A Winter in Boston
I am on the plane ride from Boston and that was honestly one of the best trips of my life. Why? I have no idea. There was no expectations and nothing to live up to. I simply wanted to spend a part of the winter season with someone I love and that is what I did.
My best friend Brian is from Boston and if you have read my blog about me contemplating if I was to surprise him or not then you have heard the name. I met Brian the first weekend of college and no we did not instantly click. It was the first time we actually hung out that we clicked and we have been hip to hip ever since. The longest period of time that I was away from Brian during college was when he went home to surprise his family one weekend and I was DEPRIVED. Then winter break was starting to come around and I freaked. What else to do but surprise Brian at his home in Boston, Massachusetts? So that is exactly what I did. Let me tell you too, they have some very good coffee there. This was my second time in Boston, but it felt more homey this time. I think it is because I was with good friends and I felt like family. It was very heart warming. Brian and I are very similar as well so we got to sleep until noon each day which is another reason it felt very homey.
On the first day, I landed at about eight in the morning at Boston Logan Airport and was picked up by another best friend of mine Ari who is my roommate from the first quarter of college. Ari and her mother are two of the most accepting and friendly people I have ever met as well. They dropped me off at Brian’s house where I met his sister Kayla, his mother, and his little brother Mason. We all went upstairs and surprised the doof and the next thing that we needed to do of course was get coffee.
Oh his reaction you ask?
Me: “Brian! Rise and shiiiine. Rise and shine.”
Brian: “I hate you so much.”
I predicted that so well.
Of course I love Brian with all my heart, but who a person truly is usually is a reflection of where they come from. Let me tell you, I definitely love Brian’s family almost as much as him. I have never felt so openly welcome walking into a house as I did there. I can only wish to be like that when I am older.
Boston is absolutely beautiful but I have to say it is way more beautiful at night than it is during the day. The city is lit up with all the lights from the buildings and the coffee shops surrounding every corner make it feel all cozy and warm even in the coldest of weather. We were lucky enough to see the tree lighting on December third by Faneuil Hall and I got to take my first train ride into the city! Pittsburgh has a T system as well but I have never had to take it since I would drive my car. I loved Boston’s T system and very much now want to take Pittsburgh’s. They also have some of the biggest shops I have ever seen in my life. I have been to Milan, Italy and Boston still has close to the same size clothing shops. It is incredible! I am not one for fast fashion, but it was a sight to see. I highly recommend admiring the love for fashion and coffee if you ever find yourself in Boston. Do not go to only Dunkin and Starbucks. The city coffee shops are a must.
My favorite coffee shop that Brian showed me is definitely Mary Lou’s. Mary Lou’s has the same size drinks as Dunkin but ten times the flavors. The best coffee I have ever has is at Mary Lou’s and it is a large iced coffee with peanut butter flavoring and cream. If you ever find yourself here, please give it a try. I beg of you. It will change your life.
Other than seeing Boston and drinking coffee, I spent my time playing in the snow, watching movies, and spending time with Ari, Brian, and his family. I could not have asked for a better trip to Boston. It felt like visiting family. Hopefully one day I will be able to return the favor and show my beautiful city off. Until then, I am eternally grateful for my chance to see Boston and all the lovely people in it. I would not have traded this trip for the world. It taught me something very important; follow what the heart thinks it right. If I listened to reason relating to saving money and needing to work everyday during break, I would not have gone. Life is not about work and money. Life is given to you with the expectation that you will live it. Do not exist; live.
Much love,
Eliza.
