Massachusetts

It was time to say goodbye to the wonderful ocean blue Mustang convertible that, yes, I could not help but keep praising the last few days. (Thank you, Budget Rental Cars, for lending me this vehicle for just $15/day!) This morning was my final drive with this vehicle — a car that reminds me partly of my former Atlantic metallic blue Z3 and also of the new KITT — going from Portland, Maine to Manchester, New Hampshire. I dropped off the ‘vert at the Manchester Airport and then took a free shuttle down to Boston.

Which is where I am now and will be for the next two days. I am already (after being here for only six or so hours) feeling somewhat overwhelmed by all the cars (worse traffic than San Francisco!), crowds, noise, and outrageous prices (e.g., $40 parking and $4.59/gallon for diesel near Fenway Park. Fortunately, I did not drive!). But it hasn’t been a bad day — even if I do already miss Maine, New Hampshire, and of course, the ‘Stang. Continue reading »

I really don’t care much for baseball, but when the World Series came around a few months ago, I favored the Boston Red Sox over the Colorado Rockies. Even though I was a big L.A. Lakers fan in the 80s and 90s, I am happy that the Boston Celtics are dominating the NBA right now. Likewise, I’ve been rooting for the New England Patriots all season.

Ah, yes — it must be a Boston year for me, as I start my preparations for running in this April’s 112th edition of the Boston Marathon. Continue reading »

April 15, 2005 Fri 1:45am: After a full day of travel, I made it to the Hostelling International hostel in Boston, where I’ll be staying for most of the night. My main purpose here, other than to check out the city for the first time, is to offer moral support for my friends Chris, Russ, Sharon, and Steve at the Boston Marathon. Some notes: Continue reading »