The City On A Hill

It's always nice to get away, especially when your destination is a fun place. Boston qualifies as one. It's a vibrant city with lots to do and a terrific transit system (the "T").

I rode up Friday; the trip took six hours. I spent Saturday enjoying activities in the city. I'm riding home today. The trip was a last-minute thing but I've learned how to quickly put together a motorcycle adventure. I even have a "go bag" ready so I can leave at a moment's notice.

My hotel was well-chosen. Despite being outside the city, it's right next to the beginning of the  T (Green Line) so I'm able to walk onto the train and take it everywhere. Unlimited rides are only $12 a day which avoids hassles and hefty parking fees.

Boston is the largest city in New England; it's almost 400 years old. European settlers arrived in 1630 looking for baked beans and baseball. The history of the place is palpable. On prior trips I did historical-site walks and looked at old buildings. This time, I focused on fine art.

My main goal was to visit the Museum of Fine Arts which has three exhibitions up I wanted to see. Two are on fashion and one is on photography, my favorite subjects. The exhibitions are terrific. I have so much to say (and show you) about them that I'll do a separate post tomorrow.

I didn't know the Boston Marathon is tomorrow which explains why the city is swarming with runners. In addition to the museum, I walked in Public Garden and sat on a bench made famous from a scene in "Good Will Hunting." I ate a tasty lunch of lobster bisque and lobster roll on the 52nd floor of Prudential Tower (Top of the Hub). I paid tribute to Fenway Park (where the Red Sox play) and milled around Faneuil Hall to observe tourists in their natural habitat. "Daddy! I dropped my ice cream!"

My favorite part of the city isn't downtown, however; it's Back Bay. Particularly Boylston Street which is full of nice stores and restaurants. Back in the 1980's when I lived in Boston, I once walked down Boylston Street with a clueless acquaintance from school. We went past a popular gay bar named "Buddies" and, on a Saturday night, it had a long line of men outside waiting to get in. My friend turned to me and said, "That's so sad! None of these guys could get a date."

For a last-minute trip, I had a great time. Here are some pics...