Boston was beautiful this weekend! Little did I know that the Bruins Victory Parade was planned for Saturday and how lucky I was to score the last available parking space as fans poured in to the city as early as my 8:30 arrival.
Boston Common was verdant, peaceful, and relatively empty. Police vans were parked on its perimeter and police helicopters hovered above my head in anticipation of the parade, but the park itself retained its dignity.
Huge purple agapantha balls lined the walkways. I sauntered slowly to soak up the sun and scenery before heading out the south gate towards the shops on Newbury Street. I knew most of the stores, so dropped into a couple including O & Co. to sample olive oils and Sweet for a cupcake, and then turned the corner to walk up to Boylston. The police presence was huge. They were on bicycles, motorcycles, on foot and in the air.
And the crowds were lined up and still pouring into the city to cheer the Bruins on. The temperature was almost 90 degrees.
I figured I would lose the crowds in the shops so headed up to the big indoor mall. I was right.
Everyone, literally everyone, was outside waiting for the team to appear. So this is how I chose to watch the parade. I took a seat in Wagamama, ordered dumplings and noodle soup, and relaxed in air conditioned comfort!
Very civilized. Glass of wine. Good food. I watched the proceedings and afterwards was able to walk around the crowds again to make my way up to Beacon Hill and Charles Street for dessert. Isabelle's Curly Cakes had an etherial lemon meringue cupcake that defies description it was so good. I decided that although the thought of shopping and museums brought me back to Boston, the unexpected parade diverted my attention and ability to get around the city easily. But all was well. I had discovered an incredible cupcake shop, and that alone was enough reason to know that I would be making the return trip in the future for this reason alone.
Sometimes travel makes its own itinerary and has its own rhythm and rhyme for you to follow. I let it lead me and had a great time.
Ah...a woman after my own heart. I would have done exactly the same thing in that situation--point me somewhere air conditioned with wine and AWAY from the crowds! I love the photo of watching the parade from inside. Fantastic decision.
And ethereal cupcakes? I may need to do a quick trip to Boston!
Posted by: Elbodans.wordpress.com | 07/09/2011 at 12:21 PM