College of Music, through Fenway, stopped by Best Buy, and ended up on the Boston University campus which made me a bit nostalgic.  I did a lot of growing up during the 3 years that I was there – I relied on public transportation, I lived on my own, I overcame “health hiccups,” I paid my own bills, I went to school, I completed practicums in local schools, I worked a summer job, and I hosted visiting out-of-towners.  And I loved it all.

Before dinner we stopped by BU’s FitRec [fitness and recreation center] and I hopped onto the elliptical for an easy spin.  FitRec is the best gym that I will ever be a member of – there is something for everyone…  A rock climbing wall, a lazy river, cardio machines, weight machines, a track, basketball and racquetball courts, a diving well and a swimming pool, a healthy cafe, ping pong tables, group fitness rooms, and probably many more things that I don’t even know exist.

Not far from FitRec, we crossed the street and grabbed a bite to eat at Sunset Cantina – a classic college restaurant with hundreds of various beers on tap and the longest tequila menu that I’ve ever seen.  After a few drinks and a satisfying meal, we caught the T and headed out of the city back to my aunt and uncle’s house.

Monday:  This was the one morning that I wished for snow, so we could stay for just one more day.  We packed, ate breakfast, and were out of the door for a 9AM flight.  Bye, bye Boston…  You’re my favorite city.

Question:  Have you been to [or lived in] Boston?

Question:  What’s your favorite city?

— Allison