In early May, Rosa and I embarked on a journey to Boston—a city steeped in history and innovation. For Rosa, it was a brand-new adventure, full of first impressions and wide-eyed wonder. For me, it was a return after 37 years, a chance to reconnect with a place that had once left a deep impression on my younger self.
Our exploration began at the Mayflower Museum, where we delved into the dramatic history of the Boston Tea Party and the American Revolution. As we followed the exhibits, one surprising thread caught my attention: the role of China’s tea in shaping world events. I had not known that the tea dumped into the harbor during the Tea Party protest was, in fact, Chinese tea—exported first to Europe and then to the American colonies. Some historians said that the tea was produced in India, but even the tea from India was originally imported from China by the British colonists. Anyhow, it was fascinating to think that the fragrant leaves once grown in the misty hills of China helped ignite a revolution across the ocean.
From the echoes of revolution, we moved to the halls of knowledge—visiting the historic grounds of Harvard University and the sleek, modern campus of MIT. As we strolled through Harvard Yard and gazed at the grand old buildings, I could almost hear the whispers of centuries of thinkers and leaders. At MIT, Rosa marveled at the bold, futuristic architecture, and we both felt inspired by the spirit of discovery that seemed to hover in the air.
One of the most memorable parts of our trip was the Duck Boat tour. Despite the rain gently falling from gray skies, we climbed aboard the amphibious vehicle with a group of cheerful tourists. The rain added a quiet charm to the ride, as we cruised through the historic streets and then splashed into the Charles River. The city’s skyline shimmered through the mist, giving us a view of Boston both on land and from the water.
We also spent an afternoon at the Museum of Science, where hands-on exhibits brought out our inner kids. We marveled at the ingenuity of human invention—from space exploration to robotics—and left feeling both humbled and energized.
Our hotel, nestled by the harbor, provided the perfect ending to each day. Through our window, we could see ships and sailboats gliding across the water, their masts dancing against the backdrop of the open sea. At night, the lights of the harbor shimmered like stars on the waves.
Boston, with its blend of history, academia, and seafaring charm, offered us a journey of learning and reflection. For Rosa, it was a discovery of a city that helped shape a nation. For me, it was like catching up with an old friend—changed by time, yet familiar in spirit.