Visit to Boston
20 - 26 December 2009
I looked forward to this year-end holidays very much! Excited to visit my friend in Boston, plus excited to travel to a new place, plus to take a break from the busy season at work, plus the winter would be warmer when spent with friends, and of course it's X'MAS!!! :)
Took the megabus to NYC to transfer to another bus to get to Boston, so the deal was originally about 14 hours. But because of a big snowstorm that hit that area over weekend, most of the buses were cancelled, and traffic was crazy! I was not the only one who missed the connecting bus, but all the others whose buses were cancelled due to the snowstorm, were already in the queue for the next buses in schedule. It was insane! When I reached Penn Station in NYC, no buses in sight, and put on the waiting list. I was more than relieved when I finally got onto the next one! No complaints! Instead of reaching at 1pm on 21 Dec, I was there in Boston only at 4pm, phew!
1 ~ Campus Tour ~ Havard
Boston houses two of the most prestigious universities in the world, Harvard and MIT. It is an honour to be able to step into their campuses and feel the veil of intelligence aura that looms in the air...
The tour starts with the Havard Yard, which is dotted with historical and architectual details, and crisscrossed with foot paths across the Yard.
Massachusetts Hall (1720) is the oldest building still standing in Havard and the second-oldest academic building in the country. Originally used as a dormitory, this hall had housed soldiers of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Today, the president of the University, provost, treasurer, and vice presidents have offices here.
Harvard Hall (1766) was first built in 1677 but was destroyed by a fire, which also destroyed Jon Harvard's book collection except one book that was borrowed by a student. This sole remaining book now 'rested' in Houghton Library. Today, Harvard Hall contains classrooms and several large lecture halls.
The statue of John Harvard infront of the University Hall, which is now the office for the deans of the University. The bronze statue, cast in 1884, is also called the "Statue of Three Lies". Bacause: i) The inscription reads 'John Harvard, Founder, 1638'. However, since there were no known portraits of John Harvard, a student was used as the model; ii) Harvard College was not 'founded' by John Harvard, but named after him; iii) the College was founded in 1636, not 1638.
Established in 1636 by voe of the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Harvard was named after its first benefactor, John Harvard of Charlestown, Massachusetts.
The cathedral-like Memorial Hall (1878) was built to commemorate Harvard men who died in the Civil War while fighting for the Union. The names of the 136 men who fell in battle are listed on plaques along the walls of the transept.
Daily prayers and Sunday services are held at the Memorial Church (1932), with marble inscriptions on the walls of the church to commemorate Harvard men who died in WWI and WWII.
Widener Library (1914), with more than 3.5 million volumes housed in over 50 miles of bookshelves, is the hub of Harvard's library system. Funds for the library were donated by Eleanor Elkins Widener, class of 1907, a rare-book collector who dies on the Titanic in 1912.
Harvard Square is a place of bookstores, coffee houses, fine dining, boutique shopping, theaters, churches, street performances, and definitely the beating heart for the university population.
Looking across the Charles River to the Harvard School of Business.
Dusk at the Charles River...
2 ~ Campus Tour ~ MIT
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) extends for more than a mile along the Charles River. Many of the buildings on the MIT's ground are designed by leading architects, such as Alvar Aalto, Eduardo Catalano, I.M. Pei, Stephen Holl, Frank Gehry, and Eero Saarinen.
Building 7 (at 77 Massachusetts Avenue) is also known as the Rogers Building, and where the visitor information centre is located. It is the official address of the entire Institute as well as the entrance to the Infinite Corridor, which is the main artery connecting east and west campus. The lobby is an impressive vestibule topped by a small dome that reflects the neoclassical style.
Blobs of stones peeping out of the snow; and interlocking branches of hundred-years-old trees...
Kresge Auditorium, which can house an audience up to 1955, is designed by Eero Saarinen. Its outer shell is one eighth of a sphere that floats from the rest of auditorium. Three deeply sunk abutments support the shell, while the auditorium's interior is built up from the ground.
The MIT Chapel is also designed by architect Eero Saarinen, with the bell tower and bell designed by sculptor Theodore Roszak. The building is encircled by a shallow moat, that defines it as an island of serenity. Sunshine striking the moat around the windowless Chapel is reflected upward into the arches at the base and appears in sparkling dots of lights on the interior walls.
Seen from across the courtyard is the Great Dome on Building 10, which is patterned after Rome's Pantheon and surrounded by row of Corinthian columns. On the left of the courtyard lies the sculpture "Three-piece Reclining Figure, Draped" by Henry Moore.
The Green Building and the sculpture the Great Sail. The tower is the highest building on the campus, designed by I.M. Pei, and breaking Cambridge's previous 24m restriction on building height. The height of the building and its relative proximity to the river also increased wind loads at its base, which prevented people from entering or leaving the building through the main doors on windy days.
Btw, this is very true, even on a pretty calm day when I tried pushing my way through the revolving doors, it was tough to push through the doors.
If you know the style of Frank Gehry, you could have easily guessed this is another master piece from him. Check out his other works in Prague and Dusseldorf.
The Ray and Maria Strata Centre or Building 32 is designed by award-winning Frank Gehry. Different materials are used: brick, mirror-surfaced steel, aluminium, bright colours paintings and corrugated metal. It is random, creative and fascinating to look at.
Night scene across the Charles River...
3 ~ Restaurants
Quincy Market is built as an indoor pavilion of vendor stalls. The east and west facades exhibit a strong Roman style, with triangular pediments and Doric columns. Also check out the steam lobsters in the market at only $10 bucks.
The huge Xmas tree outside the Quincy Market - at least 6-7 storey high.
Regina's Pizza in the North End ie. Little Italy - we waited for more than an hour to get into the restaurant. It is nothing fancy, but the pizza is really delicious! Love the Blue Moon white beer from Belgium too! Yummy!
Mike's Pastry - very busy and popular shop for cannoli, always crowded with people. There are also many pastry and cafes in the North End. Cannoli is made of crispy roll of pastry and filled with creamy custard cream.
Interesting lamp post with arrows pointing to different directions to famous cities in Italy.
Chinatown - for lobster and scallops.
Sushi at Newbury Street, Boston's most enchanting street, which is filled with salons, boutiques, handicrafts, and fabulous dining. Newbury Street embodies a rich urban and retail environment not often found in American cities.
4 ~ Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile red-brick walking trail that leads to 16 nationally significant historic sites, including museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, ships, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond.
Red colour trail of the Freedom Trail.
Boston Common ~ Set aside in 1634 as a military training field and grazing pasture, the Common is the oldest public park in America. The park served as quarters for British as well as Colonial troops, and later housed Civil War regiments. The British Army set out for the start of the Revolutionary War from what is now Park Square.
The State House ~ The famous golden dome of the State House marks the government seats of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Park Street Church ~ Built in 1809, Park Street Church became known for supporting Abolitionist causes, hosting an anti-slavery lecture series as early as 1823. Still active in Boston as a Congregationalist church, it continues to hold weekly religious services.
King's Chapel ~ Still an active house of worship, King's Chapel was established in 1687 as the first Anglican congregation in Boston. The second church, built in 1754, became the first Unitarian church in America after the Revolution.
Old City Hall ~ Benjamin Franklin's statue stood infront of the Boston Old City Hall, which was the centre of Boston's political history from 1865 to 1969. The City Hall was renovated into a modern office building and restaurant in 1970.
Old South Meeting House ~ This building housed many town meetings, the most famous of which saw an outraged Samuel Adams signal the start of the Boston Tea Party.
None was more important than a meeting that occurred on December 16, 1773. Over 30 tons of taxable tea sat in the holds of three ships at Griffin’s Wharf. Not wanting to pay the onerous duty, thousands of Bostonians crowded into Old South Meeting House to take part in a heated discussion of what was to be done with the tea. After the failure of a final attempt to have the tea sent back to England, Samuel Adams addressed the crowd saying, Gentlemen, this meeting can do nothing more to save the country. These words were rumored to be a secret signal to the Sons of Liberty, and men disguised as mohawk Indians marched down to Griffin’s Wharf to witness the fateful destruction of 342 crates of tea. It became known as the Boston Tea Party and set that stage for American history.
Old State House ~ Built in 1713, this seat of Colonial government was the centre of activity for such patriots as John Hancock and Samuel and John Adams. It was from the east balcony that the Declaration of Independence was first read in Boston.
On this site used to stand the Old Court House. Now is converted to the Department of Neighbourhood Development Public Facilities Department.
Faneuil Hall ~ Known as America's "Cradle of Liberty", Faneuil Hall was a central location for organized protests against British rule prior to the American Revolution. Following English custom, a public meeting hall still sits atop a marketplace. Shem Drowne's grasshopper weathervane is derived from London's Royal Exchange.
Marriott's Custom House stands watch over Boston Harbor in timeless splendor - a towering historic landmark with spectacular views of a city steeped in 200 years of American history.
Paul Revere House ~ The oldest home in Boston, and occupied by silversmith and patriot Paul Revere from 1770 to 1800.
Old North Church ~ Known as Christ Church and erected in 1723, this is Boston's oldest standing church. Two lanterns were hung here on April 18, 1775, signaling that the British were marching to Lexington and Concord by sea and not by land. This fateful event ignited the American Revolution.
Bunker Hill Bridge across the Charles River.
USS Constitution ~ This 44-gun frigate is the world's oldest commissioned warship, christened "Old Ironsides" during the War of 1812 when the cannonballs of a British warship literally bounced off her triple hull.
Bunker Hill Monument ~ The site of the historix battle of June 17, 1775.
Blackstone Block ~ This architecturally cohesive group of brick buildings represents nearly three hundred years of Boston's development. Within the Blackstone Block, the original 17th century cobble-stoned street still serves as the forgotten alleys and walkways. The block contains two 18th century landmarks (the Union Oyster House and the Ebenezer Hancock House), numerous historic 19th century structures, and a modern hotel designed to fit in with the traditional scale and character of the area.
Boston Opera House ~ Built in 1980, the building was lavishly decorated with crystal chandeliers and antique furniture, and made the perfect ambience for an enchanting opera night.
City view of downtown Boston.
Cute berries for the Xmas season!
Little staircase decor on one of the campus residences.
My little feelings...
I looked forward to this year-end holidays very much! Excited to visit my friend in Boston, plus excited to travel to a new place, plus to take a break from the busy season at work, plus the winter would be warmer when spent with friends, and of course it's X'MAS!!! :)
Took the megabus to NYC to transfer to another bus to get to Boston, so the deal was originally about 14 hours. But because of a big snowstorm that hit that area over weekend, most of the buses were cancelled, and traffic was crazy! I was not the only one who missed the connecting bus, but all the others whose buses were cancelled due to the snowstorm, were already in the queue for the next buses in schedule. It was insane! When I reached Penn Station in NYC, no buses in sight, and put on the waiting list. I was more than relieved when I finally got onto the next one! No complaints! Instead of reaching at 1pm on 21 Dec, I was there in Boston only at 4pm, phew!
1 ~ Campus Tour ~ Havard
Boston houses two of the most prestigious universities in the world, Harvard and MIT. It is an honour to be able to step into their campuses and feel the veil of intelligence aura that looms in the air...
The tour starts with the Havard Yard, which is dotted with historical and architectual details, and crisscrossed with foot paths across the Yard.
Massachusetts Hall (1720) is the oldest building still standing in Havard and the second-oldest academic building in the country. Originally used as a dormitory, this hall had housed soldiers of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Today, the president of the University, provost, treasurer, and vice presidents have offices here.
Harvard Hall (1766) was first built in 1677 but was destroyed by a fire, which also destroyed Jon Harvard's book collection except one book that was borrowed by a student. This sole remaining book now 'rested' in Houghton Library. Today, Harvard Hall contains classrooms and several large lecture halls.
The statue of John Harvard infront of the University Hall, which is now the office for the deans of the University. The bronze statue, cast in 1884, is also called the "Statue of Three Lies". Bacause: i) The inscription reads 'John Harvard, Founder, 1638'. However, since there were no known portraits of John Harvard, a student was used as the model; ii) Harvard College was not 'founded' by John Harvard, but named after him; iii) the College was founded in 1636, not 1638.
Established in 1636 by voe of the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Harvard was named after its first benefactor, John Harvard of Charlestown, Massachusetts.
The cathedral-like Memorial Hall (1878) was built to commemorate Harvard men who died in the Civil War while fighting for the Union. The names of the 136 men who fell in battle are listed on plaques along the walls of the transept.
Daily prayers and Sunday services are held at the Memorial Church (1932), with marble inscriptions on the walls of the church to commemorate Harvard men who died in WWI and WWII.
Widener Library (1914), with more than 3.5 million volumes housed in over 50 miles of bookshelves, is the hub of Harvard's library system. Funds for the library were donated by Eleanor Elkins Widener, class of 1907, a rare-book collector who dies on the Titanic in 1912.
Harvard Square is a place of bookstores, coffee houses, fine dining, boutique shopping, theaters, churches, street performances, and definitely the beating heart for the university population.
Looking across the Charles River to the Harvard School of Business.
Dusk at the Charles River...
2 ~ Campus Tour ~ MIT
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) extends for more than a mile along the Charles River. Many of the buildings on the MIT's ground are designed by leading architects, such as Alvar Aalto, Eduardo Catalano, I.M. Pei, Stephen Holl, Frank Gehry, and Eero Saarinen.
Building 7 (at 77 Massachusetts Avenue) is also known as the Rogers Building, and where the visitor information centre is located. It is the official address of the entire Institute as well as the entrance to the Infinite Corridor, which is the main artery connecting east and west campus. The lobby is an impressive vestibule topped by a small dome that reflects the neoclassical style.
Blobs of stones peeping out of the snow; and interlocking branches of hundred-years-old trees...
Kresge Auditorium, which can house an audience up to 1955, is designed by Eero Saarinen. Its outer shell is one eighth of a sphere that floats from the rest of auditorium. Three deeply sunk abutments support the shell, while the auditorium's interior is built up from the ground.
The MIT Chapel is also designed by architect Eero Saarinen, with the bell tower and bell designed by sculptor Theodore Roszak. The building is encircled by a shallow moat, that defines it as an island of serenity. Sunshine striking the moat around the windowless Chapel is reflected upward into the arches at the base and appears in sparkling dots of lights on the interior walls.
Seen from across the courtyard is the Great Dome on Building 10, which is patterned after Rome's Pantheon and surrounded by row of Corinthian columns. On the left of the courtyard lies the sculpture "Three-piece Reclining Figure, Draped" by Henry Moore.
The Green Building and the sculpture the Great Sail. The tower is the highest building on the campus, designed by I.M. Pei, and breaking Cambridge's previous 24m restriction on building height. The height of the building and its relative proximity to the river also increased wind loads at its base, which prevented people from entering or leaving the building through the main doors on windy days.
Btw, this is very true, even on a pretty calm day when I tried pushing my way through the revolving doors, it was tough to push through the doors.
If you know the style of Frank Gehry, you could have easily guessed this is another master piece from him. Check out his other works in Prague and Dusseldorf.
The Ray and Maria Strata Centre or Building 32 is designed by award-winning Frank Gehry. Different materials are used: brick, mirror-surfaced steel, aluminium, bright colours paintings and corrugated metal. It is random, creative and fascinating to look at.
Night scene across the Charles River...
3 ~ Restaurants
Quincy Market is built as an indoor pavilion of vendor stalls. The east and west facades exhibit a strong Roman style, with triangular pediments and Doric columns. Also check out the steam lobsters in the market at only $10 bucks.
The huge Xmas tree outside the Quincy Market - at least 6-7 storey high.
Regina's Pizza in the North End ie. Little Italy - we waited for more than an hour to get into the restaurant. It is nothing fancy, but the pizza is really delicious! Love the Blue Moon white beer from Belgium too! Yummy!
Mike's Pastry - very busy and popular shop for cannoli, always crowded with people. There are also many pastry and cafes in the North End. Cannoli is made of crispy roll of pastry and filled with creamy custard cream.
Interesting lamp post with arrows pointing to different directions to famous cities in Italy.
Chinatown - for lobster and scallops.
Sushi at Newbury Street, Boston's most enchanting street, which is filled with salons, boutiques, handicrafts, and fabulous dining. Newbury Street embodies a rich urban and retail environment not often found in American cities.
4 ~ Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile red-brick walking trail that leads to 16 nationally significant historic sites, including museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, ships, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond.
Red colour trail of the Freedom Trail.
Boston Common ~ Set aside in 1634 as a military training field and grazing pasture, the Common is the oldest public park in America. The park served as quarters for British as well as Colonial troops, and later housed Civil War regiments. The British Army set out for the start of the Revolutionary War from what is now Park Square.
The State House ~ The famous golden dome of the State House marks the government seats of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Park Street Church ~ Built in 1809, Park Street Church became known for supporting Abolitionist causes, hosting an anti-slavery lecture series as early as 1823. Still active in Boston as a Congregationalist church, it continues to hold weekly religious services.
King's Chapel ~ Still an active house of worship, King's Chapel was established in 1687 as the first Anglican congregation in Boston. The second church, built in 1754, became the first Unitarian church in America after the Revolution.
Old City Hall ~ Benjamin Franklin's statue stood infront of the Boston Old City Hall, which was the centre of Boston's political history from 1865 to 1969. The City Hall was renovated into a modern office building and restaurant in 1970.
Old South Meeting House ~ This building housed many town meetings, the most famous of which saw an outraged Samuel Adams signal the start of the Boston Tea Party.
None was more important than a meeting that occurred on December 16, 1773. Over 30 tons of taxable tea sat in the holds of three ships at Griffin’s Wharf. Not wanting to pay the onerous duty, thousands of Bostonians crowded into Old South Meeting House to take part in a heated discussion of what was to be done with the tea. After the failure of a final attempt to have the tea sent back to England, Samuel Adams addressed the crowd saying, Gentlemen, this meeting can do nothing more to save the country. These words were rumored to be a secret signal to the Sons of Liberty, and men disguised as mohawk Indians marched down to Griffin’s Wharf to witness the fateful destruction of 342 crates of tea. It became known as the Boston Tea Party and set that stage for American history.
Old State House ~ Built in 1713, this seat of Colonial government was the centre of activity for such patriots as John Hancock and Samuel and John Adams. It was from the east balcony that the Declaration of Independence was first read in Boston.
On this site used to stand the Old Court House. Now is converted to the Department of Neighbourhood Development Public Facilities Department.
Faneuil Hall ~ Known as America's "Cradle of Liberty", Faneuil Hall was a central location for organized protests against British rule prior to the American Revolution. Following English custom, a public meeting hall still sits atop a marketplace. Shem Drowne's grasshopper weathervane is derived from London's Royal Exchange.
Marriott's Custom House stands watch over Boston Harbor in timeless splendor - a towering historic landmark with spectacular views of a city steeped in 200 years of American history.
Paul Revere House ~ The oldest home in Boston, and occupied by silversmith and patriot Paul Revere from 1770 to 1800.
Old North Church ~ Known as Christ Church and erected in 1723, this is Boston's oldest standing church. Two lanterns were hung here on April 18, 1775, signaling that the British were marching to Lexington and Concord by sea and not by land. This fateful event ignited the American Revolution.
Bunker Hill Bridge across the Charles River.
USS Constitution ~ This 44-gun frigate is the world's oldest commissioned warship, christened "Old Ironsides" during the War of 1812 when the cannonballs of a British warship literally bounced off her triple hull.
Bunker Hill Monument ~ The site of the historix battle of June 17, 1775.
Blackstone Block ~ This architecturally cohesive group of brick buildings represents nearly three hundred years of Boston's development. Within the Blackstone Block, the original 17th century cobble-stoned street still serves as the forgotten alleys and walkways. The block contains two 18th century landmarks (the Union Oyster House and the Ebenezer Hancock House), numerous historic 19th century structures, and a modern hotel designed to fit in with the traditional scale and character of the area.
Boston Opera House ~ Built in 1980, the building was lavishly decorated with crystal chandeliers and antique furniture, and made the perfect ambience for an enchanting opera night.
City view of downtown Boston.
Cute berries for the Xmas season!
Little staircase decor on one of the campus residences.
My little feelings...
When we met up at the station, we actually counted the years since we last met, it was quite shocking to discover that we have not seen each other for 10 big fat years!!! Crazy! Can't believe that time creeps by so quickly without feeling so! Sometimes, I guess it is the company that matters, though the winter is cold and gloomy, I still enjoyed my time in Boston, walking with him, dining with him, hearing him say stupid things, sing along with him as he plays the guitar, watch dvd with him, taking loads of pictures, or just breathing the same air with him, knowing that he is around...
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