boston

We have returned from a long weekend in Boston, taking in the city's rich history, architecture, museums, and culinary offerings of the North End.  How does one blog about a three day getaway? By asking up front for patience and forgiveness I believe. This is a long one, but for us, important to capture in this homeschool journal. Here is a day by day review, in words and in photos.

Day One

We arrived at the Boston Science Museum early Friday evening. We spent a few hours there (until closing) and only took in two galleries, including this amazing lightening demonstration. Yes, real lightning, 30 feet away.  Of course we made time for a quick snack at Wolfgang Pucks Cafe, I was so happy to find healthy choices like fruit and cheese. Not your typical but very welcomed museum cafeteria fare. An annual pass was purchased and we will definitely be going back, it was an incredible place with so many high quality exhibits, we knew there wouldn't be enough time to see all of it and look forward to returning soon.

Day Two

We booked our hotel last Tuesday and at that time checked the long range forecast for Boston... sunny, clear, 50 degrees. Perfect. Except for the fact that it was completely wrong by about 10 degrees,  5 billion storm clouds, and wind gusts that promised to turn every other umbrella on the street inside out

Day two plans were to spend the day on the Freedom Trail. Instead it kept us running from one form of shelter to the next. Our first stop, pastry. To balance that out, a stop at Quincy Market for some miso soup. From there we moved on to the Aquarium, which I feel bad saying but we were completely disappointed in. I had expected so much more from a big city museum... for us, it really was not worth the $50 it cost for the three of us to walk in the door. I always think of families of five or six at moments like that... things are pricey out there! There were no sea lions, beluga whales, dolphins, etc., things that can be found close to home at Mystic Aquarium. Lesson learned, the grass isn't always greener.   We filled in the rest of the afternoon with  a trip to Fenway, microbrew and clam chowder,  train rides and more train rides (a BIG highlight for Emily), cappuccino in the North End, a new addition to our library, as an unexpected interest was shown in  a different kind of Boston area history. An early return to the hotel for a quiet dinner and a swim in the pool.

We really made the best of the unexpected nor'easter and had a very full day. I'll be back tomorrow with a recap of day three. This is really long I know, thanks for sticking around this far. The time it's taking to load all these photos is driving me a little batty.

Comments

[Anne]

This is a beautiful sight. I love the pictures of boston. good to know about the aquarium. My daughter Emily is so inspired by this sight. I showed it to her last night. She would also like to make a blog with her artwork, politics, book lists and music, etc. so we are going to start that tonight. Thank you both mother and daughter for inspiring us.
Peace,
Anne

[m]

I know this blog isn't about fashion, but Emily's dress in the top photos is absolutely gorgeous! Although I'm sure it isn't made in my size, I'm still coveting it.

Lizzie Borden! There is something still so fascinating about her story. Have you heard of the play 'Blood Relations'? It's a Canadian classic. Here's a bit of a write up: http://www.canadiantheatre.com/dict.pl?term=Blood%20Relations just in case you and Emily are interested in pursuing other ways into her story.

[Meredith]

First of, loving Emily's new haircut! So cute!! And the interest in Lizzie Borden...awesome! Glad it turned out to be a great trip, although the weather didn't cooperate. I am always inspired by your family.

Glad you are back home!

[jean]

I, too, love the hair and dress!! Gorgeous. Glad you enjoyed the roadtrip. One of the many beauties of homeschooling.

[Dawn]

I just found your blog by linking from "In these Hills". Your photos are beautiful and I was so inspired by you wonderful approach to homeschooling. I'll be visiting often.

[Dawn]

I just found your blog by linking from "In these Hills". Your photos are beautiful and I was so inspired by you wonderful approach to homeschooling. I'll be visiting often.

[Dawn]

I just found your blog by linking from "In these Hills". Your photos are beautiful and I was so inspired by you wonderful approach to homeschooling. I'll be visiting often.

[Dawn]

I just found your blog by linking from "In these Hills". Your photos are beautiful and I was so inspired by you wonderful approach to homeschooling. I'll be visiting often.