May 27th, 2023

The trip from New York City to Boston was quick and easy; I am completely jealous of the proximity large cities have to each other here on the East Coast and the rail network connecting them all. I opted to deboard the train at Back Bay station and took the Orange Line for two stops into Chinatown, where my hostel was. This was my first time riding the MBTA's brand-new heavy rail trains. They were so nice, and I loved how spacious they felt inside, including how much space the doors allowed to enter the train. The hostel was very close to the Chinatown Orange Line station, so I made my way there first and checked in to refresh and get some laundry done. At around 6:00 PM, I decided it was time for dinner. I went to a nearby sushi restaurant before briefly walking through Downtown Crossing and into the Commons. I sat in the Commons for a bit and called my dad to discuss my trip and the comparisons between East and West Coast cities.

During our conversation, I told my dad about how I enjoyed the West Coast cities. Still, there is just something more to the East Coast, particularly Boston. I can't exactly say the reason, but it felt like the West Coast cities were trying too hard to be something relevant but fell short of providing an authentic and natural experience. On the other hand, the East Coast cities have a particular character that has been built up for a very long time, and you can feel the energy that flows through them. Chicago has a little bit of this, but it doesn't feel as natural as a place like Boston. It may be the way many of these cities were designed more based on pedestrian habits rather than later transportation inventions. Boston, in particular, has a street layout that provides a sense of comfort when walking and, despite its size as New England's hub, still has the feel of a small town. Everywhere I walk, there is a character to the area, and even its transportation system showcases that character. As the oldest subway in America, the Green Line is my favorite mass transit service. I am sure many Bostonians would disagree, but there are so many fascinating intricacies to how it runs. In addition, the unique styles across all four of Boston's rail lines provide an exciting look at the history of its development from the Green Line's light rail design to the Red and Orange Line's standard heavy rail, and finally, the Blue Line's train cars which switch between third rail and overhead wires. Boston has such a uniqueness in addition to the comforting hominess it provides me as a city I used to frequent quite often. 

After my little walk, I made a new friend who I hung out with for the rest of the evening and took me to a pretty sweet breakfast spot the following day. It was a bookstore called "Trident" that also served food with tables throughout the shop and a bar along one wall. There were two floors, and we opted to eat outside. I had a delicious plate of hash browns topped with roasted veggies, vegetarian sausages, two eggs, and a pea flower tea Arnold Palmer. After breakfast, we shopped around the bookstore and found a birthday/Father's Day gift for my dad. We also noticed they were hosting a trivia in the evening, and we tentatively planned to go. Once we had finished shopping, we made our way down to Faneuil Hall to meet my long-time friends coming in from Maine. It was so exciting to see them again because I hadn't seen them in two or three years! Our first stop after meeting up was the aquarium to see the harbor seals. We then walked to the North End for Lunch before exploring the Boston Public Market and getting some crepes. We then walked around a bit more before heading back to my new friend's place so he could meet his friend, who was also arriving today.

After we got to his place and said hi to his friend and cat, my friends and I split off to meet another long-time friend from New Hampshire. We met up in an outdoor market in Downtown Crossing before getting boba tea and sitting in the commons. We then went to an outdoor used bookstore before walking along the Commons again down Boylston Street, with the Prudential Center as our destination. After quite a bit of walking, it was time to head over to the trivia at Trident, where we were greeted by a long line to get in. Fortunately, they had space and got a table with my new friend and his visiting friend. We ordered dinner before the event started and ate as we played. I had never done a trivia event before, so I was a little scared, but we ended up placing second! The team won a $20 gift card, which my new friend used to purchase a book I recommended, Cloud Cuckoo Land. We then walked my friend to the nearby Orange Line station, where I had to say goodbye, but I am sure we will have plenty of opportunities to meet again. My new friend and his friend then took me back to his apartment, where we spent the rest of the night conversing.

The following day, I checked out of my hostel and grabbed breakfast from Dunkin' before going to Back Bay Station. I am currently on the way to Philadelphia, my last stop before returning to Chicago. I am excited to meet another friend there, but unfortunately only have an afternoon in this city, as my train leaves at 8:15 AM tomorrow. I am sure I will make the most of my brief time in Philadelphia, but I am eager to get back home and see my cat. 

I forgot how much I love Boston; I am sure this will not be my last visit. Thank you to Griffin, Avery, and Megan for coming to Boston to catch up, and a special thank you to Daniel for making this city even more memorable for me.