Because of my dad’s business requirements, he had to travel to Boston. Considering my mom’s desire for our family to spend more time together, we decided to accompany him on the trip. As a result, we embarked on a collective family journey to Boston, MA. In the following account, I will outline our itinerary and delve into my own personal impressions from the trip.
Day 1: Boston Public Library –> Trinity Church –> Boston Commons –> Caffè Nero
Following a delightful breakfast at the Boston Omni Hotel at the Seaport, we arranged for an Uber to take us to the Boston Public Library. The Uber map in Boston are kind of weird, it seemed to guide the driver in circles around the library building, clearly not the most efficient route. Eventually, we requested the driver to drop us off, opting to cover the remaining distance on foot – a mere three-minute walk – to reach the Boston Public Library.
As we entered the library premises, an initial sense of bewilderment washed over us. The interior differed greatly from our online impressions, leaving us slightly disoriented. Fortunately, when we decided to abandon our quest for these particular scenes and instead embarked on an impromptu exploration of the library’s interior. By making a spontaneous left turn, our serendipitous choice led us directly to the exact location we had initially sought.
Stepping into the architecture, a distinct sense of the past century enveloped us. The grandeur of the stone flooring and the majestic paintings adorning the walls collectively narrated a tale steeped in history, one that seemed to have been preserved meticulously over time.
The library, an oasis of tranquility and expansiveness, exudes the aroma of knowledge. It’s the kind of place where I could easily envision myself spending an entire afternoon, lost in its serene atmosphere, if our visit weren’t constrained by the tour plans.
Following our visit to the library, the Trinity Church was conveniently situated a mere block away, just a brief five-minute stroll. Our plans to enter the church were foiled by its Sunday-only opening schedule, which is what the map tells me, though the exterior alone held its own allure.
A twenty-minute walk from the Trinity Church led us to the Boston Common. In route, we traversed one of Boston’s downtown districts, a bustling street lined with an array of shops ranging from esteemed international brands like Chanel and Tiffany to charming local boutiques.
Nestled at the heart of Boston, the Commons, though not expansive, managed to encapsulate the essence of nature. While I gathered that the park’s true splendor might manifest during the spring or autumn seasons, the summer landscape was a lush sea of greenery. Notwithstanding the season, the park boasted a plethora of endearing wildlife, a crystalline lake, blooming roses, and an assortment of intriguing sculptures.
Originally, I had envisioned dedicating some time to peruse the downtown shops during our leisurely stroll. However, my dad’s disinterest in shopping expeditions or casual window-shopping expedited our journey. Following our jaunt along the renowned Freedom Trail, a two-hour wait for our prearranged dinner was all that lay ahead. On a whim, I conducted an online search for a renowned local coffee establishment, leading us to spend the remaining hours at caffé Nero, immersing ourselves in the essence of the locale.
My dad had emphasized on multiple occasions that Boston’s Chinatown surpassed Seattle’s in terms of sophistication. Eager to experience this firsthand, we strategically selected hot pot as our inaugural dinner choice—a restaurant my dad recalled savoring during his previous visit to the city.
Q Restaurant. Recommended!
Day 2: MIT –> Harvard University –> Boston University
This day was dedicated entirely to a school tour. The sequence in which I arranged the visits to the three schools was strategically chosen to minimize transportation time, effectively charting a path that optimally connected them.
Nestled alongside a river that gazes directly upon Boston, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, renowned as one of the world’s premier technological institutions, exudes an atmosphere that unmistakably reflects the essence of the school’s ethos.
The presence of joggers tracing the river’s edge imparts a dynamic and vibrant aura to the campus.
Harvard University, a beacon of aspiration for countless individuals, boasts a campus that might not be vast in scale, yet is enveloped by several magnificent historic churches. By the way, the university precinct is brimming with enticing eateries; during my visit, I indulged in a particularly delectable ice cream treat.
Legend has it that caressing the left foot of John Harvard bestows the fortunate toucher with the luck required for Harvard admission. While the veracity of this claim remains uncertain, I myself partook in the tale. An interisting observation is that due to the high volume of people continuously laying their hands on the sculpture, the paint on it is gradually fading.
Arriving at Boston University marked our final destination. I must confess that standing before the campus left me utterly astounded. The breathtaking sunset cast an ethereal hue over the surroundings, imparting a dreamy quality to the scene.
As I gazed through the archway, the grassy expanse seemed to radiate with an inner glow, creating an almost otherworldly vista.
The presence of an entire lengthy street lined with student apartments lends an unmistakably vibrant atmosphere to the university.
At the very end of the street, there it stood the name of Boston University.
Day 3: Northeastern University –> Isabella Stewart Garden Museum –> Museum of Fine Arts Boston –> Row 34
Our day commenced with a visit to Northeastern University. To optimize our travel route, I strategically selected a location situated at the easternmost tip of the campus. This choice facilitated a seamless journey from east to west, eliminating the need to backtrack along any roads to reach our subsequent destination.
Northwestern University is totally different from the other three universities we’ve visited the previous day. The general style is very modern.
A leisurely ten-minute walk to the west brought us to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Entry into the museum itself was free, and there were additional galleries hosting seasonal exhibitions. The garden and the palace, however, required a ticket. The admission fee for adults was $20, but students and those under 18 could enter for free. I would say the experience was undoubtedly worthwhile, it is significant inside.
Inside the palace, it is a private collection museum. Every floor and every single room has their own theme that tells about different story or different countries.
Continuing our stroll for another ten minutes from the garden, we reached the renowned Museum of Fine Arts Boston. However, I encountered a misunderstanding at this point. The day prior, I had gone online and registered for a membership, under the impression that it allowed free access to the museum. Nevertheless, upon arriving at the museum’s front desk, I was informed that the membership registration actually implied purchasing a year-long pass, which wasn’t my intention. Consequently, we ended up acquiring a single-day pass for $27.
To culminate our day on a high note, we dined at Row 34, a restaurant my dad touted as the premier spot for lobster rolls in Boston. While I couldn’t make a fair comparison, having not tried lobster rolls elsewhere, I can confidently attest that the meal was exceptional. The dishes were characterized by their freshness and delectable flavors, undoubtedly contributing to a memorable dining experience.
Indeed, our stay in Boston spanned a total of five days over four nights. Despite the fact that our first day’s arrival was late at night and our departure on the fifth day was in the afternoon, the essence of our three full days Boston experience remains vivid.
The juxtaposition of Boston’s distinct East Coast culture against the backdrop of the West Coast lifestyle is striking. The city teems with pedestrians, the streets bustling with people donning formal suits, resulting in a pace of life that’s notably brisker. Yet, this vibrant urban dynamism is tempered by the soothing presence of ocean vistas and natural beauty, a harmonious blend that softens the city’s towering skyline.
Boston’s charm, as I perceive it, lies in its unique balance—a city whose energetic tempo is complemented by tranquil watersides and green spaces. The blend of these elements culminates in a city that, in my estimation, can be aptly described as eminently habitable and enchanting in its own right.
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