I’ve totally lucked out this year. After travelling to Boston earlier this month, I was able to visit San Diego to attend another conference. I’ve been to northern California before, but I was young and don’t remember much. San Diego was gorgeous and the weather was a much-needed break from the polar vortex plaguing Canada these days.
The highlight of the entire trip was our visit to Coronado.
I mean, seriously.
It was breath-taking! Broke my heart to leave at the end of the day.
We spent a night out in the Gaslamp Quarter and had dinner in Old Town. We stayed in the Manchester Grand Hyatt (unbelievable!).
Balboa Park was another highlight. It’s a large area in the middle of the city that part park, but also full (I mean full) of museums and tourist attractions. The architecture of the buildings was beautiful.
We had a huge laugh over this one. There were non-stop Segway tours running past this one building where I was trying to take a picture. I was looking back through the shots and realized I was totally photobombed by a senior wearing a helmet and travelling at a snail’s pace on a Segway.
It was a lovely trip and I only wish we could have stayed longer. Until next time, San Diego!
I have just returned from a first-time jaunt to Boston, MA. I was travelling for work, so most days were spent in conference workshops, but my co-worker and I also spent some time exploring.
Major takeaway? This city has delicious cannoli, and is obsessed with Paul Revere. As a pastry fan and a Canadian, these two features were delicious and fascinating, respectively.
First, a comment on the city itself. I was immediately struck by how easy it is to get around the city. We stayed at a hotel near Boston Logan Airport, just outside the downtown core. After a quick ride on the hotel shuttle and then on the T (Boston’s subway), we could get downtown within minutes. I was one pleased tourist!
MBTA Subway Map
The Freedom Trail
After the conference finished we checked out The Freedom Trail, a self-guided walking tour that winds throughout downtown Boston. The Freedom Trail offers tourists a thorough, but condensed, overview of the city’s storied history. Official stops along the trail include sites such as Paul Revere’s house, the Old South Meeting House, Faneuil Hall, and the site of the Boston Massacre.
Boston Common
One of the sites of the Freedom Trail, Boston Common is an expansive urban park in the heart of the downtown area. I could have wandered around for hours. Couples and families ice-skated on an open-air rink and children tobogganed down hills and snow banks. Everything was hidden beneath a fresh foot of snow, but I could tell the area would be gorgeous in the summer.
Perched at the top of a hill overlooking Boston Common and the city, the Massachusetts State House’s gold dome roof was striking against the crisp winter sky.
Paul Revere
You can’t turn a corner in Boston without running into something related to Paul Revere. Seriously! The city loves (… reveres) Paul Revere. Statues, plaques, various sites (“Paul Revere ate here! breathed here! lived here!”) As a Canadian, I found it fascinating to learn more about this historic figure.
Quincy Market
Quincy Maaah-ket. I spent most of our time on the T listening intently to locals’ conversations. Rude, I know, but I loved hearing the Boston accent.
Quincy Market is a great tourist stop. We spent an evening here, wandering around shops and enjoying the beautiful lights.
The North End
On our final day, we wandered around the city’s North End, looking for some authentic Italian pastries. We visited Mike’s Pastries, and it was absolutely packed with locals. I had my first-ever cannoli (chocolate dipped) and it was divine. I consider myself a pretty serious and dedicated pastry aficionado, and this blew my mind. Pure bliss.
There were plenty of sights and activities we missed due to time constraints. I would love to return to Boston in the spring or summer months!
Tomorrow’s post: Tips for travelling as a vegetarian!
What city in North America would you most enjoy visiting?
