*dimsumdolly* - the different morsels of the life of a foodie

Boston Snapshots

I didn't take many photos of the usual tourist spots 'cos I figured I could get those from websites. So here are three of the few I took.

The interior of the Boston Public Library is one of those places where I've always felt like what a real library should look like with its wooden shelves and tables, emerald green lamps and classical architecture. The feel is just so traditional and intellectual. Like a real place for learning.

I was just walking around when I spotted these people playing happily in the fountain. It was somewhere near the Prudential Center, a shopping center and office building not too far from the John Hancock Building. The day was hot so these people were cooling off and having fun. I almost felt like running in too, but decided on the wiser option of staying dry.

I did the touristy thing and went on the Boston Duck Tours. The weather was fantastic with the sun shining happily in the sky. We were driven around the city and were shown all the buildings significant to Boston's History and for the water bit, we took a ride around the Charles River. The tours are very popular so be sure to book early. My hotel concierge was great--they managed to snare some tickets for me even though I booked only the day before. For people with little time, it's a great way to get a quick introduction to the city.

If you have time, do drop by the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum over at Fenway Park. It's also next door to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts which I didn't bother going into because I didn't want to spend a lovely sunny day in museums. I wanted to walk around and soak in the gorgeous sunshine. Such lovely weather couldn't be wasted indoors.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner museum is small compared to its next door neighbour and its facade looks unimpressive. But the moment you step in, it's as if you've entered into another realm. A secret garden. Its Italian-style courtyard is lush with plants and flowers from the greenhouse that's part of the museum.

The museum features paintings, tapestries, old letters and sculptures from the collection of the late Isabella Stewart Gardner who was a strong supporter of the arts. She was a member of Boston's high society from the mid-19th century to early 20th century. She set up the museum and the exhibits have remained as they have been since 1924. Her will states that the permanent exhibits must not be altered otherwise they would be sold and proceeds are to go to Harvard University (and really, they don't need the money!).

The artworks, tapestries and sculptures hail from many different parts of the world thanks to the travels Gardner did in her lifetime. She appreciated the different cultures of the world, and brought home with her things from China, Japan, Italy, Belgium, Greece, etc. A self-portrait of Rembrandt hangs in there as well.

Unfortunately photography isn't allowed in the museum, so no photos to show the lovely place. When you're done with the exhibits, you can just head to the courtyard or some little corner in the greenhouse to read a book. It's a great little enclave for some peace and quietness surrounded by lush greenery and it helps too that the use of mobile phones is prohibited within the museum. Definitely worth a visit.

Boston is a great city to walk in as it's compact and the sights are not too far from one another. If you fancy the train, taking the "T" (as the train system is known as) is really convenient and easy too. But I fancy walking more so I walked around a lot. You get to see more and it's good exercise too!

Posted by DSD at September 2, 2006 5:20 PM