See you in Paris!
“See you in Paris” is one of my favorite phrases, and it’s what my friend said to me when she was in Boston a few weeks ago. She now lives in London, so we only see each other once or twice a year. Another friend has since decided to join us for the weekend, so I couldn’t be happier.
I’m beginning to lose track of how many times I’ve traveled across the pond for Thanksgiving. It’s become a tradition. Certainly one I can live with.
I leave on Friday, and I’m in rapid execution of to-do list mode. Work days leading up to vacation always seem to be more hectic than usual. Tasks pop up during the week that throw off carefully planned time management. In the end, it all gets done.
I originally thought I’d practice French an hour a day leading up to the trip to retrain my ear. That never happened, and there is no time now. I thought about bringing my CD Walkman, so I can listen on the plane and during layovers. Yes, I wrote CD Walkman. My recently purchased iPhone is the only modern device I own. My love of travel requires cuts in other areas. Don’t worry, I’m not going to bring it.
I will be sitting on a plane Friday night on route to Paris, and you can be sure I will have a smile from ear to ear. Well, at least until the person in front of me reclines their seat into my knees.
I made the same trip last year, and I was recently thinking about the guy that sat next to me on that trip. Whatever happened to him? I flew Air France on an Airbus 340. This plane has two seats, aisle, four in the middle aisle two seats. However, my row, way back in the plane turned to three seats in the middle, and we were staggered between the seats in front of us instead of directly behind.
As a result of the set up, I had to lean to the left or right to view the personal TV screen on the back of the seat in front of me, and I had to straddle my feet around the base of that seat. To keep things in perspective, I just reminded myself it was a direct flight, and I was on my way to Paris. No biggie.
I was in one aisle seat, there was a man in the middle seat next to me, but the aisle seat to his right was empty. As the plan filled up, I commented that I thought we’d luck out with the empty seat. Clearly, I expected him to move over into that empty aisle seat. Who likes the middle seat? Door closed, and he remained in the middle seat. Wow. Just my luck. It could have been a Seinfeld episode. “Move over!” “What’s wrong with you?” I could imagine Elaine saying.
I largely ignored him and watched movies, but during dinner service we talked a bit. This is where it gets interesting. The 50 or 60-something year old man was from the Cape. He was on his way to Switzerland to meet his girlfriend. I asked what she was doing there. It turns out they met online and had been “skype-dating” up to that point. Really? Who does that? Of course this piques my interest. So, I commented, “so this will be the first time you meet in person? Your first date?” Yep! Although, he hadn’t thought of it as the first date.
I asked if he had traveled internationally before. He asked if Mexico and Hawaii counted, and he wasn’t joking. I explained that off the mainland doesn’t count as International, but he gets credit for Mexico. Now, I was thinking of Jay Leno interviewing people on the street.
Anyway, he had to get his passport last minute, booked that trip, and he already had booked tickets for her to visit the US during Christmas. Ambitious I thought. That was a turning point. I found myself giving him travel advice. Explaining he should expect significant charges if he didn’t upgrade his cell phone calling plan before he left. I advised that he should text instead. It’s cheaper. A middle class guy well beyond a mid-life crisis. What was he thinking? This was an expensive adventure for him.
I asked if his kids knew where he was going and why. He said his son did. Good, let him worry I thought. I slowly realized that his guy probably didn’t move seats because he was an inexperienced traveler. I suppose he thought he had to remain in his assigned seat. Also, he was nervous.
I hope it turned out well for him. I’m hoping for an empty seat next to me this trip, but it not, I might get another interesting story to tell.
Recession Free Wine Country
Sitting in the warm sun on a perfect fall day, I surveyed acres of vineyards still polluted with purple grapes yet to be harvested and green leaves that will turn golden yellow shortly. In the backdrop of this scene are mountains that look as though they were painted underneath a brilliant blue sky. The natural beauty of wine country is captivating.
Outside of Napa, you can drive country roads that offer solitude and refresh the soul. This is the real deal, and it can’t be replicated. I prefer Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley over Napa. They represent the roads less traveled to a degree. They are a bit further out of the mainstream of weekend warriors and less commercial. You can find plenty of small independent family vineyards that usually only sell wine from the tasting room rather than via brokers.
Each tasting room is unique including the view of the landscape, the personality of the staff, and the décor. Some are rustic; others are elegant. Usually the staff asks where you are from, whether or not you have tasted the wine before. They will explain the grapes, the characteristics of the wine etc. Most vineyards charge about $10 for a tasting. The fee is frequently waived if you buy a bottle of wine. It’s generally a friendly environment where you can strike up a conversation with other visitors without hesitation.
Another reason why I prefer tasting outside of Napa is because you can have a very peaceful picnic lunch on the grounds of vineyard. Many have picnic tables and don’t mind if you sit to enjoy a sandwich that you’ve brought from somewhere else. It’s best to ask first to be polite. Some will even allow you to take your tasting outside to enjoy.
By far, one of my favorite lunch stops is Jim Town. It’s been 3 weeks since my trip to wine country and I still think about the sandwich I bought. Fig, prosciutto, Point Ryes Blue cheese and crusty French bread. I’ve tied to replicate the sandwich twice, but it’s not the same. My mouth is still watering. I had a picnic lunch that day at Stevens. I tried Charbona wine for the first time. It’s a rare grape that was brought to Napa decade ago by Italian immigrants. There are now less then 20 acres left of the grape in Napa, so I was told at the tasting. (Note: Grill 23 in Boston has Charbona on its extensive wine list.)
Calistoga is quaint, but gentrified. The architecture nonetheless gives you an idea of old school California and what life was like at a slower pace years ago. We stayed at the Clarion Lodge for about $300 night. It was within walking distance to town and near a state park with hiking trails that overlooked the valley. The rooms were clean and comfortable.
Wine country is a great escape from reality. For example, there is no sign of a recession in wine country. The vineyards command a high price for a bottle of wine. Despite what I’ve read about the wine industry struggling, it appears to be quite healthy in CA. Yes, you could argue that we visited higher-end vineyards, but certainly not the Opus One’s of the industry. Papa P’s for example averages about $40 a bottle – among the best Pinot’s I’ve tasted, but still $40 a bottle is extravagant. Yes, I bought a bottle. It’s vacation after all.
On my last day, I had a relaxing lunch at Solbar which has earned any hype. We sat outside in the courtyard. There are brown wicker chairs with sage green coushins. You hear the sound of water trickling via a near by water fountain. The swimming pool with cozy cabanas was also next to our seating area. All of this surrounded by the natural beauty of the valley. I savored every bite and minute. I was in the final stretch of vacation. I would enjoy a lovely drive back to SFO in time for a red eye home. It was a painful transition, but the memories are lasting.
From Steelers Country to Red Sox Nation
Visits home are bitter sweet. “Home is where your heart is,” yet mine is torn as I walk to Gate 28 at the Pittsburgh International Airport with tears streaming down my cheeks. Boston has been my home for the past eight years, but I grew up in Pittsburgh. Actually, the “Rocks” for insiders. I don’t return often these days. In fact, with the exception of three visits this year, Christmas is usually the only visit. This past weekend was my High School reunion, so memories of life in Pittsburgh were particularly acute.
I arrived on Friday night excited for the weekend ahead. I always try to meet up with a few friends while I’m in town, and I like to check out my old stomping grounds. On Saturday morning, I began the day with a walk through my neighborhood. It was a beautiful fall day, and the route was very familiar. I’ve walked it countless times before. With each step, I carefully scrutinized everything around me noticing what changed, what was the same. Simultaneously, I recalled happy memories and random details from childhood through high school. As I passed a park, I remembered where I fell off my bike when I tried to ride up a steep ramp. We didn’t wear helmets back then. I survived that and also the time when I was sitting on the handle bar of my sister’s banana seat bike. I think another friend was sharing the seat with her when we wrecked on a gravel road. Survived that too with scrapes and bruises of course. As I walked past houses, I remembered who lived where back in the day. Most of the houses in my neighborhood have porches, so it was easy to know everyone. I also thought about all of the door to door fundraising I had to do for school and girl scouts. I remember exactly who bought anything I sold..cookies, hoagies, wrapping paper you name it. The woman who ran a home-based day care bought everything, every time. Whatever happened to her?
Growing up, houses and lawns were well cared for. Now I see weeds, overgrown grass and houses that need the TLC they once had. This isn’t because it’s Fall. The neighborhood has changed for the worse, and it’s a shame. Many of the families I once knew have moved. Some, elderly, have died. My home town is very close to the airport and downtown Pittsburgh. In Boston the houses would be unaffordable in this location. Here, they practically give houses away.
As I walked past my old high school, I thought about how much fun Friday night football games were. Speaking of which, my high school was on the local news while I was in town. Apparently, half of the kids on the football team have poor grades. What’s going on? That wasn’t the case when I was there.
Interestingly, as I was walking by my former high school, someone called my name from a car passing by. “Who could possibly recognize me with my hair straightened (it’s usually curly) and dark sunglasses,” I thought. I haven’t seen “E” in 20 years, so I have no idea how he recognized me, but he did. How strange is that? I couldn’t remember his name, so I had to ask. We exchanged a few pleasantries, and then we were both on our way again.
After my morning walk, I headed “dahntahn” to the Strip for the best outdoor market experience. Formerly an
Smallman street with glimpse of city skyline
industrial area, this neighborhood now boasts bars, restaurants including the famous Primanti sandwich, loft housing and a variety of stores. It’s the best place for produce, bread, cookies and “Stiller” memorabilia (Steelers for the GP). Speaking of cookies, they are a very important part of weddings in Pittsburgh. I thought everyone had a cookie table until I attended weddings in New England. Please, people. Consider having a cookie table at your wedding. It’s a great tradition.
traditional cookies
Anyway, I met a long time friend for lunch at Roland’s. We sat outside on the deck with a great view of all the weekend festivities. We caught up on life, family, work, mutual friends etc. After lunch, I met another friend at Kaya for Mojito’s. We discussed a broad range of topics including economic development and, of course, the art of dating.
This series of brief encounters has become typical of my visits home. The time I used to spend with friends on a regular basis has been reduced to a few hours a year. I’m grateful for that time, but I wish there was time for more.
From there, I dash home to get ready for the big reunion which was held a short distance from my mother’s house. I arrived promptly. A friend of mine arrives shortly after. She commented that she expected I’d be there on time when she and her husband arrived. Was I always so prompt? I guess I was. The first person I saw was a guy that I’ve known since second grade, but I haven’t seen since we graduated. We went to a small Catholic grade school together. He was always a nice guy, quiet. I would not have recognized him if I didn’t recently see his picture on Facebook. Overall, it was easier to recognize everyone than I anticipated. It was nice to catch up.
On Sunday morning, I hung out with my mother, and then I went to visit a good friend and her 3 year old daughter who has grown dramatically since I saw her last Christmas. From there, I head to lunch in Shadyside with a friend from college and her 3 year old daughter. I get along great with 3 year olds now that I know so many of them. 🙂
On the way home I pass through Oakland home of the University of Pittsburgh. Oh, the memories I have of life in this part of town. I smile as I pass my old dorm and the student union. Almost all of my classes were in the Cathedral. I thought about my favorite professor Ted Windt who passed away a few years ago. I noted that I should have attended his retirement party. He and another professor inspired my degree in Rhetoric. The campus looks great! I did note that Dunkin Donuts is now located where CJ’s Pub used to be. Instead of quarter drafts, students buy donuts and coffee there. Interesting. Many Thursday nights were spent at CJ’s.
I spent the rest of the day with my family. I reflect all of this and more as I sit at the gate waiting for my flight to depart.
Once I’m up on the air, my mood shifts. I am going home to Boston. I can’t wait to sleep in my own bed, and I crave a glimpse of the ocean. I start to think about work, plans I have with friends this week and spending next weekend in Boston for the first time since July! I am happy and smiling as I see Boston’s skyline from 6,ooo feet.
I luv ya black and gold. Yinz guys are great, but there is room in my heart for Beantown too.
I am home again.
Primanti sandwichesPenn mac
Top 5 List for Disney’s Magic Kingdom
When it comes to travel, I prefer to explore, learn and blend in with locals to get their perspective. Destinations such as Vegas and Disney are generally unappealing to me, but I’ve traveled to both for business. Earlier this month, I was in Orlando, FL for intense sales training (customer centric selling which was very good). I arrived early Sunday morning so that I could enjoy one day of Florida sunshine before I was sequestered into a windowless conference room for five days. As luck would have it, that was the same week an arctic blast covered much of the East Coast. It was sunny, but also freezing cold! (low 30’s). So much for sitting by the pool.
I stayed at the Disney Hilton, so I figured I’d explore one of the parks since I had never been to any. I called a few of my friends who have taken their children to Disney to ask for recommendations. Hands down, The Magic Kingdom is a must see for a newbie. I bought a day pass from the Disney store at my hotel. Discount rates are available to conference attendees after 2:00. As luck had it, the park was open until 11 p.m. that day, so I had plenty of time to explore.
I took a free shuttle bus directly from my hotel to the Magic Kingdom. I know Disney is synonomous with details, but I didn’t expect to give a digital finger print at the entrance. I wonder if this will soon be required at airports.
A few steps beyond the entrance, I walked down Main Street, USA, and Disney’s magic spell struck me instantly. I was giddy. Yep, I fell for it right away. The beautifully decorated Christmas tree and then straight ahead- a very familiar icon- Cinderella’s castle! I ignored all the shops on Main Street and walked directly to the center of the park to shamelessly have my picture taken with Walt, M-I-C-K-E-Y Mouse with Cinderella’s Castle in the background. 
Speaking of Kodak moments, Kodak advertising is everywhere as if you can’t figure out where to take a good photo in the park.
I rode as many rides as I could, and I did not care that I was 1) by myself 2) not a five-year old. Again, completely shameless. I started my tour of the Magic Kingdom in Tomorrowland. Space Mountain closed for repair. Bummer. I explored the park counterclockwise through Toontown Fair, Fantasyland, Liberty Square and Frontierland. I of course took a break to watch the parade. I noted that the performers smiled more than a politician running for election. Also noted excessive makeup and lip syncing.
Because it was unseasonable cold and a Sunday, the park was relatively empty for Disney standards. Good news for me- that meant short lines. I never waited longer than 10 minutes. Did not even need a FP ticket.
Top five attractions at Disney’s Magic Kingdom:
1) Cinderella Castle– It’s an icon. At night, it twinkled with a million lights that changed colors and reflected into a pond. Mesmerized I was. If I had known in advance there was a restaurant inside, I surely would have made a reservation as it is the only way to get in. (Note: Food is overpriced and crappy in Dowtown Disney. Service was generally poor. Mostly food chains. )
2) Swiss Family Treehouse– If offered as an accommodation, I would have stayed there instead of the Hilton. Weather permitting of course.
3) Haunted Mansion– This is the best haunted house ever. The details are amazing. If I had more time, I would have visited this more than once for futher observation.
4) Pirates of the Caribbean– Impressive details.
5) Peter Pan’s Flight– A unique perspective of distance. The ride starts inside a bedroom and then you gradually fly over a city at night. Great details right down to cars with lights on. Very clever.
Oh, and the fireworks were amazing! Really, better than Boston’s on July 4th.
Random observations
Children cry in Disney. I couldn’t believe it. I suppose they are tired, but I didn’t think it was possible.
Every girl (particularly my three-year old neices) wants to be a princess thanks to Disney. Even I wanted to wear a tiarra by the end of the day. For the record, I did not.
The details were impressive. Now I understand why people spend multiple days at the park.
I did not expect to enjoy Disney as much as I did. I loved it! If you haven’t been to Disney, you should go. And, if you have children, you must take them.
Sleeping in a city that never sleeps
I know my way around Paris better than New York City, but that is changing. In October, I joined a company based in New York City, so I’ll be here on a regular basis. As I write this entry, I hear the sound of horns, traffic, and loud voices rising up to my 8th floor hotel room facing West 31st street. I would not normally choose to stay so close to Madison Square Garden, but I rolled the dice with priceline.com, and here I am. Yes, it’s a noisy area, but it was nice to exit Penn Station and drop off my luggage before heading the office at 42nd & Fifth Ave. 
I have limited free time while I’m in town on business, but I make the most of every moment. I’ve been studying New Yorkers with the eye of a social anthropologist. I observe as many details as I can to understand and experience why NYC is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. It’s nice to get to know the city better after all these years.
What have I noticed so far?
NY has become a bike-friendly city. Biking down Broadway during the day is now in the realm of possibilities and no longer reserved for the brave bike messengers. You can also sit at a cafe style table on Broadway which has been converted into an urban park. 
Bryant park is a popular lunch spot on a warm day. It’s behind the NY public library which is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. It has the feel of a museum. There is currently an ice rink and holiday shopping area in the park.
People actually do eat food sold by street vendors. I’ve been working up the courage to try something. I opted for the roasted nuts, and I lived to tell. It’s not always easy to eat healthy food when traveling, so I do appreciate all of the fruit stands in the city. Only 40 cents for a banana. What a bargain in this town!
If starts to rain and you don’t have an umbrella, no problem! Street vendors are opportunistic, and they appear with loads of them for sale. Which is great because it’s impossible to get a cab in midtown when it’s raining particularly during rush hour. And, as always, it’s easy to buy a knock off pashmina scarf, designer bag and/or watch. I’ve picked a few up for friends.
I should note, that despite what some people think of New Yorkers, they are very friendly and approachable. It’s very easy to strike up a conversation, get directions etc. I mostly eat dinner alone while in town, and I frequently meet interesting people . Some are tourists, but most are locals that provide excellent tips on where to eat next and what to do etc.
Beautiful, ornate architecture is everyone. Often you have to look up. Hotel lobbies, elevator doors, light posts, you name it. I have to remember to take more photos.
Oh, I’ve also had a bird’s-eye view from a few of the hotels I’ve stayed in. There is quite a bit of greenery on the roof tops of many buildings.
Every section of the city has it’s own personality. Midtown is pretty touristy for obvious reasons. It’s visual caffeine. If you are tired, you can elbow your way though a stampede of people in Time Square. People, sound, and lights everywhere.
I had dinner in the trendy meatpacking district tonight at the Spice Market. I sat at the Chef’s table which had a wonderful view of the kitchen. I sat next to a couple visiting from Sydney. We talked about the recession in the US and its global effects, travel, life in the States versus Australia. They were heading to DC next. It was their first trip to the US.
After dinner I walked southwest via Greenwich/West Village. Ah, the Village is more my speed. Quaint streets, cafes, shops and trees!
As for fashion trends: black is the new black. Riding boots and skinny pants seem to be the staple of most women.
I’ll continue to write about my NY experiences over time.
U2 360° Tour in Boston
My obsession with U2 started long before I attended the 1987 Joshua Tree concert at the Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, but it reached fever pitch on September 21, 2009. On this night, I attended the U2 360° concert at Gillette Stadium for the second night in a row. I had the best possible view of the band with my back against the rail of the inner circle! Dead center. It’s exactly where I wanted to be particularly after watching the U2 3D movie last year. It was an opportunity of a lifetime.
Bono singing a few feet away from me!
On Sunday night, I had seats in section 310 (stage right). The seats were good, but higher up than I expected. You could see all of the activity on stage, but it was necessary to rely on the monitors for details such as the expression on Larry’s face as illustrated in the photo below. 
When you are on the floor, you can take pictures such as this one of Bono. He was just a few feet away from me. See the difference?
Don’t get me wrong, I was thrilled to be at the concert the first night, but the overall experience, sound and view from the floor was by far superior particularly in a stadium. The last time I saw U2 live was during the Vertigo Tour at the Fleet Center or whatever it’s called these days. I preferred that venue. I had seats behind the stage, but it still felt more intimate than Gillette.
I should explain how I ended up with best seats I’ve ever had. First, I joined the U2 fan club to ensure I’d have access to tickets before the GP (general public.). Next, I opened a Ticketmaster account, so that I could execute the purchase quickly once the tickets were on sale. After that, I kept my eye on the schedule to make sure I was aware of the exact sale date for the US tour. As it turned out, I was in Europe when the US tickets were available, so I had to coordinate carefully due to the time difference.
It’s actually quite nerve wracking to purchase the tickets online. You can select tickets by best available or by a price point, but not by location in the stadium. Once tickets are offered, you have a minute or two to confirm your purchase. The first tickets offered to me were $250 each. Expensive and that didn’t even include Ticketmaster’s exorbitant fees. I admit, I considered it for a moment. Mostly because I feared that the rest of the tickets could have been sold out during the 30-45 seconds I took to make up my mind. I decided to roll the dice again. I ended up with Section 310 on Sunday and GA tickets for Monday night. I was pleased.
With coveted GA tickets in hand, I conducted research to determine my strategy for the best spot on the floor. I read blog, forum and twitter posts from other U2 fans. I also considered my attendance at Sunday’s show to be recon mission for Monday night. I wanted to be sure I understood the layout of the stage, the band’s use of the stage, crowd patterns and procedures to enter the floor. Yes, I clearly have too much extra time on my hands, but come on, we’re talking about U2. 😉
I should note that the traffic getting out of Gillette stadium was a nightmare. I didn’t get home until 3:00 a.m. after Sunday’s show. I was exhausted on Monday, and I had a long day ahead of me. I arrived at Gillette around 2:00 p.m. The GA line wasn’t bad. Perhaps 200 people in front of me which is what I expected. I immediately introduced myself to those around me. We spent the next four hours together in line. U2 fans bond quickly. We all had stories to tell about our favorite songs, concert experience etc. One couple next to me recently attend the concert in Dublin. Another woman had floor seats the night before, so she had good tips to share. A guy from North Dakota originally drove to Chicago for the first US show. He enjoyed it so much he decided to drive to Boston. He was young and had free time, so he called his parents to let them know he was heading to NYC next. Another couple in our group was from NH, and they were going to have a very long drive home and perhaps straight to work based on my experience with traffic the night before. With our lively conversation, time passed quickly as we sat in the hot sun.
Bracelets, which ensured our entry to the inner circle, were distributed to those of us in line. After about 4 hours of waiting, we lined up in corresponding rows of men and women to facilitate the security check process. After the security check, there was a line for ticket validation, and then it was a free for all run to the stage which happened to be the length of the football field. I was prepared to run as if my life depended upon it, but security personnel generally kept people from running.
I knew I had to get to the stage before everyone else in line. Fortunately, I’m a speed walker, so I was able to move faster than most around me. As I rounded the final turn inside the circle I saw an opening at center stage. Mission accomplished! I was thrilled. I grabbed the arm of the Scottish man standing next to me and jumped for joy. He too was a huge fan of U2, and he has traveled worldwide to see their concerts. He had an 8:30 a.m. flight back to the UK on Tuesday morning. Now that’s dedication. The man on the other side of me traveled from Santiago, Chile. He was heading to the concert at Giant Stadium next before his long trip home.
Truth be told, any spot in the inner circle would have been fabulous. When you are that close to the stage, you can see everything. Each member of the band was feet away from me on multiple occasions throughout the night. At one point, we were sandwiched between two catwalks. The Edge was on one side above my head and Adam on the other. I was so distracted by the Edge, I didn’t even notice Adam until my Scottish friend grabbed me by the shoulders and physically turned me around to see him. That’s when I made eye contact with Adam. I wanted to snap a few photos, but I didn’t want to miss anything. Fortunately, the woman standing behind me was kind enough to share the photo she took at that moment. 
The only thing that could have topped the evening would have been if Bono pulled me from the audience. The woman Bono selected was in my plan B location and happened to have long, dark, curly hair like I do. No kidding. It could have been me. Once on stage, Bono jumped into her arms. She carried him across the stage. Then they each stood across from each other on the catwalk, and Bono sang directly to her. Very lucky woman.
Random impressions…
Bono is charismatic and full of energy. He was in constant motion and always working the crowd.
Adam is cool. He was mostly stage left doing his thing like he doesn’t have a care in the world.
The Edge is fascinating to watch. With the distractions of Bono and the Edge, it’s easy to overlook Larry behind the drums, so it was nice to see him in front of the crowd during the remix if I’ll go Crazy Tonight which I love.
9/21 Details:
Opening Act: Snow Patrol
Main Set:
Magnificent,No Line On The Horizon, Get On Your Boots, Mysterious Ways, I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, Elevation, Your Blue Room, Beautiful Day, Unknown Caller, Until the End of the World, Stay (Faraway, So Close), The Unforgettable Fire, City of Blinding Lights, Vertigo – Stories for Boys, I’ll Go Crazy If I Don’t Go Crazy Tonight (remix), Sunday Bloody Sunday, MLK, Walk On, One – Amazing Grace, Where the Streets Have No Name
Encore(s): Ultraviolet, With or Without You, Moment of Surrender
90 Minute Tour: Boston Harbor Islands
If you follow my twitter updates, then you now I recently signed up for Groupon and find the bargain offers to be addictive. Although, I have actually only made two purchases, so I’m mostly a window shopper.
I have always wanted to tour the Boston Harbor Islands, so I could not resist purchasing a 90 minute tour offered by Flagship Adventures for $20. My friend Kathy and I took the tour this afternoon. Our Friday afternoon timing was perfect. There were only 5 of us on the RIBCRAFT which seats about 9 people. Given the intimate size, it felt more like an outing with friends than a tourist activity. Upon boarding, I asked the Captain which was the best seat. While every seat was just fine, he directed me to the front of the boat for the most excitement. Like a roller coaster I suppose.
The craft was essentially an industrial strength rubber dinghy with twin 225 horse power engines. Top speed on the water is 47 MPH. I’m pretty sure we came close to that today. We were air-born a few times as we cut through choppy waves rolling in with high tide and also thanks to Tropical Storm Danny I imagine.
It was so much fun that it occurred to me that if a lawyer takes the tour s/he will probably ruin it for everyone else with restrictions on speed, waivers etc. Please don’t!
The tour included historical commentary about many of the islands we passed. It was quite interesting to learn about the historical and present use of the islands. On one island, people live cottages without running water and electricity. The cottages have been passed down for generations, but once the present owners die, the cottages will be torn down due to an arrangement with the national park service. Another island housed Italian POWs during WWII. Some of the islands used to have hotels around the turn of the century. Spectacle Island used to be a garbage dump and which polluted the harbor. It has since been cleaned up, but I doubt I’m swim at there beaches near it. Another island offers programs for at-risk city youth as well as homeless people. There are forts and stories about ghosts which I’m sure add to the ambiance for over night camping and fire side stories.
I recommend that you read up on the history of the islands which are part of the national park system. Many of the islands are accessible by regular ferry trips from Boston. Touring the islands is a perfect, low-cost activity for summer. I plan to return to explore further by foot.
Oh! I almost forgot to mentioned that we had an unbelieve view of airplanes landing at Logan Airport. We paused near one of the runways, and the airplanes flew right over our heads. That was a bonus on the way back to the dock.
Am I a sailor yet?
The first time I sailed was about 12 years ago while I was living in Pittsburgh. A friend casually mentioned that a woman in his office was planning a sailing trip on the Chesapeake. I always wanted to learn how to sail, so I suggested that he ask her if we could go. Having planned vacations, I was familiar with the difficulty of getting people to commit with money. As I suspected, there was space available for us!
The sailing trip began at a marina on Solomon’s Island in Maryland. We made the five hour drive after work. The crew was to meet at the Tiki Bar the night before our sail. We only knew Sue the organizer, so we looked forward to meeting our new friends and our Captain.
I’ll never forget meeting Captain Dave. As luck would have it, he turned out to be the salty dog character at the Tiki Bar, with a gruff beard and dark tussled hair, that had one too many MaiTai’s. I of course avoided eye contact and ignored whatever words he slurred when he sat in the chair next to me that my friend temporarily vacated for a trip to the restroom. We had no idea he was our Captain at the time because we had not yet met any of the crew. You can imagine our surprise when we were introduced. Ultimately, Dave was harmless, but he was definitely a character with many stories. I heard he has since retired from his civilian Navy job (Physicist iirc), sold his boat and is doing well playing poker tournaments in Vegas.
Captain Dave was used to racing and winning on Krugerrand (a Morgan 36), so my introduction to sailing involved him yelling a bunch of commands that I did not understand. I barely knew the difference between Port and Starboard. He didn’t yell out of anger or frustration, it’s just what was he was used to from his competitive racing days. Nothing personal. Just urgency. I learned a few new things about sailing and the boat on each trip, but I admit we weren’t a hard working crew. To this day, I still enjoy sitting at the bow or under the main if I not at the helm. 
Over the years, I sailed the Chesapeake a few times each summer with the same group of people that I met on that initial sailing trip. I also made two trips to the Caribbean. During the first trip, we sailed around the BVI on a Beneteau 50 which is a common charter boat. On the second next trip, we sailed around the lessor Antilles including St Bart’s and Saint Martin on a catamaran. By the way, it’s worth noting that I had the best dinner ever at the Fish Pot. Well, up to that point in my life anyway.
I thoroughly enjoyed both sailing trips, and I could write detailed blogs about each. Ah, ok. Just a few short notes. Snorkeling is better in the BVI. I suspect this is because there are more moorings and the coral reefs are protected from anchors, but what do I know. Painkillers at the Soggy Dollar on Jost Van Dyke. The Baths. The Caves. Willie T’s. Enough said. St. Bart’s is exactly what you expect it to be except even more colorful.
I moved to Boston in 2002, and I’ve since spent many summer weekends on a boat in Newport, the sailing capital of the world and former home of America’s Cup. You want to sail? This town is drenched with experienced sailors, beautiful boats, and captivating views. It’s a small town, yet it is surprisingly international.
Fortunately, many of my friends are experienced sailors, and I have learned quite a bit from them over the years. They are very patient teachers. I’ve learned about navigation, maintenance, tide charts, safety, troubleshooting, and of course knots. I am grateful for all they have shared with me over the years. Last summer, I started racing on my friend’s 1926 Herreshoff S Class boat. On a classic yacht with a wooden mast, you don’t want to screw up. I was essentially ballast for the first race or two, but now I’m considered to be experienced crew. Progress! 🙂
I’ve learned quite a bit since my first sailing trip, yet when asked if I am a sailor, I always hesitate to answer. Compared to most of my friends and the sailors I meet? No. Learning about sailing is endless, but in my heart I know the answer is yes. Most sailors would tell you there is always something new to learn.
Best place to enjoy the view!
Biking along the Minuteman rail-trail
This afternoon I biked the historic Minuteman rail-trail from Davis Square to Lexington Center. I was pleasantly surprised by the diverse scenery along the way, and I wish I had brought my camera. When I lived in Back Bay, I used to ride along the Esplanade, and I thought that route along the Charles River would be hard to beat. I was wrong.
The Minuteman trail officially begins in Arlington, but you can enter it from Davis if you follow the disconnected path. The first mile or two is probably the most crowed with foot traffic and frequent stops to cross the street, but once you reach Spy Pond it’s mostly bikers and not that crowded.
I did not consult a map, so most of the time, I had no idea where I was or how far I had biked. Although, I now know the entire trail is about 12 miles one way. There should be mile makers along the way, but I guess regular users know the distances between certain locations.
The trail passes through many historic neighborhoods, so you see a lot of backyards with gardens along the way. Children who live along the path have it made. Not only do they have a great place to ride their bikes, but they also can enjoy one of several football and soccer fields and parks. I saw many tree houses too!
I am curious about the swamp I saw just before the meadows. The picture doesn’t do justice. The pond water is pistachio green and as frothy as a latte. It was completely still and seamed to choke the life out of everything except for the cattails a few stray Lilly pads. Strange. Too much algae? I have no idea.
I would love to explore the trails in along the meadows, but not on a humid, rainy day such as today. Given the natural surroundings, the trail is already polluted with gnats, mosquitoes and who know what else was flying around. Hard to avoid getting one in your eye, mouth or hair. Although, wearing sun glasses and keeping my mouth shut did help.
Next time I’ll ride the entire length of the trail, and perhaps I’ll stop in Lexington for lunch along the way.
First Impressions of Davis Square
My first week in Davis has been positive. The street I live on is fairly quiet, and I certainly don’t miss the motorcycles that used to pass by my Newbury Street apartment. Compared to Back Bay, Davis Square is a bohemian neighborhood. Davis is lively, trendy and aims to please. It’s small, but jam packed with personality marked by interesting independently owned shops, cafes and boutiques. I can’t wait to investigate further.
It’s certainly not hard to find a venue for live music. For example, U2 played at the Somerville Theater a few months ago to promote their upcoming 360 tour.
One of the first things I noticed right away is that people are very friendly. In this respect, it reminds me of my hometown- Pittsburgh. I’m quite used to people saying hello as they pass you on the street or striking up a conversation in any venue.
I stopped by McKinnons this week. I was very impressed with the quality of meat, and I can’t imagine I’ll shop anywhere else for meat. I hear Dave’s Fresh Pasta is fabulous. I look forward to it.
I’m addicted to Mint Oreo ice cream and unfortunately for me, there is a J P Licks in walking distance!!!
There is a farmer’s market in the Day Street parking lot on Wednesdays. It’s small, but there is a nice variety of bread, cheese and fresh produce.
There was a street festival in front of Redbone’s earlier this week to promote biking. I think that was the purpose. I didn’t stay long, but I appreciated the live music and festive atmosphere. The crowd was diverse- more so than Back Bay.
I already received a $50 parking ticket for street cleaning. At least I got that out of the way.
I like my new neighborhood, and I’m glad there is so much to explore. I look forward to finding my new favorite place for X, Y and Z.
About
I have 15 years of experience advising senior executives on communications and marketing strategies to build brand, market share and to drive sales leads.
Travel is my passion. I have explored more than 100 cities in 16 countries on 3 continents. I am interested in people and places both far and near. From time to time, I update my blog to share my travel experiences.
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People, Places: Raison d'être 
