I think I'll go to Boston

Over the break I had the opportunity to go to Boston and work in the Massachusetts Historical Society's archives, where I pored over the Adams Papers. (Hurray for funded research trips and double-hurray for productive research trips.)

I love Boston. I've loved it since I was two. And it was good to be reminded of my love for this city.

[Boston in the morning.]

[Boston in the evening.]

I have some great friends in the Boston area and they were so kind to let me stay with them and show me their city. 

[Lucy and I explored the Boston Back Bay area together.]

[Boston Women's Memorial. Also, this is what I look like after 7 hours in the archives. A bit disheveled and sporting the Marian Librarian look. What can I say? It's what I do best.]

My friend Sarah also hosted me while I was in Boston. I don't have any pictures (sad), but she is a gem. And it was so fun seeing her after five years--we hadn't seen each other since 2011, I think. That feels like an entire lifetime ago. But you know those people who it doesn't seem to matter how long it's been since you last talked, you get back together and can still talk easily and deeply? Thanks for being one of those people, Sarah. 

Also, it was just kind of fun to be back on the American side of the pond, seeing American history up close and personal. It was doubly delightful being in Massachusetts, the birthplace of the American Revolution, knowing that I'd be returning to England . . . it was just funny to me. 

[Church where Massachusetts ratified the Constitution.]

[Old North Church. "One if by land, two if by sea."]

["Listen my children, and you shall hear of the midnight ride of Paul Revere." Who didn't actually say "The British are Coming." But whatever.]

Also, for as many times as I've been to Boston, I had never seen the Boston Public Library. And guess what? It's beautiful. 

Boston always seems to get me to come back in some way or another. Glad to give her another chance.