Le Soir

Nothing serious or significant to share tonight-merely some photos of Boston that I've captured during the long December evenings. Hope you enjoy! 

Charm of the Common

Though I have visited Boston Common many times before, I don't believe I had ever seen it as beautiful as I did the other day, when the winter sun shined during her brightest hour on a crisp December afternoon. In the past, I was ignorant of its long, remarkable history and took its presence for granted. Certainly I knew it occupied a special place in our colonial past, but I had no idea it was founded as early as 1634. It proudly bears the name of "America's oldest park," though it was the site of many a public hanging until the 19th century. The Common has played its part in both Revolutionary and Civil War history and continues to stage important rallies and events to this day. When I attended high school in neighboring Connecticut, I often visited Boston on school trips but never truly embraced what the city had to offer, despite what used to be a fervent obsession with colonial America. My interest mainly lied in colonial Virginia and most especially Williamsburg. Now, years later, it seems quite odd that I was so arbitrarily against what was near and available, but then the mind of a teenager is never easy to understand. So here I am, ready to embrace what lies before me and ready to absorb all the knowledge each inch of the city provides. 

The Somerville Community Path

 The walk to Davis Square is a mile long, past rows of Victorian houses, convenience stores, and various offices. Half of the journey takes place along this trail, known as the Somerville Community Path, which I stumbled upon during the first day in the neighborhood. Our section of the path begins at Cedar Street and leads straight to the Davis Square T. Every day, the path is filled with pedestrians, cyclists and dogs alike. It is fairly well lit and seems well occupied throughout most of the evening. What a pleasant discovery it was to make! When I studied abroad in Berlin, there was nothing more enjoyable than all of the city's parks and meandering pathways. Not to mention I have just come from Mount Desert Island, where every day I lived amidst Acadia's natural splendor. Thus, the Somerville Community Path is a much appreciated addition to the daily commute!