I visited Boston, or the Boston Area, during my week long microfluidics course at Brandeis University. I thought this would be a great opportunity to learn some new skills as well as a change of pace from my every day research. I was fortunate enough to have my lab mate Mark Harrison with me during the course and as a travel buddy. We arrived at Logan International Airport with a little sight seeing in mind for the day. We decided to get a weekly rail pass to get around the area, so here is a shot of the red line as we headed to Harvard Square.

We arrived at Harvard Square with some empty stomach, but a quick stroll around the area was a must.

Colonial Drugs.

It was starting to get late, and we had an early start the next day so we took the train towards Brandeis. We both didn’t know what to expect, or how we were going to obtain our precious room keys. The journey ended up taking a few miles around campus before we finally were situated with campus.

On our way to our room, we found this neat looking castle. I looked it up and they actually use it as a residence hall.

During one of our short class days, we decided to head back to town and explore more of the city. Here are a few views around Fenway Park.

Mark.

A souvenir shop

We ended up walking toward the Beacon Street area to see the architecture and neighborhood. It’s wonderful to see something that could resemble houses in the 1800’s.

Another day we ended up wandering around the Boston Commons area to see if there was anything worth looking at during our final day in Boston.

Boston Commons.

We ended up also walking through the North End because we had a little extra time before our train departure.

These little units look like a blast from the past, it was like we travelled back toward the olden days. The narrow streets and buildings were quite refreshing.

Final destination, Paul Revere’s Horse.

The TD Garden train station.

Our take out / delivery for dinner. We didn’t know we had to ask for utensils.

We also strolled by Independence Hall, which we were going to revisit the next day when we were by Quincy Market.

Also the Boston Farmers Market, which seemed a little bit more touristy than I’d imagine.

The last day was definitely a long one. The hot summer days had already taken its toll on us and on top of that, we had all of our luggage with us for the final hours of our trip. I noticed that there were a bunch of other people also waiting for the train back to the city.

For lunch, we headed back to the North End to get some cannoli’s from Mike’s Pastry.

It was packaged neatly in this nice cardboard box. But we had nowhere to eat these delectables since the store was already crowded. We ended up trying to sit on the side of a street for a little break for lunch.

My Cannoli’s

The rest stop, but unfortunately we were scolded by some locals that this is no “playground.” We could have done without the yelling, but we got the clue and left.

Next we headed to Quincy Market.

And also went off onto the Freedom Trail for some sight seeing, the first stop was the Old State House and the Boston Massacre site.

The little emblems marking the freedom trail.

Mark and I taking a break.

Next up the Old City Hall.

And Benjamin Franklin’s statue gracing the front yard.

Also the first public school site, which had this interesting tile piece of art in the front.

Next we walked through the Granary Burying Ground were we saw the tomb of Benjamin’s parents.

And some other various tombstones.

We ended up taking another break in the Boston Commons again,

headed toward Public Garden for a stroll as well.

Beacon Hill was one of our last stops, I just love the buildings in this area.

I randomly found this outdoor bookstore on our way toward dinner. It was unfortunate that there was going to be a huge downpour in a few minutes after I took this photo.

And lastly, our dinner location which I fail to recollect the name of.