I finally went out and did a little Boston today. Not a lot, because I was afraid I was going to spend money I didn’t need to be spending if I stayed out.
As is every time I venture out, I wind up having an adventure that usually involves me lost and frustrated. I had heard Roommate Mike tell me repeatedly that the T-stop is just down that way a a few blocks. I Googled it and, sure enough, just a few blocks that way (though Google said there would be a right turn in there somewhere). So off I go… that way. Well I went as far as I could that way and didn’t see the station, so I turned right and walked. And walked. And walked and didn’t see anything but a sign that said “MBTA Airport Station” but no building, no arrows, no nothing.
One thing I have discovered about East Boston is that no matter what direction I am walking, I WILL be walking into the wind and it WILL be bitterly cold. I wandered around for a while, freezing to the bone, eyes watering, nose running, and I just decided to walk to the next stop, the location of which I had a much better notion. Found it. Then I realized that I hadn’t really decided where I was going, though I did bring a tote in case I came home with more stuff than I started out with.
I had never actually “done” Haymarket, even though I’d been through it before, so I decided that I was going to go buy some produce. A two stops and a transfer later, there I was. It’s much smaller in winter than it is in late fall (and probably summer) but the deals are still to be had. I had no cash, so I wandered into the closest convenience store where, while waiting for the ATM machine, I found a pair of leather gloves for $7. So I bought them – only to lose one of them less than ten minutes later. I had reached into my pocket for some cash because I was buying some asparagus for $1 a bunch and I couldn’t feel my money, so I had to take my glove off. Two minutes later I realized it was gone. I had to laugh at myself because I knew there was a reason I can’t have things like gloves. Or sunglasses. Though once I had to pay money for prescription sunglasses, I stopped losing them. I wonder if they make prescription gloves…
Anyway, I turned back, and there was my glove, politely placed on top of this archaic thing that looked remarkably like a phone booth. I’m glad it was good for something! In my Haymarket adventure, I bought a pair of gloves, a bunch of bananas, asparagus, grapes, plums, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and two 5-packs of garlic for $15. Now if none of that has gone bad by morning, I will consider it a success. Haymarket is kind of a crap shoot, but I think the fact that it’s like a refrigerator outside (or freezer) I probably have a better chance of my produce lasting a few days. It all looked quite good when I bought it.
Then I hopped back on the train and headed to Downtown Crossing. Newbury Street is where people with money shop – Downtown Crossing is where everyone else shops. I wandered around, not really knowing where I was or where I was going, and I found a mall with a food court. I was STARVING, so I went in. Usual mall fare, but with a little bit more of an international variety. I went to the greek food place and got a falafel wrap which was delicious and didn’t make me ill like most of those places do. Which is always nice. Then I wandered out again and down the street only to find the corner of Glory be and Hallelujah – no, not churches – DSW, Payless, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx all right there. You can see why I had to cut the trip short.
I didn’t even stop in Payless or DSW as I know that if I walk in, I will be walking out with shoes whether I need them or not. Which is ironic, because after a brief trip through Marshalls (which had a shoe super center inside of it), I wound up at TJ Maxx, looking over a collection of horribly ugly shoes when I found them. The most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen – high-heeled patent sneakers. And not with a rubber chunk heel that’s about 2″ – no, these are on a 4″ wedge. I was about to flip out because they didn’t have my size – but luckily they run big and I now own them. I wish they weren’t brown, but since they’re totally casual, it doesn’t really matter anyway. They are absolutely beautiful – so beautiful that I sent a picture to Victoria, my shoe buddy in Portland, who was as awestruck by their beauty as I was.
So, yeah, I knew I had to get the hell out of there or I was going to spend money (though all total I only spent $41 including train fare for shoes, socks, 20 lbs of fruit, and leather gloves – I think I did alright). On my way back, I decided to get off the train at the stop I was trying to find earlier – come to find out it really IS just a few blocks that way, across a park, in a giant, glass, unmarked building. Not where the MBTA said it was. Not where Google maps said it was. It’s in a park, basically. No signage. Nada. As frustrated as I was at the time, it really is quite conveniently located so now that I know where it is, I won’t complain. Too much.
Tomorrow, new friend Neighbor Sonia (everyone gets proper titles now) is coming over for dinner. This is my first social anything, really, since the debate party in Cambridge. Yes, I said debate party and I realize the inauguration was Tuesday – this is why I need to be social! lol. Though in my defense, it was the final debate. More on that after the fact. Now that I have a little money and some time, there should be more socializing going on. Definitely looking forward to that.
Everyone in P-town, I will be home from the 4th through the 9th. I have a very tight schedule, so I figured Sunday afternoon while the boyfriend is at work would be a good time to get together – like from 1-4:30. A little open house if you will. Location, to be determined, but I’ll keep everyone updated as soon as I figure it out. I’m guessing the usual like The Greek or Maguff’s, but we’ll see.
I’ll keep everyone posted. Have a great night, everyone!
