Crime…

So, if you read Universalhub.com on a regular basis, you would probably think that everyone in East Boston is being mugged, shot, stabbed, punched, and generally living in a combat zone. Out of the last 10 reports on Eastie, 8 have to do with crime.

I know that crime happens in East Boston, however, our major crime has been in decline over the last few years (As seen in this pdf here (East Boston is the A-7 district)).

It would be nice if Eastie were mentioned for some of the great things to do…perhaps some help is needed in finding those out?

1. Constitution Beach: I would not suggest swimming here because it is a fairly enclosed body of water with airplanes flying overhead, but it is a great place to go play frisbee or to watch planes take off and land. They also have a great little playground for kids of all different ages and an ice skating rink that has public skating. (Bennington Street near Orient Heights)
2. Belle Isle Marsh: The last of the salt marshes in Boston proper, Belle Isle is not only people friendly but dog friendly. A great big area for dogs to run around, just watch out for ticks and the occasional coyote or skunk. It is also a great place to go birdwatching. There is ample parking and is T accessible from Suffolk Downs.
3. East Boston Piers Park: Beautiful park! Lovely views of the skyline and a bunch of interesting art installations.
4. Madonna Queen National Shrine: 35 foot tall statue of the Madonna. It is an interesting statue and has a great view of the city and airport.
5. Temple Ohabei Shalom Cemetery: A coworker told me that the name translates to “Those who love peace” . This cemetery was created in 1844 as the first legally established Jewish cemetery in the state.  Because there was no sacred ground in the area, Jews were sent to Rhode Island, the West Indies, or Europe for burial.  This is a historic cemetery, but still used and is tucked away.  The building next to it used to be a small school and the congregation is located in Brookline.(Information taken/adapted from The Bostonian Society) (Wordsworth and Horace Streets)

And then there is the food:

• Rincon Limeño Restaurant: Great Peruvian food…who knew they put their food on top of french fries? Brilliant! (Chelsea Street)
• Belle Isle Lobster and Seafood: Where else in the city can you eat your food while feeling like you are in a scene from Wayne’s World (the part when the plane flies over them and they are arguing)? Great food, but they only take cash. (Saratoga Street going into Winthrop (RT 145)).
• El Paisa: Tasty tasty Colombian food. They change the menu every once in a while and are now serving brunch. (Bennington Street)
• 303 Cafe: Have not been here yet, but they have a strong focus on craft beers and have trivia. (Maverick Square)
• Betty Ann Food Shop: Where else can you get donuts that are cooked in a coal fired stove for next to nothing? They have lemon, sugar, plain, round, crullers…and they also serve brownies, cookies, cakes, and other baked goods at a reasonable price. They have odd hours, though, so pay attention!

So, much more to Eastie than just crime, gangs, and angry people…history, great food, and some real hidden gems for people to discover.

hiking

I really wish I could go hiking up along the ridgeline right now. Just get away from all this crap here and go out to the mountain where all that matters is putting one step in front of the other fast enough to get a good bunk at the hut and a seat at the dinner table. Preferably near the bread, since that is one of the best parts about the AMC huts.

It is actually one of my goals in life to own one of these signs. Each year, the Appalachian Mountain Club has an auction of “gently worn” signs as a fundraiser. I found out about it too late last year, but this year I am ready! I only hope that one of the signs will be for a trail that I’ve gone up. It isn’t a requirement, but it would be cool. However, if I can get a sign that is of a trail I’ve never been on, then I think a trip in the spring is necessary.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween!

Back from the Wedding Weekend

Yum!

We have made it back from our weekend of Maris(s)a weddings with little problems other than a serious lack of motivation to finish my internship paper, only 2 1/2 pages left! Either way, the weddings were both for a girl named Maris(s)a and could not have been more different.

Marissa and Richard had: a full mass, a weird priest, fog for their first dance (seriously Disney like), lots of drunk friends, an injury at the end of the reception, and lots of hungover 20 year olds the next day.

Marisa and Mike had: a long Protestant ceremony, a nice priest, the best appetizers that we have ever had (they had sushi and an ice fountain with drinks in it!), an injury at the beginning of the ceremony, great food for dinner (the filet melted in my mouth and the champagne was soooo good), and a lot of hungover 20 year olds the next day.

So, some similarities, but each unique. I took some pictures…but I shake and low light does not combine to make pretty pictures. Need to get a monopod or something so that I only lean instead of lean and shake.

Right now, I’m just glad to be in my own home instead of a hotel and getting this work done so I don’t have a panic attack tomorrow. The Red Sox are going to mess up my commute to school, but I’ll be home before the game ends.

Sheep

Got anything interesting?

I’ve been craving farm time lately, so I drove up to Smolak Farms today to get my yearly fix of donuts and animals.

Its so nice to be able to go someplace like this, even if it is a bit further than it used to be. I adore sheep…and the llamas are quite amusing, also. But best of all are the cider donuts…warm cider donuts are one of the best things in the world. If you have the chance to go to a farm and get some, do it. AND, you’ll be supporting a local business owner and local farm to boot! How much better could it get? 🙂