This is the story of how my tootsies above came to be so tired.
As cool as I think it is to meet so many wonderful people in the blogosphere, I think it is even better to meet those same folks in person. Andy and I were lucky enough to meet up with former blogger Matty last summer (he has since stopped blogging - hope it wasn't something we said!) and I thought it would be a while before we got to cross paths with any other bloggers since our baby Bumble-to-be was keeping us from taking further vacations. Sammy was born and it was abundantly clear that we were never taking another trip again and my time in the blogosphere dwindled for a little while. But then came an e-mail from Sandy of You've GOTTA Read This! to say that she was going to be coming to Boston for a quick weekend business trip with her hubby and that she hoped to meet me!
For those of you not familiar with Sandy, she is a book blogger extraordinaire, providing kick-ass reviews, funny snippets from her life and some pretty cool photos from her travels. The fact that she has two children and actually takes vacations gives me hope that this will be possible for us again some day ;0) Sandy was also one of the first blogging friends that I found. We began blogging around the same time and neither of us knew any of the ropes. We bumbled our way through things - each having different paths and styles but sharing a love for blogging, cats, books books books and movies - especially Christmas Vacation. So to have the opportunity to meet her in person was really special.
I left little Sammy at home with his Dad for some bonding time and headed into Boston on a recent Saturday morning to show Sandy my view of Boston in a brief window of four hours. That was a tiny amount of time for the two of us to cram in personal chatter and get to know each other for real. You know what I mean? You can "know" someone through e-mail, texts, Facebook or even phone conversations, but having the same conversation face to face is an entirely different beast. True colors come out - no time to plan your thoughts and pick your words like in written form. No time to hide those knee-jerk facial expressions like you can over the phone. It can be nerve wracking meeting someone that you've already deemed to be a close friend based on virtual conversations. Sets the bar high.
Well. I am happy to report that Sandy is as terrific in person as she is sitting miles and miles away. We blabbed about our families like old friends and fit in some touristy things at a fast pace along the way. Here's a photo tour of our day:
It wouldn't be a visit with me to Boston without a trip to Fenway Park. Sandy was a good sport and took the tour of one of my favorite places on Earth...
Then we made our way over to the Freedom Trail since it was such a beautiful day and followed it along through a portion of the city, taking in some historic spots:
It wouldn't be a visit with Sandy without books involved. Look at this hole in the wall book store we stumbled across...
All of that walking around is exhausting and we still had more to see. We stopped for a few slices of Boston's best pizza when we got to Faneuil Hall...
Boston is a very picturesque city. The Italian North End is one of the prettier neighborhoods. In addition to having the best restaurants packed side by side on cobbled streets, it is also home to the Old North Church and Paul Revere's famous ride...
We noticed this memorial artwork installation honoring the victims whose lives have been lost in Iraq and Afghanistan...
We took a look at some houses of worship that are very different from the European cathedrals Sandy was more familiar with...
Finally, we stopped at Lulu's for some decadent cupcakes - a trend that apparently has not found its way to Sandy's home in Orlando...
Here's a photo of Sandy and the Bumble as proof of her visit. If you'd like to pose with the Bumble (or find out what the bumbles behind the Bumble actually look like) you'll just have to come visit us in Boston. Sammy's keeping us from getting to your neck of the world anytime soon.
13 comments:
How wonderful that you and Sandy finally got to meet face to face! Looks like a fabulous tour; I'd probably still be in that bookstore...
What an awesome recap Molly! I never would have imagined that we could see as much as we did in four hours. It must be some kind of record. You were the best tour guide, and I loved meeting you in person. It felt like I'd always known you! (My feet hurt too!)
I would have also been totally freaked out to meet someone I "know" online in person. What a lovely day you two spent together. Very kind of you to take her to some as well. The bumbles will have to return the favor someday, especially since she lives in Orlando :)
I agree, awesome recap! And how lucky you were to meet Sandy!
4 hours? I could spend that much time in the north end and Faneuil Hall alone! Fantastic photos, Molly!!
Totally awesome for both of you! We took Gage to Kelley's Island (an hour & a half away) for the week and had a blast. We rented a condo and it was a VERY laid back vacay. Also took the grandparents for the babysitting :) Can't see us doing a whole lot more than that anytime soon.
Meeting bloggy buddies in person is awesome!! So glad you and Sandy had the opportunity to do so. :) :) :)
Fun post! It's always so much fun to meet fellow book bloggers.
Okay, so when I come to Boston, I'm definitely getting together with you!!! Looks like a ton of fun. LOVE Boston and all there is to do there. LOVE the Aquarium especially.
Don't feel bad about traveling and vacations now. It's hard at first, but you will be going again before you know it. We camped (in a TENT, no less) with our kids when they were little and it was fun. I always found that taking their own bed (one of those travel beds) helped a lot--even when we went to Grandma's house. While she was miffed that the kids didn't sleep in the crib, I found that having their own bed-away-from-home worked in getting them comfortable wherever we were.
You'll survive. We did.
Excellent! Meeting blogging buddies in person is so much fun. I've not had a bad experience yet!
It sounds like you all had a great time. So much to do and see in Boston, especially with an out-of-town guest!
Sounds and looks like it was an awesome visit! I've yet to meet a fellow blogger in person but I am quite sure I will one day!
I am so jealous as I read this post! I loved Boston so, both times I visited, and I can't imagine a better tour guide than a Bumble. Especially while wandering through the SECOND most important cathedral to baseball. (When are y'all gonna clinch that wildcard berth?)
You are so firtunate to have met Sandy and vice versa. Thank you for all of the great photos...but where are you?!
(BTW: I will be up in Boston at some point and will wamt to meet up with you...but not until 2012 sometime)
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