Bex in the City

It’s oddly triumphant; that first time you feel THAT feeling again.

For me, it happened today.

While I’d only been here for 10 days, getting away, and to see a familiar face this last weekend was exactly what I needed.  My little brother is doing an internship in Boston for the summer; another city that I’ve never been to.  So, I googled tours and activities, and all kinds of things my brother probably wouldn’t want to do.  I packed my bag, paid an arm and a leg to Amtrak (yes, yes, I’ve learned now to take the bus) and jumped on the train.

If ever you have the opportunity to take the train from New York to Boston – I highly recommend it. You are along the waterfront for much of the ride, even passing through Mystic.  Sadly, there was no pizza.  I was also reminded of how old I am, because when I made the joke about wanting pizza as I passed through Mystic to my little brother, his response wasn’t a “ha ha”, but instead, a “At 9:45??”.  But yeah, I’d eat pizza at 9:45… so sue me!
PSA for those of you who have not seen Mystic Pizza:  WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!

We spent the weekend on multiple historical tours of both Boston and Salem; both informative, and led by interesting local characters.
I learned a few things this weekend:

1. If you plan to live in Salem, you should also plan to be a weirdo.  Not that there is anything wrong with that, but… I can’t say we encountered the most normal of people.

2. Paul Revere did not actually ride through the streets yelling “the British are coming, the British are coming!”.  I’m appalled.  Paul, I don’t even know you.

3. Both Hocus Pocus and Bewitched were actually partly filmed in Salem. There’s a statue of Samantha…. but strangely, not one of Bette Midler. I really think it would add to the fun of the tour if when coming upon the city hall, a figurine of Bette burst out the balcony window (much like a cuckoo clock), singing “I put a spell on youuuu….. and now you’re miiiiinnnnneee!” Right??   Best idea. Salem should really hire me for my strategy and marketing acumen.   PSA 2: Mulcock family – have you watched this yet??

4. Finding a sign that says “Harvard Law School” might be the most difficult task I’ve accomplished in my life. However, being able to appropriately quote Elle Woods on an IG post was extremely satisfying, and worth the LOOooooonnnnG walk.

5. The mansion from which the game of Clue was based, is in Salem.  I cannot, however, confirm whether Mrs White did it, in the ballroom, with the revolver.

6. Boston does NOT have the easiest of public transportation. I’m looking at you, 91 bus from Central station to Sullivan Square….. I missed the bus upon arrival by moments, and after a 530 am wake up call, having gone to bed at 230… (which I am grossly aware of how “too old” I am for at this point)… all I wanted was Rose’s rescue whistle to bring the bus back.  Come back…… come back…. come back!!!!

7. I have a newfound respect for Patriots fans.  I BARELY survived the 55 degree and WIND weather of the Brazil/Peru Copa America game. I honestly do not know how anyone would survive in 30 degrees, snow and wind at that stadium, and want to go back. Also, Foxborough, please get public transportation to Gillette Stadium.

8. Is it ever not windy in New England?  But seriously…..??

And so returning to the city today, it happened. Almost without my even noticing.  You know that feeling when you’ve been on vacation, and your plane touches down, or you pull your car into the driveway? And no matter how great the time away was, it’s just so nice to be back in your familiar space and to know that you’ll get to sleep in your own bed?  That feeling.  Stepping off the train, with the humidity surrounding me, the stench of “human” all around, and hoards of people pretending no one else exists, I felt it.  I almost cried (I promise not ALL my posts will be about crying), because for the first time, I felt familiar.  Life felt familiar. New York City felt right.  I didn’t wonder where to go next, or what I’d be doing tonight.  I just felt… home.

They say home is where the heart is; but my heart is in too many places to call just one place home.  To me, home is not something tangible; it’s not a place.  It’s a feeling.

And it’s a good one.

XOXO