Taking it in

Operation Embrace Boston has been in full effect.  You'd never know it now, looking outside at the rain and gray skies, but last week we enjoyed beautiful sunny weather.  It's still the three of us until real life (read: work for my husband) starts in a couple of days, so we've taken full advantage and checked out some stuff.

One of the earliest things we did was walk around our neighborhood. When I lived in New York ten years ago, one of my favorite things to do on my days off was to take off and walk around town for the day.  A decade, a wedding and a kid later, I still love to check things out on foot.  Right around the corner from our apartment is this, Brookine's oldest burial ground.  It was pretty fantastic to check out so much history, including a reference to Boston's "1919 molasses disaster."  Furthermore, it was a good reminder that life was hard.  Case in point: a family that lost all 8 of their children to disease before they reached adulthood.  Sobering stuff and a good reminder for perspective for those of (who shall remain nameless) who are feeling sad about moving to a new place.

The next thing on our list was the Arnold Arboretum.  As soon as we stepped out of the car and onto the grounds, I felt like I could breathe. It's not that Boston lacks for green space--for a city, I don't think it does-- but this place is wonderful. No cars, so toddlers can safely run free.  Beautiful grounds, to soothe the spirit. Well-labeled specimens, for your inner nerd. Added bonus of no entry charge, although I can't think of anyone who wouldn't gladly give a small donation in support of such a beautiful place.  Highly recommended.

Finally, we braved torrential downpours on Saturday to be the very first people in the New England Aquarium. No joke, we were the very first people to walk in the doors.  We were able to check out the penguins having their fish breakfast, touch some rays in the touch tank, and observe three giant turtles swimming around in their rather impressive tank.  It might be against the spirit of Operation Embrace Boston to say this, but if you're expecting the Shedd, you might be disappointed...having said that, we had a great time and it was well worth the drive down to the Harbor.

Do I deserve a badge for good effort, or what? Now if I could only charm some locals...