Boston Day 2

Woke up around 7AM, had some pb and banana, and we were off to Boston. This morning I was going to Green Studios to meet up with Jesse (the dancer whom Katie's client (Jesses dad) referred her to) and take class with her. Katie drove me to the Studio which was just a rented out room basically. It was a huge room. When I walked in about a half hour early, I met the teacher Marcus (whom appeared rather old and had some braces on his knees---I began to question the kind of class he taught) and also I met Jesse who was cleaning the studio. I followed her around as we talked and she cleaned and then she took me to the side and wrote down all the studios in Boston and what they offer in this city. She was about 22 years old and just starting as a professional dancer, she likes Boston because its a small city but manageable for auditions and finding some work compared to the fight in NYC or LA. She was very sweet writing information down for me and we chatted a bit before class started.
The class I took was Pilates and focused on the position of the pelvis, placement, stretching the supporting leg, relaxing the hips, and strengthening extensions---Marcus was an outstanding visual instructor---he had a great flow to his movement, and a great mind/body connection too. He was also an acupuncturist--so he used a lot of muscle terminology. In his class we also used a foam roller which felt painful (but a good painful, release). I really enjoyed his class. Heidi and Katie picked me up and we went to a local hangout/bar/restaurant to watch the US Vs. Brazil soccer game. Heidi is a huge fan of soccer so she was cheering and helping to explain rules to me. When the US won, the entire place was cheering, what a fight the US had--a few poor calls against them too, but they fought on. Then we went to South Bay where we walked the main strip of stores. We did a lot of window shopping, saw Johnny's Cupcakes (not a bakery you would suppose, but a clothing shop---an Asian group that walked in was very confused when they walked in, which was kind of humorous, everyone expects cupcakes and its t-shirts in pans and bakery cases---idea started by college kid and company hit off quickly).
Then we went to eat at a rooftop cafe called the Rattlesnake. I had brought a pb and J so I ate that, but enjoyed the patio and sun. We talked for awhile and then Heidi drove me to the airport.
Heidi----a very sweet, fun-loving, blond. She is very athletic and works out almost everyday. She showed us her gym one day as she dropped us off at the train. She is very fast natured, but relaxed at the same time. She bought the entire BBQ at her house and paid for Katies meals as well---what a sweetheart.
Katie--is going through a hard time right now because she got kicked out of her Physical Therapy doctorate for plagiarizing. It was from a homework assignment which was did not cite the book as a reference. Her professor told her she should have known to cite, however, it was only the book she was allowed to use, so she went to many hearings and ended up getting kicked out of her program the very last semester. Now she lies in a massive amount of debt and has to reapply to take all the classes in another program again. She is very lost at this time, but continues to be loving, and optimistic. She reminds me of a counselor though. She really analyzes the relationship people have with each other and emotions involved in relationships. Shes really into "now what does that mean when a person does this." She was a very good Boston and NH guide, but needs some time to figure out what to do next. She is such a kind spirited person, with the best optimistic attitude I know, this unfortunate event will not change her outlook though, it will make her stronger.
I had a great visit to the East coast, thanks Katie and Heidi!

Boston Day 1

Emily had work the next morning so she was gone before I got up. Katie and I had some breakfast then went downtown to Boston. We parked at Heidi's place which was only 10 min from the T (train). Heidi drove us to the T which took us to the city. We got off at Park Street and walked for the next 5.5 hours---saw many old capital buildings. Aquarium, had Emack and Bolio frozen yogurt (most famous in Boston) (I had raspberry chip--delicious), went to Lil' Italy at the North end, saw the ocean, sat at the marina for a little rest, went to Chinatown, and I saw the famous Faneuil Hall Marketplace (indoor/outdoor market which sells every type of food you could possibly think of----in addition to all the fresh fruit/veggie/meat markets surrounding it, I have never seen so much variety in one strip---they had everything here). Now the market was crammed with people so it was a struggle to get through the crowds, but the smells were incredibly appetizing.
I walked the Freedom Trail a little---which has numerous state buildings, including the old state house, Paul Revere's Memorial, Copley Place, and Prudential Center. I saw the Holocaust Museums/Memorial (what a beautifully designed memorial---it was glass pillars with all the numbers of all the individuals who died and quotes written that were just devastation and break-taking). What a historical city.
It was a beautiful day out---very sunny but also breezy to keep it cool. We walked thru the Public Gardens and Commons (baseball fields and hills of grass--very refreshingly beautiful) and went to check out Cheers. I remember watching the show, but the restaurant has altered the bar a bit, however still gives the same feel as the show. Then Heidi picked us up and we went to Shaw Grocery for a BBQ. We made some turkey burgers, corn on the cob, chips and carrots----mmmm it was a great dinner after a long day of walking. We talked and ate outside in her yard, enjoying the beautiful evening. Since I left my bags at Katies, we headed back to Katies that night which took about an hour. By the time we got back, we were exhausted and ready for bed. What a day in Boston!

New Hampshire day---hiking, fishing

The next morning I slept in a little bit which felt great until 8-8:30. The Katie and I drove to the grocery store called Hannaford to pick up some PB&J & banana supplies for lunches. We only drove 10 min so I got to see some of NH---beautiful, hiking and nature-filled state, very tall trees, quite hilly as well. The state is more country feeling however Concord is very urban. Lots of strip malls, grocery stores, big name brands, close suburban- feel neighborhoods, and lots of green!
Then we went back to the apartment to have some breakfast (PB and banana toast) and got ready to go hiking and exploring NH. One of Katie's friends Emily took us to NH State Park where we hiked Mt. Kearsarge. Nothing compared to NZ hiking, but a few areas got very steep. It was only a 20-25 min hike up, but the sight at the top was gorgeous. It looked almost entirely green. It was a bit cloudy today but just breath-taking. We decided to eat our PB&J sandwiches here and relax a bit. Then we hiked back down and went to Erin's neighborhood. I met her grandparents (her gma was missing a tooth which she shared) and their 9 dogs. Also I saw Emily's mobile home which is her temporary place of living due to a relationship incidence which resulted in a break-up and move-out. We then went across the street to her dad and brother's house and her brother Ty took us fishing in a local river. We had to walk down a steep hill to reach the water, but positioned ourselves on some rocks and casted away. I have not been fishing for like 10 years and needed to brush up on my casting and patience, but I got the hang out of it after a little while. Emily and Ty both did a great job teaching Katie and I. I ended up catching the first fish in just a few minutes, but it was only a small bass. I reeled him/her in but threw her back. Katie caught a brown trout which we ended up keeping. I caught 2 more bass and a smaller fish but we threw all of my fish back. I did have something a bit bigger I think, because it tugged and ripped a chunk of my line and took my hook with him/her.
After we fished, we went back to Emilys and cooked the brown trout and some other fish she had in her dad's freezer. We also had some rice, veggies, and a little chicken. I ate some rainbow trout, however, it was little too bony for me so I stuck with chicken mostly. Emily did a great job cooking dinner. After dinner settled, we went back to Katie's to watch Black Swan. This movie was a weird one---a bit disturbing, dark, kinda mentally scary movie. Not what I was expecting for a dance film. Then it was off to bed. Since Katie's roommate went camping, Katie took her bed and I shared with Emily. What a day! Emily and I talked for a bit but soon both of us were out.

Arrival to Bos/meet Katie

Mom and Dad drove me to O'Hare. I had to check-in inside, but that along with security was a very quick process. I browsed through a bookstore and soon enough my plane was ready to board. I talked much of the flight with the gentlemen next to me whom was meeting his wife in Boston for the weekend. I also got a small nap in there too before I landed. When I landed, it was off to find Katie. We were at different terminals so I had to walk a bit but eventually found her. We talked the whole way back which took about an hour and 45 min. It was great to reunite again. She even told me about a patient which she has at the physical therapist office who is the director at Berkley. Katie asked for some tips on places to go and see and he told Katie his daughter is a professional dancer in Boston and to take some classes with her. Katie emailed his daughter Jesse and was in contact with her for a couple days about dancing options in the city. How thrilled I was to hear this! I hopefully will attend a class or two. Once we past into NH and arrived at her apartment, I met her roommate Erin and Erin's gf Heidi. They were both sweet girls and even offered ice cream and strawberries---mmmm! We talked for about an hour and then it was off to bed. I was exhausted and it felt great to lay down!