Safari #37: What the Fluff?

Marshmallow fluff is the Nutella of New England.  As an Ohio-raised transport to Boston, my first thought upon encountering fluff was, "You're supposed to eat that with peanut butter?"

If you're looking for a venue to help assist you in dismissing your predisposition to fluff, head to the annual Somerville Fluff Festival in Union Square and sample the traditional fluffernutter (a sandwich with peanut butter and fluff) or a multitude of fluff-inspired confections like whoopie pies, smores, and beer - yes, beer.  The Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project (Somerville, MA) served it's flagship brew this year with a topping of malted fluff and called it the Fluffelmouse.

Even if you're not open to sampling fluff, the festival is a great place for people watching and reveling in good, old-fashioned Americana.  Costume and food contests, live bands, and children's activities keep Union Square abuzz for hours.



Tips:

• Just Do It.  A fluffernutter is $2, so there's no harm is taking a little bite.  
• Take public transport.  With the road closures and increased traffic, your best bet (where possible) is to let the MBTA buses transport you there.
• Bring your camera.  With all of the excitement and costumes, this is a great place to people watch.  I really enjoyed the vintage T-shirts pulled out just for this occasion.

*Images graciously borrowed from http://unionsquaremain.org/tag/fluff-festival/

Safari #36: What Speaks to You?

I have always believed that “things” can speak to us – a beautiful song, an interesting image, an object with a history. I’ve found many objects full of history recently at the SOWA Vintage Market (560 Harrison Avenue, South End). I'm making this special entry to tell you about it.

I was sorting through a pile of $5 rings, and one in particular stood out to me.  The design, patina, materials (copper lined in sterling silver), and a marking (“Orb Handwrought”), led me to believe that there was something special about it.

Upon initial research, I learned that Otto Robert Bade (the O-R-B), a Pennsylvania coppersmith, created my ring. Bade later moved to New York City and worked in the Rebajes Studio. Francisco Rebajes, a silversmith originally from the Dominican Republic, founded the Studio in the 1950’s.  Over the years, Francisco and Otto, working in their respective materials, created many wonderful pieces of modernist jewelry that still survive today.

It’s hard to believe that from a random pile of rings, I found this one.  My heritage is Dominican, so learning that the ring was made in a modern jewelry studio founded by a Dominican is truly inspiring. Second, given the age of the ring, I never thought that Mr. Bade would still be alive today; he is (aged 88) and lives with his wife at the relocated studio in New Hope, Pennsylvania. 

After finding the ring Mr. Bade made so long ago, part of me wants to contact him to tell him about my find and to thank him. I may just do that.

Safari #35: The Mapparium at the Christian Science Center

Many Bostonians are familiar with Christian Science Park - the lovely fountains and large reflecting pool are a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the working day.  Few actually enter the adjacent Mary Baker Eddy Library to to visit a little known wonder - the Mapparium - a three-story painted glass globe located within the library.

With construction completed in 1935, the Mapparium's view of the world is frozen in time - and reminds viewers of how much the world has changed for the better.  I was in awe from the moment I entered.

Tips for your visit:

• Admission is only $6.  Guided tours are 20 minutes and also include a multimedia presentation.
• Whisper Away.  Go with a partner and test the Mapparium's acoustics.  Occupants can communicate with each other by standing at opposite ends of the room and whispering.  The acoustics will carry your conversation - privately - across the room.  Stand in the center,whisper, and hear yourself speak in surround sound.  
• Learn More About Mary Baker Eddy.  While I do not follow the beliefs of Christian Science, I did find the history of Mary Baker Eddy's life, the philosophy's founder, very interesting.  The self-guided Quest Tour on the second floor of the library will offer you a great introduction.

Images kindly borrowed from AtlasObscura.com and Boston.com. 

Safari #34: Yoga on the Esplanade

We've been enjoying some amazing weather this summer in Boston, and sadly, it's almost to a close. Labor Day weekend is nearly upon us, and if you're still looking for a way to enjoy the outdoors, head to the Charles River Esplanade. For the past month, I've been taking free yoga classes every Wednesday night. If you're looking for a new experience and a way to enjoy low-impact exercise outdoors, these classes are for you.

The Charles River Esplanade Association, formed in 2001, is a non-profit organization that offers free summer programs along the river. The classes I've been taking are part of the Healthy, Fit, and Fun Series, which also includes Zumba, running groups, and fitness boot camps. One of the most popular Esplanade Association events is “Sundays in the Park” where free activities are held on select Sundays all along the walkway. Activities include individual and family yoga, volleyball, badminton, and other lawn games for children.

Tips:

Landmarks Orchestra at the Hatch Shell

• Cover Your Downward Facing Dog. If you've never done yoga before, take your cue from other yogis and wear form fitting clothing. Given the number of positions you'll be bending and twisting yourself into, you will need your clothes to stay put.
• Enjoy Treats. Representatives from Vita Coco and Luna Bar are onsite offering free coconut water and health bars to refresh and energize you after class.
• Give Back. With all of the money you're not spending on yoga classes (ahem ahem), make a donation to the Esplanade Association and help support them as they continue to offer free programming to residents. Visit http://www.esplanadeassociation.org for more information.
• Don't Let the Relaxation End. Whether you're with a group of friends or by yourself, take a short walk over to the Hatch Shell and relax even more with free outdoor concerts from the Boston Landmarks Orchestra. Not to worry if you don't have picnic supplies - concessions and chair rentals are available onsite. 

Safari #33: Sand Sculpture Festival at Revere Beach

1st Place Winner

The Sand Sculpture festival at Revere Beach is so much more than childhood sandcastles; the sculptures will leave you breathless and full of wonder.  If you haven't been to Revere Beach before, let the sand sculpting festival bring you there.

The festival, one of the largest in the country, is held annually and draws an international field of entrants.  It includes live music, concessions, and of course, good, old-fashioned fun.

2nd Place Winner

After viewing the sand sculptures, be sure to check out the open beachfront; it's perfect for long walks and playing in the surf.

Tips:

• Go Early - The festival draws quite a crowd.  Head over on the earlier side to get a birds eye view of the sculptures and to avoid some of the heaviest foot traffic.  Be sure to check the schedule - fireworks are part of the finale.
• Sample Local Flavor - Many visitors during the sculpting festival can enjoy cuisines representative of the many different ethnicities in Revere.  Will this be your day to sample cherrystone clams or perhaps arroz con pollo?
• Learn more about Revere Beach's History - Founded in 1895, did you know that Revere Beach was America's first public beach?
• Get There Easily - Take the MBTA's Blue Line to the Revere Beach stop.  The beach is only a few steps away from the exit.

Safari #32: Lantern Festival at Forest Hills Cemetery

Lanterns at Dusk

Saying goodbye to a loved one who has passed away is never easy, but the Lantern Festival at the Forest Hills Cemetery in Jamaica Plain is lovely opportunity to remember them.

The Lantern Festival is based on the Japanese Bon Festival, a Japanese Buddhist custom that honors the spirits of the deceased. During the festival, it is believed that the door to the ancestral world opens, allowing messages from family members to be sent to the other side.

Using decorative lanterns, participants can write messages to their loved ones, and calligraphers are available to inscribe shades with messages in Chinese or Japanese characters. At dusk, the lanterns are lit and then launched on Lake Hibiscus, the cemetery's central lake. Volunteers are available to assist you with lighting your lantern.

Calligrapher's Table

The lantern launch attracts many local photographers as the sight of the lanterns on the lake is simply beautiful. Combined with the setting sun and high moon, the collective glow during my visit created the perfect setting for reflection.

Before You Go

• Bring a Picnic. Blankets, food, drinks, mosquito spray, and a flash light (for finding your way after dark) are highly recommended.
• Show Up Early & Make a Lantern. The lines can get long, so arrive on the earlier side to allow for enough time to pick up a lantern shade and visit the calligraphy table. 
• Drive or Take Public Transport.  The Cemetery runs adjacent to the Forest Hills T station where the Orange Line and many buses are available.  Parking is also available onsite for $10.
• Be Respectful. Remember that those who have created lanterns are offering messages and prayers to loved ones. Keep loud voices to a minimum. 

Safari #31: Exploring Boston's Emerald Necklace

I love Boston for the simple fact that you can just put on your shoes and head out of the door - many times with no destination in mind.

The next time you're up for a bit of exploring, check out the Emerald Necklace Park System.



Beginning on the Boston Common and ending in Franklin Park, the Necklace includes of some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces you'll see in Boston.

Landscape architect Fredrick Law Olmstead created the park system to offer residents a retreat from city life and the opportunity to gather together in open, picturesque spaces.  He wanted to encourage residents to enjoy the outdoors for both recreation and relaxation - and each park offers great spots for both.

Here are a few of my favorite gems:

• Public Garden Swan Boats - Did you know that the same family has been offering Swan Boat rides since the 1870's?  These foot-pedal powered boats offer a quaint and relaxing view of the Public Garden as they pass shores flanked with sweeping, Weeping Willows.
• The Riverway - running between Fenway Park, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Longwood Medical Area, the Riverway stretches along the banks of the Muddy River offering a great outdoor space for runners looking to log some serious miles. Over the course of our walk, we saw countless numbers of runners all looking for serenity, tree coverage, and flat to moderate trails.
• Jamaica Pond - with a 1.5 mile trail, the pond is great for running, walking and the like.  With benches and a lovely shoreline, the pond is a great fishing spot.  Every spring, the city releases thousands of fish into the pond - marking a yearly festival where first-time fishers can learn the ropes.  The Pond House also offers boats and kayaks for rent along with conveniences such as restrooms and water fountains.   

Before You Go

• All parks within the Emerald Necklace are free and open to the public.  Some conveniences, like kayak rentals at Jamaica Pond, do charge a fee.  The Frog Pond Visitor Center, Esplanade, Jamaica Pond Boat House, and Franklin Park all offer public restrooms.
• The Emerald Necklace Conservancy website offers park history, maps, and events, including Summer Sundays in the Park featuring the Boston Symphony Orchestra.  The first one begins on Sunday, July 12th.
• The volunteer center offers free tours on Tuesdays and Sundays.  Check their schedule of tours to find one right for you.

**Special thanks to Anulfo Baez (aka @EvolvingCritic) for allowing me to accompany him a journey to complete his Boston Bucket List.  I was happy to join you!  Thanks to you, I've already done Trinity Church and will soon check out the Lantern Festival in JP ;)