Aug
4
Walking Boston- Emily’s version
by Emily in
Max and I always strive for what we call “sovereignty” in our relationship. After being together for over 8 years, and now working together on this project that tests our breathing room, we declare our sovereignty when we need it. This blog will begin to be a place for that. We decided sometimes it’s too much “we”, and want to start writing from an “I” perspective. So, here’s the first attempt at both of us independently contributing to this blog- sort of a “he said she said”- but we won’t call it that. We actually can’t agree on what to call our sovereign blog entries. Not that it matters. Maybe by the time we’re done writing these, we’ll agree on something.
Anyway, it’s been nice getting to see Boston the past few days on foot. Our first night was pretty uneventful- which was amazing considering our lack of planning on getting our load from the airport to Max’s cousin Caitlin’s apartment in Back Bay. We met her roommates Chona and Trish, and they were friendly and welcoming. On Sunday we slept until 1pm, woke up and walked straight to Duncan Donuts. I’ve heard from many o’ east-coasters that the “Dunks” has amazing coffee, so I had to see for myself. It was good- tasted more like iced tea than coffee- with loads of cream and sugar. But is was CHEAP- which is the key word.
Not that I want to compromise my health with junk food now we’re on a budget. But dabbling is no biggie. After our greasy brunch we meandered to the public gardens. We overheard a southie Boston accent, and stayed close by to get a good listen. It was a lazy Sunday and we felt ok taking a little break after all the sweat of getting to Boston. Later we bbq’d on the rooftop with the roomies and their dynamic group of friends.
The next day we assembled our bikes and worked on Spoke Your Mind stuff until about 5. Then headed out to the “Freedom Trail”- a walk that takes you around some historical sites that Chona recommended we do. We took our time along the path to refresh our minds on American history. So much went down in Boston, and the buildings reflect the times. We stayed longest at the King’s Chapel cemetery, with headstones for pioneers of all ages- many who were victims of the small pox. I was intrigued by Elizabeth Paine’s headstone- which is rumored to be the influence for the “Scarlett Letter” because of an abnormal “A” engraved on headstone that may have represented adultery.
The Freedom Trail
On our way back through the North End, we stopped outside a bar where we could overhear a stand-up comedian. A guy standing next to us asked if we’d like to come in to watch his own act that was on next, beer on him. Free beer and laughs? We went in. The show was short, and we thanked our new funny guy Tommy and began telling him about our project. Tommy replied with, “my dad told me smoking cigarettes helps prevent Alzheimer’s… because you’ll die of lung cancer before you’ll get it!” After his joke, Tommy, along with another comedian, were all ears and began asking all sorts of questions about Spoke Your Mind. They both expressed that Alzheimer’s is the scariest thing they can imagine happening to them- or anyone they know. After our beer we thanked Tommy again and headed back to the apartment. My feet were sore, but it was worth it.
Tommy and me
Today we did some more work emailing with different Alzheimer’s Association chapters and getting ready for upcoming events. Then Max’s cousin Caitlin flew in from Seattle, and we hung out with her for a bit. Then Max and I walked around MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) . Couldn’t find Noam Chomsky. But we did see a Jewish juggling group in the foyer, then a breakdancing group in another corridor. So much going on. This place just makes you feel studious. Higher education is around every corner. Almost makes me want to go back to school and sit in old brick buildings and discuss current affairs and philosophy and learn, learn, learn. But I guess we’re doing some of that on the road.
Now we’re preparing to interview Dr. Thomas Graboys tomorrow, author of Life In the Balance. I am honored with this opportunity to meet and capture this man, who is a brave advocate living with Parkinson’s related dementia. I recommend reading this to get a sense of his everyday courage.
I’m also looking forward to the arrival of Aysha Ghazoul, the woman we met in Portland during Leg 1 who made a documentary. Aysha is joining us from Boston to NYC to ride, participate and help film.
So things seem to be picking up with the project. And a personal perk is getting to see parts of the country I’ve never been to before. NYC is going to be wild. I have no idea how we’re going to actually bike through that madness…