New York & Boston

Somehow my trip to New York just seems like a blur. I flew in to Albany because someone I know booked my ticket to NY for November and not October. So, we had to scramble and find a way for me to get there. I flew to Albany, arrived late at night, shuttled to a hotel, then took a 5:10am train to New York City. Can I just say, that the city hasn't changed at all in 5 years. It is exactly as we left it.As soon as I got there, I went to breakfast at one of my favorite little cafés, Europan. It was awesome. And I've never had watermelon on my waffles before but it was surprisingly good.
I went to Ellis Island for the first time. It was really interesting to see the place, and hear the stories and history that went along with it. It made me grateful that I didn't have to pass through there to get to America.
After lunch and shopping I went to the most amazing exhibit I think I've ever seen. It was Discovery's Titanic exhibit. Oh man, I guess I'm speechless upon recollection. Here is the reconstructed staircase which they would let you take your picture on, but you had to of course buy their photographers picture to do so. Also they had reconstructed staterooms for first and third class - as well as artifacts brought up from the ocean floor. It was strange seeing people's written letters, suitcases, shoes, and clothes - especially those belonging to people who died so tragically during that doomed voyage. It made it feel almost even more tragic.Here is the one and only picture of me. I got this new plaid coat - I am in LOVE! Then I encountered my second great love Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Seriously, Blueberry lemonade is something to dream about. I'm hoping I can recreate it for our Thanksgiving smorgasbord.
After one day in New York City, I was ready to move on, and I caught a train up to Boston to see John and his sister Sherri 's family. Sherri was sweet enough to not only host me, but to also play tour guide. We started out in Boston Commons and then went along The Freedom Trail. Here was this super old cemetery holding, Paul Revere, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Ben Franklins parents among others. I love history, and the east coast is just loaded with it. I was in heaven yet again.
Here is my nephew Henry, whom I've officially named, Hankie Doodle.The next morning, Sherri took me out to Plimoth Plantation. It was so cool to be in an area where people are completely in character of the pilgrims, but also to see the way the pilgrims lived. I don't think I'd have liked it. The dirt floors in the houses were enough to deter any pilgrimish fantasy I may have been prone to create.
Also showcased there, was another great love of mine - carpentry!Um, Yeah, this chair was made by handas were these decorative carvings.I really think Massachusetts looks exactly like I always thought it would. That said, I can't think of a better setting for the Salem Witch Trials... and I saw all these places during the day. Instantly images of swamp monsters in the dark filled my head. Anyway, its awesome. Here are Sherri, Henry, and baby Amelia checking out some sheep (that actually had long tails - weird)Then we went to the Mayflower II. Yet again, I am reminded just how lucky I am to not have to travel in the ways the poor people of the past did. Here's the crow's nest
And here is the ship.Then it was time to go meet John at Harvard. Why on earth, every time you mention the school, do people assume this phoney Brahmin accent and say it Havud? The whole time I was there I never once heard ANYONE say it like that, much to my disappointment. Here is the view from John's window. I loved to sit here in the morning and watch the rowing teams doing their practices. You can also see Harvard's team boathouse on the other side of the river in this picture.Harvard has without a doubt the most beautiful campus I have ever seen, regardless of the fact that its fall and the trees are breathtaking.
And here is where I spent the rest of my vacation, perfectly cozy, and lacking all desire to go anywhere else. I sat in John's room, alone, watching Ghost Hunters for two days straight. And before I get any flack from anyone, envision yourself being completely alone with no responsibilities, no kids, no husband, and able to do whatever you want, and for the first time in years, feel completely relaxed. If you still have input after that glorious vision, then you are welcome to leave your comments or suggestions.
Now I'm home, and finally back with my boys, and life is wonderful. The trip was awesome, I had a great time, but I'm happy to be back.