The Misadventures of a Native New Yorker

I've been in Boston since Friday afternoon, and I have to admit that I'm impressed. It's a great town. No, really. It's got modern and classic elements, a LOT of character, and everyone I've met has been super nice and friendly. The harbour is beautiful, the aquarium delightful, and there's a lot to see and do here. J and I have only really seen the touristy stuff and only a bit of that, but I'd love to come back and see more soon. We had dinner in the North End on Friday. No, we didn't go to Mike's Pastry, but as I explained to someone at the rehearsal dinner last night, I was raised in Brooklyn by an Italian mother and a father from Bensonhurst. I know what a good cannoli is supposed to taste like, for crissakes.

We've been doing touristy things our way. Walking around, getting lost, visiting Quincy Market (a lot) and Newbury Comics (or the "Hey Sharon, give us all your money!" store), and even eating and drinking at Cheers. Yes I bought a souvenier mug. I didn't have time to do a brewery tour of Sam Adams, unfortunately, but my time was well-spent having lunch with hermionesviolin (who I can't believe I haven't seen in TWO years!!) and meeting reflectedeve, whom I'd heard about but never met before. Always fun to catch up on life and fannish and non-fannish things. Last night was the rehersal dinner at what I believe is Boston's equivalent to Tavern on the Green; well-loved, historic, and not that great food-wise. Still, it was more about the company, and I've been enjoying meeting lots of people I've heard about, but never met before. :)

Still, I'm loving the architecture. I'm always impressed with a city that can move forward while still honoring the past and staying true to itself. Boston has a lot of personality in that way. I didn't get to go to many museums while I was here, but as I said to hermionesviolin yesterday, I plan to be back.

(I'd really like it here, if not for all the Red Sox fans. And no, I have not been anywhere near Fenway. By design. :P)

And now I have to finish getting ready. I hope to post some picspam once I return, as I forgot my camera cable.

One day, I will learn how to pack light. However, it seems like today is just not that day.

I don't get it. I thought I brought a reasonable amount of stuff, but it's ridonkulously heavy in my suitcase. I think it might actually be the suitcase. Yup. That's totally it.

Sigh. Either way, I'm 90% packed. Laptop will be placed in bag after I shut it off tonight, and phone charger will be added after phone is charged, natch. j_bkl is carrying my dresses in his bag, since it has a built-in garment bag part.

I have my camera, my ipod, my ipod charger and camera charger. I have a brand new Pendergast novel I have not read (yay) and have yet to start, and a backup book in case I eat the whole thing on the trip. I have a water bottle chilling in the fridge, and snacks already packed.

And I fully realize I'm going to Boston, and not, say, Belize. I hear they even have like, paved streets, electricity, and stores and stuff. So if I forgot something, I'll still be okay.

Ah, pre-trip anxiety. How I hate your everloving guts. I think I'm going to go and get some sleep now.

This weekend, j_bkl and I are heading to the city of Chowdah and da Sahx and Hahvahd Yahd for a wedding. Thankfully, the aforementioned baseball team will be off in Philly that weekend, so I don't have to deal with Fenway crowds. But I'd love some suggestions from the Boston-savvy about fun things to do or eat. I'm hoping very much to see hermionesviolin if the stars align, and we are attending the rehearsal dinner as well as the wedding Sunday. I know about stuff like the Freedom Trail, Quincy Market, and the aquarium (just so I can ride the T and hear "next stop, Wonderland!" like the big lame, Brad Anderson-loving loser that I am). I'm hoping for a restaurant section or two, or stuff to avoid would be awesome. I'm Yelping like crazy, obviously.

(I also would love a tour of the Sam Adams brewery, obvs, but we may not have time.)

Other than that, I'm just getting ready to get going. I'm very excited!! This is J & my first vacation together, AND our first wedding as a couple, so I have many things to look forward to. I just wish the weather would frigging cooperate already.