I love living in America. For me, personally, there is no place in the world for me like New York City – the melting pot of the world. That being said, it’s always refreshing to get a taste of home, no matter where you are in the world. There is like familiarity to rejuvenate your heart when you’re away from your homeland. Being so far from Ireland, I am happy to take whatever I can get!
The more I love here in the United States the more I see myself looking for signs of home wherever I am. Coming from Ireland, a country that has been around for thousands of years and has gone through so much including a very famous famine - which I am sure you’ve heard of (LOL!) – the Irish are everywhere. The Irish certainly have a strong presence here in the United States, especially in New York and Boston after arriving by boat so many years ago to these famous harbors.
I always love going to Boston because there is such an incredible Irish presence there. Since Boston is so small the Irish presence is even more noticeable to me and I see it everywhere. What most people don’t realize is how similar the Irish accent is to the Boston accent! That is even more proof as to how strong a presence the Irish have in this amazing city. I feel so at home in Boston because I really see similar attitudes between the Irish lads back in Dublin and the Boston men I have come across! It’s so funny that I can notice these similarities such as their cheeky swagger and content to be a little bold. Just like in Ireland, the Bostonians are so proud to be from Boston and let everyone know it!
One of the things that I love about Boston people is just how much they love their city. It is so interesting to see how they love their city so much that when you’re there, this love actually rubs off on you to the point where you love it too! Even if you’re not from there, the people there really make you feel like you’re at home. Unless, of course, you’re rooting for the NY Yankees in which case you should reconsider visiting there (LOL!). If you’ve visited Ireland, then you would notice a similar hospitality and feeling of “home” there. I’m not trying to brag or anything, but many people in the United States have gushed to me about their love of Ireland and how welcoming a place it is to visit!
I decided to write this blog this week about Boston because we just docked our boat here! We’re right in the middle of the city harbor. Because Boston is such a small city, you’re able to see so much of it while you’re here! I love going for runs as soon as I arrive in Boston because I love seeing as much of this city as possible! The first thing I am so excited to do is put on my sneakers and jump off the boat (onto the dock!) before our crew has even tied the lines! I run and run and run and take in the city before anyone else has even left the boat. While I love going on runs, I am not this eager to do this in any other city. Boston has a special place in my heart and I like to get my fill from the minute I get there until the second I have to leave!
From its many pubs on every corner to its exquisite restaurants and amazing shopping and incredible theater, and this is coming from a NEW YORKER, there really is something for everybody in Boston! There are so many parts of Boston that are each so unique and special in their own way. I like to explore as many of these neighborhoods as possible every time I visit!
One of my favorite places to dine in Boston is at the restaurant at the top of the Prudential Center, Top of the Hub. This restaurant has delicious food and the best view of Boston that can get anywhere! One of my other favorite places to dine in Boston is L’Espalier which has an amazing chef and a very chic and modern vibe! Then, of course, I love visiting one of my favorite chain restaurants that I happened to stumble across during my first trip to Boston, Wagamama! The photo that I used for this blog was taken on a recent trip to Boston! My dish was SO GOOD that I can’t wait to go back! It was a sweet and spicy chicken dish that has had me thinking about how I must go back ASAP!! (Yes, it is THAT good!!)
Some places will feel more at home to you than others. For me, Boston is one of those special places. I have traveled around the world and I can tell you that Boston is a place in the United States where I can go and feel like I can automatically fit in there. When you love a place and feel comfortable there, you will be drawn to that place. Never feel bad about going back to a place that you absolutely love. But on the other hand, don’t be afraid to try new places! Whether you’re trying a new city or even another part of a familiar city, there is so much to be experienced in this incredible world of ours! The world truly is your oyster so go explore and find your homes away from home!