Covering Almost Half of Boston by Foot

This is the story that I promised last night.

It started on Monday night when I had dinner with my fellow Indonesian friend here at MIT. We did undergrad in the same university at the same time, so we've known each other for years. In addition, both of us speak Jawa Timur-an.

Before we bought our dinner, we had an argument in front of the counter. I said we'ld order 1 10-inch pizza and a salad and share. He said 10-inch pizza is for one person only and that sharing wasn't a good option. 10-inch size is a bit intimidating for me to finish it alone, to tell you the truth. But in the end, we ordered one 10-inch pizza EACH. Hawaiian for me and Dynamic Duo for him. Tandas!! We both finished our portion. OK, so I also finished the 10-inch pizza alone without feeling klempoken (too full). That's another thing I wondered here in the US. Everytime I saw the serving size of any food (esp those with rice) I always wonder "Who on earth can finish that much?" But I've never asked for less rice though *malu kan*. And somehow, I always finished it. Bersih. Licin. Tandas. Emang bener kali ya kata temen-temen SMA g kalo g makannya kayak abang becak.

And NO... my walk is not to lose weight because I ate so much carbohydrate and other junks in the pizza. In fact, the walk was unintentional.

So he asked me "Why don't you travel during this break?"
Me: "I have too many works to do".
He: "But you have to travel one day. I bet you haven't really explored Boston either."
Me: "Hmm..." thinking whether this is considered as exploring around.
He: "Have you gone to Haymarket"
Me: "Hmm well, we passed it by"
He: "Then let's go this Saturday morning."

So we reached Haymarket at around 10 am on a bright Saturday morning. To put the icing on top of the cake, I was so delighted that my Spring Break has eventually come *grin ear to ear*. He is a good cook (Indonesian, Chinese, Western, you name it) so he really went for a purpose (he was going to cook soto ayam and perkedel for a potluck with his lab group-- how nice). On the other hand, I was there only to disrupt, disturb, see see, sniff sniff, taste taste (of course not!) and to have a good time.

Anyway, I also learned some vegetable names hahahaha *gak malu kok*. The vegetables and fruits there look SO FRESH. SO TANTALIZING. The green is very green, the red is very red, the yellow is very yellow and the fish smells really fishy. But according to the experienced cook, the seafood and meat sold there are guaranteed to be very fresh. He bought garlic, carrots, cilantro, green pepper, some fruits where I only got 1 pint of bright, shiny, red, juicy strawberry and two pints of blueberries for my breakfast cereal's toppings. Yummy. And they are so cheap, too. What a good bargain.

After we (he) finished with our (his) shopping, we walked to North End, Little Italy (I don't know whether it's an official name or not). We saw rows and rows of Italian restaurant, pastry shops, gelateria, cafe, etc etc etc. It even smells so nice (especially when you walk near some pastry shops). Afterward, we separated because he needed to start preparing for the food and I had to continue my day off =). I had a lobster roll for lunch at Neptune Oyster. Not so kicking, considering the imbalance between of the food and the price. I think I should order the cold with mayo instead of hot with butter =).

Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market was my next destination. As I've been there before, I didn't really roam around. But something is different now from the previous...

It's S P R I N G!!!

More people were seen outside. People eating ice cream, people not bundled up in blanket =D -- I mean down jacket, people wearing sandals, flip flops, shorts, colorful t-shirts...

Some street performers were showcasing their abilities yesterday. A young boy played drums with buckets that are stacked and arranged strategically. It may look simpler in the photo but a lot comes beneath those buckets to get the music right.

Children were crowding around a baloon-maker clown and they were in awe. Really. Four black guys occupied a large area for "Black Guy Dancing". They even invited people to come in line and learn the steps together. I didn't join them, of course =) Dancing has never been my cup of tea, really.

As I was already there, I thought why don't I follow the red line of Freedom Trail. As I was in the middle of the track, I had two options: go outbound to Bunker Hill Memorial or go inbound to Boston Common. I decided the latter, as it's in the direction of going back =).

I also got myself a pocket of hand roasted cashews. I always love cashews and this one is really gooooood. It's hot and sweet and everything you need when you are walking alone enjoying a bright Saturday afternoon =)

I also stopped by the biggest Borders I've ever seen =). So I walked along following the red line and visited King's Chapel, King's Chapel Burying Ground and Granary Burying Ground where I saw the memorial for Josiah Franklin, Benjamin Franklin's father.

Reaching Boston Common, I walked around the park (and actually was looking for a restroom haha). It was soooooooooo nice. I like it, I love it!! I enjoyed looking at the birds, people carrying anti-war and anti-bombing banner, children running around the now-dry frog pond... Oh it really reminds me of something. That something is a song, and to cut my story short just check the lyrics for Saturday in the Park, (My Girl's soundtrack).

I spent some time to sit down at a bench and read Priestess of the White. Going to Boston Common is not complete without dropping by Cold Stone. Well, I need a rest anyway. A rest with an ice cream sounds perfect, eh?

Next was Public Garden, which is just next to Boston Common. There is nothing much there, but I saw this Boston Police riding a very handsome horse!!! I always like horses since young and even always asked my late dad to buy me one!! It didn't occur to me at all then that they cost so high. Haha I though, even people in Puncak can own horses, why can't we? You know what's his name? SHORTY. What a name. I fell in love with this horse. It's big, defying its own name, sturdy, shiny, clean and doesn't have that horsey snort and smell. It is really a kind of horse that the Famous Five will describe (when it belongs to the protagonist, of course). I touched and patted it *grin grin I was so happy*.

Then, I had another walk... to go back. I walked through Newbury Street. Not a good choice as it will decelerate your walk.. It's Boston's shopping paradise!! People were eating outside in cafes... A clear sign that Spring has come.

What a day. I really enjoyed the walk. My steps were light and delightful and I was happy. For once I forgot everything about my research, assignments and projects... I wish I could spend another day to really follow Freedom Trail and visit the place one by one. And eat the cashews again =) And have lunch at Quincy's food court. Then get some pastries and espresso and gelato at Little Italy (North End). That sounds perfect!! But when can I have the time?

You know what, when I reached my room, I almost believe that all my body parts started disintegrating...