Learning in Boston!
I hope everyone is having a great summer! I just got back from a super fun trip to Boston with the hubby to celebrate our anniversary, and meet a blogging buddy in real life as a bonus! We had never been to Boston before, and while it was hot (almost 100 every day we were there), it was a city we will definitely be returning to in the future!
It was a such a walkable city that we certainly had our fair share of exercise, but it seemed like everywhere was only a few blocks away. Although it is a large city, it felt homey to us - and of course the historical vibes were something to be cherished.
Of course, you can't just turn off the teacher brain (even on vacation when you aren't checking emails or FB fan page posts), and I saw so many things that were awesome learning experiences for all children, young and old! Check out SOME of the picts we took. I don't want to keep you here all day - lol!
We know we only scratched the surface of the city with only 3 days and didn't have a car, so we didn't head to Salem, Cambridge, or any of the other awesome spots in that area. If you haven't been to Boston, it is a fabulous place for adults and families to stop and think about our United States roots. It was so interesting to us to see the mesh of the old and the new, which was nicely done in and around the city everywhere.
If you have been to Boston, where would you tell people to make sure they MUST go? We are up for ideas too, as we know we will most definitely return. Maybe in the spring or fall though. hahaha!
Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market: They still do naturalization ceremonies twice a month here. How exciting for those new citizens!
The New England Holocaust Memorial - There are 6 glass towers, each 54 feet high, which have 6 million numbers (to signify the numbers the Jews had tattooed on them from the Nazis) and how many died from the Holocaust. It was a very visual reminder to reflect on such a great tragedy. Definitely a place to visit for older children who can have a lengthy discussion with you as a parent or teacher. The picture above is of one of the towers. The one down below is a picture of me, the hubby (in the blue), and Suzy's husband as we are walking through the memorial and reading the inscriptions throughout the walls and on the pathway. It was a very moving experience.
New England Aquarium - Fantastic teacher discounts and education programs. We hit here on the last afternoon as a refuge from the heat. It was nicely done. Tip: If you are going on a busy day, buy your tickets on your cell phone and you can go through the express line. Saved us a lot of time!
USS Constitution - I didn't have an ID (I found out right before we left that I lost it somewhere), so we couldn't go onboard as this is a working, commissioned ship. We did do the museum though, which was great! TONS of hands-on kids activities, as seen below in the picture of a dice rolling game on a barrel that the boys on the ship might have played.
Old South Meeting House - free speech protest history at its finest
50th floor of the Prudential Center - we headed up at dusk and the views of the city lights coming on were amazing. Bonus? Not many people there at all. They also have cool little audio tours where you punch in a number located above different windows and it explains what you are looking at throughout the city. Even kids that were there were enthralled by the little machine (and were learning in the process).
Ristorante Fiore - where we had dinner with friends on the North End. We ate out on the side patio and it was super yummy!
Suzy (from Technically Invisible) and I after eating way too much! So much fun meeting up with a friend I have "known" for a year, but never met!
After dinner, we headed to Mike's Pastry Shop for their cannolis. Yes, we were in the line that was out the door (apparently it is always like that).
They had everything! I decided on a chocolate creme cannoli and it was mmmmmm, mmmmmm good! They tie up all orders in a box with twine that is looped from the ceiling. So adorable!
A picture from the bottom of the spiral staircase in the Old State House, which was known for historical debates and for the first casualties of the Boston Massacre. So much history and I loved how they had pictures of how the building was used throughout the years. To see this old building in the middle of skyscrapers was a marvel to me.
Paul Revere's House - the staff was very well-versed on the history and all artifacts within. They could answer anything anyone wanted to know more about.
The Old North Church - all I could think of was "One if by land, and two if by sea." To imagine the lanterns hanging right there just amazes me. To be that close to history.
Union Oyster House - established in 1826. America's oldest restaurant. Just the look and feel of this little strip of historical building in this part of town was like I had stepped in revolutionary times. It was just like you would imagine it to be with cobblestone streets and more. If you look at the brick in the sidewalk, you can see the Freedom Trail, which if you follow, will take you to tons of historical landmarks throughout Boston.
This is my favorite picture. Just before dusk in Boston in Boston Common. The parks were fabulous, and while the swan boats were done for the night, the little bridge, fountains, and even a beautiful wedding were all sights to enjoy that night! We will be back soon!
