Boston, next week

**DeusVult** · 07-03-2012, 03:23 PM

I went over to Harvard Square this morning. Visited Leavitt and Pierce and Colonial Drugs. Both very interesting stores. The fellow at Colonial was not too friendly; a bit of an ass to be honest. Of course, I'm just a sophisticated redneck, so who knows? Anyway, I was wanting to get some Tabac soap but neither had any! No kidding. Lots of nice brushes at Colonial; they had just about any shaving stuff anyone would want -- no Tabac though. Old school store for sure, but the guy at the counter, perhaps not the owner but appeared he was, needs to adjust his attitude though. I can't believe anyone would want to deal with him on a regular basis. Great selection of pipe tobacco at L&P. They were very friendly there. I considered buying a pipe, but didn't pull the trigger, so to speak. Lots of good pipe stuff there.

I had lunch at Grendel's Den. Just a roast beef sandwich and a couple Paulaner wheats. Filled me up, but nothing special. The subway, T, is the way to go for transport. I had a good experience with that. I was on a bit of a tight schedule, so I didn't do much else, but the Harvard area was full of tourists, lots of student types.

**DeusVult** · 07-03-2012, 03:24 PM

Oh, several people commented on Italian restaurants on the north side. I'll be heading that way tomorrow afternoon, late lunch or early dinner. Let me know your recommendations for that. Danke.

**professorchaos** · 07-03-2012, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by DeusVult

I went over to Harvard Square this morning. Visited Leavitt and Pierce and Colonial Drugs. Both very interesting stores. The fellow at Colonial was not too friendly; a bit of an ass to be honest. Of course, I'm just a sophisticated redneck, so who knows? Anyway, I was wanting to get some Tabac soap but neither had any! No kidding. Lots of nice brushes at Colonial; they had just about any shaving stuff anyone would want -- no Tabac though. Old school store for sure, but the guy at the counter, perhaps not the owner but appeared he was, needs to adjust his attitude though. I can't believe anyone would want to deal with him on a regular basis. Great selection of pipe tobacco at L&P. They were very friendly there. I considered buying a pipe, but didn't pull the trigger, so to speak. Lots of good pipe stuff there.

I had lunch at Grendel's Den. Just a roast beef sandwich and a couple Paulaner wheats. Filled me up, but nothing special. The subway, T, is the way to go for transport. I had a good experience with that. I was on a bit of a tight schedule, so I didn't do much else, but the Harvard area was full of tourists, lots of student types.

Skinny guy in a tie at Colonial? First time I went in there, I thought the same as you did. He's actually alright. I haven't figured out if he's aloof or just letting people look around. Either way, he's pleasant enough.

The North End is cool. Hanover street is where it is at. A bit off the beaten path is Limoncello. Try the Rosette al Montasio ed Olio di Tartufo.

**DeusVult** · 07-03-2012, 09:05 PM

Yeah, it was a skinny guy in a tie. Well anyway, Colonial Drugs has a huge selection of shaving products, great store fof that sort of thing. Perhaps I was just less than pleased that they didn't have Tabac, and it colored my judgment. I'm still pleased overall with the Boston atmosphere. Had a nice conversation with a guy working on the train platform, don't know his title but like a train cop I guess. I told him I was impressed (one exception) with the friendliness of the people of Boston.

**professorchaos** · 07-04-2012, 02:50 PM

Boston people are pretty friendly. Until they get behind the wheel of a car.

**DeusVult** · 07-10-2012, 12:53 PM

Well, I'm back from Boston. Got back on Friday. On the Fourth, our (very large) conference group was taken to the Museum of Science. That was fairly interesting; lots of good exhibits, but perhaps more appropriate for children and teenagers. We got to see the Boston fireworks display, eventually, after it was almost called off because of an incoming storm. They postponed it, then put it back on, and then, wow did it rain. But the fireworks were great, even if we got soaked.

I did take a stroll through the North End that afternoon. I should have just eaten at one of the places there, but we were supposedly having dinner served at the MOS. They gave us hotdogs and hamburgers (July 4 theme I guess), but it was very mediocre. Overall, Boston is a very nice city, lots of history and things to see. As I said, I found the people there very friendly in my estimation. The subway/T was an excellent way to travel.

On a substantially negative note, as I mentioned above, I was served divorce papers a day and a half before I left. When I got off the airplane, 30 minutes drive from home, my "wife" called and told me she and the children had moved, and she took most of the furniture/food/household necessities out of my house. So I spent all weekend making an assessment of that and talking with my attorney. I have gotten to see my children, though, for some brief time periods the last few days.

**redrako** · 07-11-2012, 05:16 AM

Glad that you enjoyed your trip to Boston/Cambridge. I was away on vacation in Vermont while you were here, but would have been happy to have walked around Harvard Sq and popped into L&P and Colonial.

You're right on on your assessment of the guy at Colonial Drug. By all accounts the owner appears to be very personable, but th guy who works there on weekends would benefit from a personality. :) You're also right about the North end.

Even if you've already eaten, it's worth it to pop into one of the small shops for an after dinner coffee and desert.

Regarding your unfortunate divorce situation - hang in there brother! It's a tough break, but you'll get through it.

**professorchaos** · 07-14-2012, 06:39 PM

Originally Posted by DeusVult

On a substantially negative note, as I mentioned above, I was served divorce papers a day and a half before I left. When I got off the airplane, 30 minutes drive from home, my "wife" called and told me she and the children had moved, and she took most of the furniture/food/household necessities out of my house. So I spent all weekend making an assessment of that and talking with my attorney. I have gotten to see my children, though, for some brief time periods the last few days.

Wow ... that stinks. My sympathies.