I tried to do everything I could to have the full experience of Boston and its surrounding areas. Its my favorite city to visit (I know I previously said that about NYC, but I am starting to have a change of heart) Now, don't get me wrong, NYC is fabulous, exciting and full of wonderful cultural events and history. (not to mention the Manolo Blahnik boutique!)But there really is something about Boston. The history and the culture runs so much deeper and richer then NYC....and that's really what the east coast is about for me. On my first day, I rode the T (subway) to Harvard University. Established in 1636, Harvard is rich with history and culture and I felt smarter just walking through campus! The beautiful buildings and stunning grounds made me wish I was 18 again. What would I study this time around? Probably Creative Writing/English. After walking through Cambridge for the day, my evening was spent at the Boston Pops. What a thrill to see guest composer John Williams and the Boston Pops perform "Horray for Hollywood". It was a magical evening filled with some of the best composed music in film today.
Thursday, I was on a witch hunt! Not literally, but I spent the day in Salem, MA. Salem is one of my favorite places to visit. Its filled with excitement and charm and is rich with history. The Salem Witch Trials are fascinating to learn about. One of my stops was at the Salem Witch Museum. There are many witch museums and places to visit and I've enjoyed each one I've been too. Most will do either a reenactment or a tour, walking you through various events of that time period. The House of Seven Gables is also a wonderful place to visit while in Salem. Don't forget to visit Nathaniel Hawthorne's home, located just next to the House of Seven Gables. Its a charming Georgian home full of intrigue and secrets.
Friday was spent in Newport, Rhode Island. Newport is the home to the most beautiful mansions in the country. These elegant homes are filled with gorgeous art and decor belonging to some of the most prominent families in history. On previous trips to Newport, I have visited and would highly recommend Marblehouse and the Breakers. These were summer homes for the Vanderbilt family. On this particular trip, I toured The Elms, which had exquisite gardens and beautiful french art in an 18th century style french mansion. I was hoping they would rent me a room for the summer, but I struck out! One of the quirkiest finds on my trip, don't leave home without your Red Sox cap! Men in suits, leaving the office for the day, briefcase in one hand, blackberry in the other hand....and always their Red Sox cap on. I've traveled the country and I've seen many cities whose lives revolve around professional sports. But the passion and commitment of the Boston Red Sox fans is very palpable, even to this Yankee.
My last venture was exploring Cape Cod and especially Hyannis. I walked along the water and picked seashells from the sand. The wind was wild and the waves were rocky and I wished I had time to set sail. It was a beautiful day and my timing was good because it was a bit early for tourists. I drove to Hyannis Port and drove up and down the streets in search of the Kennedy compound. After entering many streets marked "do not enter", I finally located the beautiful area where they make their home. I felt honored to catch just a glimpse of their home....the final step of my Kennedy fascination. Having just finished reading Senator Edward Kennedy's Memoir: True Compass, I felt even closer to this family that I have admired for so many years. I highly recommend his book. His feelings are honestly shared and I was able to learn more about his personal life and especially his childhood. A wonderful summer read. Well, this ends my Boston journey. Up next....maybe a new adventure in Portland. And in June, I have a brief trip to DC planned.