We have really been looking forward to our trek down the East Coast. There is so much to be seen and so much history to learn! You can just FEEL the “oldness” of everything 
We arrived on Thursday night and headed over to Rebecca and Peter’s house in Beverly…just north of Boston. They brought us to a great little Thai place just a few minutes from their house and I was able to get my fix of green curry with tofu. Oh the joy! After that, we headed back to their house and had pumpkin pie on their deck.
The next morning, we met at their house before heading to the train station. We were about to take our very FIRST train ride into the city! We were giddy with excitement. I’m sure the locals got a kick out of me taking photos of the train schedule, the tracks…you know It’s pretty hard to hide the fact that we’re “not from ’round here”.
Here are a few highlights from our Boston visit:
The Traffic: Oh my. Yes, everything said about Boston drivers is true. They are beyond crazy. People constantly cut you off, fail to use signals, speed like maniacs…it was an experience.
The Train: With all of the insane drivers, it was so GREAT that we didn’t have to drive into the city. That was a really new concept to us…and it’s just so fun and convenient.
The Old North Church: It was so cool to stand in the exact spot where Theodore Roosevelt stood…and to see the pulpit where John Wesley preached God-inspired sermons.
The Cemeteries: They are so fascinating. Many of my direct ancestors are buried at The Granary Burial Ground right in Boston. We tried really hard to find the headstone of one particular woman, Mary Chilton, who came across on the Mayflower. We couldn’t find it. Did you know that nearly every woman of that time was named Mary? Or so it seemed!
Boston Common: There was a great playground here…the kids had a lot of run getting out of their carriers and running around
Public Garden: The “Make Way for Ducklings” statues were a hit with the girls. We also enjoyed the swans, the pond, the bridge…it was very peaceful.
Beacon Hill: The shops are so cute and the old brownstones are gorgeous. I’m sure they cost more money that I will see in a lifetime!
Harvard: Founded in 1636. Now that’s old. There was an archeology class digging up the yard looking for artifacts while we were there. Students and faculty bustled about. People biking. People walking. People conversing. People studying. I felt smarter as soon as I walked in the gate.
Harvard Square: This area has tons of shopping, coffee shops, tea shops, students, tourists…it was really busy! Bella had a great time chasing the pigeons and hugging Catherine.
We met another friend, Kit, in Harvard Square. She is an engineer and she works and lives right there. She took us all out for Vietnamese food…yum! She knitted Bella an adorable scarf made of bamboo!
It was a quick one-day visit, but we saw A LOT of sites. Rebecca used to be a tour guide, so she knew TONS about the city and how to get around. Peter was a wealth of knowledge as well. It was a huge blessing to have them along.
We were glad to have a crash course in train-riding before we tackled NYC the next day. Weeeeee!
Photo album here.
Those pictures of Boston are great. I have never been to the east coast but it looks fascinating with the all the history. Thanks for sharing.
Comment by Dawn — October 31, 2007 @ 4:12 pm
We were so glad to have you! Your pictures are lovely (as always) despite the overcast weather. Maybe our paths will cross again someday!
Comment by Rebecca — October 31, 2007 @ 8:06 pm
You did all that in one day? Wow. Looks like you had a great time.
Comment by Heth — November 1, 2007 @ 8:45 am
I hope that you felt some Red Sox Mania while there! Yes, the history is wonderful, but those boys…….WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!
Comment by Amy — November 1, 2007 @ 4:17 pm
It looks like you guys are having so much fun! It is so great to be able to keep up with your adventures via the blog.
Comment by Leah — November 1, 2007 @ 8:00 pm
geez…i should have paid attention and told my cousin that you would be there. she’s studying at harvard right now. i’d love to visit there someday.
Comment by Kristin — November 6, 2007 @ 10:31 pm
I just love what you’re doing. I find myself more and more concerned with the environment – taking small steps to reduce my footprint…I actually hate driving now. I ride my bike/the train almost everywhere. Far cry from the way I grew up!
It seems like you and the family are having a wonderful time. It’s neat to see a family set off and do something that most of us only dream of. Your daughter is very lucky to have you. You’re setting a great example.
Anyway, I came across your blog through Liz Samson and if you need a place to stay in theAlexandria, VA/Washington D.C. area – let us know. My husband and I would be more than happy to have you. If you already have plans, but would like a hot meal – we’d love to take you guys to dinner!
All the best to you!
Comment by Melissa — November 8, 2007 @ 9:35 am
I love reading your blog and following your adventures. Its wonderful the way you incorporate your vibrant Christian faith into your everyday living as a family. I think that is what God intended us to do.
Hope you all are fine and that the absence of recent posts only means you are busy traveling, exploring and sharing the green gospel and Christ’s gospel with those who have ears to hear.
You’all are a blessing and your ministry is much appreciated!
Your brother in Christ,
Rick Brentlinger
Comment by Rick Brentlinger — November 9, 2007 @ 10:03 am
I miss Boston! You did a great job of hitting the highlights. We were there last April because both of my parents were running in the marathon. That was a lot of fun. We also went to a great Vietnamese place while we were there in Brookline- maybe the same one! We made the mistake of letting Liam suck on a little piece of sugar cane that was in his dad’s dinner. Weeee! It was a loooooooooooong time before bedtime after that!
I love reading about your adventures! Give Bella a big hug from Liam.
Comment by Tara — November 11, 2007 @ 8:14 am
Sorry I haven’t been keeping up lately, I’ve been off adventuring in Texas!
It was so wonderful to meet all’a'y’all and eat and talk and stuff. I had a super fun time! Maybe I’ll see you at some point later in your tour – you never know!
Comment by Kit — November 14, 2007 @ 3:07 am