Day 147 Boston, MA

So the goal today was to tool around Boston a bit but not too far, check out some of the sites and sounds then relax the rest of the day away as I tend to do.

And it pretty much went to script, saw the Tea party boats, Boston Commons, and a lot of cool buildings. The script went out the window with a visit to the Boston Public Library.

My wonderful host Deborah suggested a visit to the library cafe as today was the grand opening of the WGBH Radio set where they will broadcast local NPR shows, That sounded fun. Going through the old library with its beautiful frescos and galleries brought on the feeling of a young Indiana Jones researching some lost artifact before he goes off to steal it from the indigenous peoples. On through a lovely courtyard that connects the old with the new modern library and where I found the NPR exhibit.

My day took a turn after snapping some pictures of the radio broadcast and looking over and seeing Cecilia Villar Eljuri. Now I first saw her perform with her band Eljuri on my last day in Halifax at the Library for the Arts Festival. It was pretty surreal that after riding all the way down to Boston I should run into her. After a brief introduction with her and band manager Alexandra the conversation took on a more familial tone like we were old lost friends. It was a blast talking with them in between about the things I’m passionate about (life, love, travel, optimism and being a good human).

Soon it was time for them to run off and catch their train to NYC but not before hugs and promises to meet up at her record release party in NYC were made.

Random example of awesomeness number two was seeing the icons of home improvement in the flesh. That’s right Norm Abram and Tom Silva from This Old House were in the library doing bit for WGBH as well. How awesome is that! I think anybody tat comes to Boston want’s to run into these guys, and after a childhood in front of the TV I’ve spent more time with them than just about anybody. Too cool!

It is these encounters, the people you meet that keep me pushing the pedals down the road. Every mile I go the world becomes a smaller place filled with new friends and a spirit that would otherwise be out of my reach.

I am looking forward to seeing my new friends again soon and leave you with the challenge to go out of your way, connect with someone new, be interested and curious about your surroundings, and keep an eye/ear open you never know who you’ll meet.

Much love to all my friends and family (old, new or that I have yet to meet)

This might be an affluent community but folks still throw their trash on the streets. To their credit they don’t have another option and the wonderful trashmen are quick to put everything back in order.

Tea party reenactment and I didn’t have to pay a dime. Somehow that seems appropriate

The old section of the lovely Boston Library getting some touch up work done.

Cecilia Villar Eljuri and I at the Boston Library. After seeing her perform at the Halifax Library I am wondering which library I’ll see her in next. Providence? NYC?