Safari #70: Free Thursdays at the ICA

If you're looking to start your weekend a little early, free Thursday night's at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is a great way to start. With rotating exhibits year round, free Thursdays are an easy and inexpensive way to broaden your art palate.

The current exhibit, Art, Love, and Politics in the 1980's, offers a holistic view of the diversity of work produced during the 80's including many pieces dealing with social issues.  If you want to learn more about specific pieces, use your cell phone to dial an audio guide.

The ICA is a short walk from Boston's South Station.

While you're in the area, don't forget to explore some of the fabulous restaurants and other sites nearby. Some of my favorites:

• Papagayo - if you saw my post about tequila snow cones, you'll definitely want to head here afterwards for a meal.
• Drink - in a place where no menus exist, simply tell your server what kind of drinks you enjoy, and one will be made especially for you.
• More Art - take a look into the harbor for temporary floating art from the Boston Art Commission, and don't forget about the waterfront near the Children's Museum.  As of this week, Listener is now on display. Give it a shout!

*Image of the ICA kindly borrowed from http://architecturerevived.blogspot.com/2008/11/institute-of-contemporary-art-ica.html

Safari #69: Observatory Nights at Boston University

I felt a little like 2001 A Space Odyssey's Dave Bowman when he proclaimed, "My god, it's full of stars!" this past Wednesday night.

I've always been a stargazer and can remember the times as a child when I used my constellation map to look at stars.If you're remembering the stargazing you did as a child and wondering how you can do it Boston, look no further.

There are a number of ways to enjoy the stars compliments of local universities. Boston University, in particular, has held public observatory nights every Wednesday for the past 40 years from the Coit Observatory located on the roof of the College of Arts and Sciences Building at 725 Commonwealth Avenue.

On the night of my visit, I saw Jupiter (very clear, thus super cool), the Andromeda Galaxy, and the Messier 2 (M2) Globular Cluster.  The latter two items were a little fuzzy - but that's ok, they're pretty far away! (33,000 ly and 2.5 million ly respectively).

If you are looking for a midweek date night idea, have star loving friends, or just want to try something different, the observatory nights are perfect.

Happy viewing!

My Tips:

• Details. Public nights are held on clear Wednesday nights, year round. During the fall/winter months, viewings start at 7:30pm, and during the spring/summer months, viewings start at 8:30pm.  Viewings last one hour. Generally, three objects are highlighted during the first half hour with three additional during the last half hour. Due to the changing nature of Boston weather, it's good practice to call the observatory after 5:30pm (617-353-2630) to confirm that a viewing will be held.  
• Getting There. The easiest way is to take the T to the Boston University Central stop on the B line. The 725 Comm Ave building is on the side of Comm Ave closest to the Charles River. When facing the building, take any of the entry doors to walk up to the 5th floor. Head towards Room 520 and take the smaller staircase next to it to find the entrance to the observatory.  Need an elevator? Elevators are located at both ends of the building.
• Guides. Representatives from the BU Astronomy department host the observatory nights and have a lot of great information to share. They also love questions. Quinn and Trey, the hosts on my night, were friendly and engaging. 
• Rules. Very simply, do not touch or move the telescopes, and no flash photography is allowed.
•  Viewing in the Winter? Dress warmly (gloves, hats, balaclavas - you name it).

p.s. Observatory nights are also held the Museum of Science every Friday during the spring, summer, and fall. The Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics also offers either a viewing or a lecture on the third Thursday of each month. 

Safari #68: Boston's Skinny House

The Skinny House

It's been a while since my last post, but even with the change in the weather, I haven't lost my Boston wanderlust.

Today's safari took me to a little known Boston landmark called the Skinny House - and skinny it is. The house is located at 44 Hull Street directly across from the Copp's Hill Burial Ground. It was my first time at both of these locations, and with the mild temperatures and gentle sunshine, it was the perfect afternoon for exploring.

I love pretending to be a tourist.


My Tips:

• Be Respectful. If you're up for a visit, remember that the home is occupied. I made sure to enjoy my view from across the street so as not to disturb the residents.
• Take a Walk. While I had heard of the Copp's Hill Burial Ground many times, today was the first time I've seen it. Take  note at the detail in the headstones.
• Mangia, Mangia! Since you're in the North End, you may as well stay for a meal.  By the way, if you turn left out of the burial ground and walk back down Hull Street, the Old North Church is right there too.

Copp's Hill Burial Ground

Safari #67: Films at the Gate

Fellow travelers, I recently did one of the most interesting things of all time.  In fact, I might just say ever.

Every summer in Chinatown near the paifang (or gate), Films at the Gate  takes place - kung fu films are displayed outdoors inviting residents and visitors to enjoy an evening of movies, local take out food, and cultural performances.

The Asian Community Development Corporation (ACDC), along with sponsorship from local companies and universities, has been providing cultural programming including Films at the Gate for a number of years.  This event is a great way to partake in the thriving community that is Chinatown.

At one point, I took my attention away from the film and decided to people watch instead.  Hands down, it was truly the most diverse crowd I've ever seen here in Boston.

We were all there to enjoy something special together, and I think that was the point.

My Tips:

• Getting There.  Of course, take the T.  Parking is limited in Chinatown.  If you insist on driving, you can park at South Station.
• Arrive Early.  Films start at 8pm, however, cultural programming begins at 6.  On the night of my visit, local kung fu schools showcased some of their most talented students and included a Lion Dance performance.
• Seating.  Chairs are provided however, they are available on a first come first served basis.  If you do not plan on arriving early enough to grab a seat (before 7:30), you might want to consider bringing your own.
• Food.  Another great reason to arrive early, in addition to selecting seats, is to purchase take out from a local restaurant.  

Special thanks for Anulfo, Jen, Jane, and Emily (who made it up all the way from Connecticut!) for a wonderful evening.

Photo Credit: Lion Dance photo kindly borrowed from Anulfo G. Baez.

Safari #66: Red Bull Cliff Diving at the ICA

How many times have you taken a deep breath and made a wish?  If you attended the Red Bull Boston Cliff Diving World Series this past weekend at the Institute for Contemporary Art, you probably did it more than you'd care to admit.

We've all seen competitive diving before, but never quite like this.  Not many competitive divers dive from 80 feet.  In just a matter of seconds, the divers reach the water with a gut-wrenching, feet first, entry. 

This event, now in its second year, is free and viewable along Boston's Fan Pier.  And without a doubt, Red Bull knows how to draw a crowd.  This event is perfect for hungry Boston sports fans, general city dwellers, and anyone looking to say "Ahhh". With jumbo trons and dive by dive announcements, it was easy to stay engaged, excited, and absolutely thrilled.

If you would like to see more images from the event, visit the Red Bull website.


My Tips:

• Take Public Transport.  While there is plenty of parking available in this area of Fort Point, I'd suggest taking the T.  I (wrongly) decided to drive - and spent 45 minutes trying to find parking.  I only saw 15 minutes of actual diving.  Sniff, sniff.
• Bring Seating.  I can't begin to tell you how many spectators came to the Fan Pier.  If you're early enough, you can grab a spot along the pier or within the grassy area located between Strega and the ICA.
• Food Truck and Vendors (Oh My!).  There are plenty of places to grab a bite and cool drink while you watch the festivities.  You could also opt to bring your treats.
• Visit the ICA.  If you are so inclined, you can attempt to watch the diving from the ICA.  You will also get a chance to view the current exhibits.  Regular admission charges apply.

*Image kindly borrowed from Fred Durso.
 

Safari #65: Shakespeare on the Common

For the last 17 years, the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company (CSC) has been offering free performances of Shakespeare's plays on the Boston Common.  At this point, it's practically a tradition to head to the Common every summer to picnic and watch the show.

And there are a number of ways to do it.  Pay $30 (a donation to the CSC) and secure a lawn chair near the front of the stage.  There's also the option to stake out your own spot on the lawn and have a picnic - which is exactly what friends and I decided to do.  We brought our own blankets, delicious nibbles, and beverages to enjoy the show.

This year's performance of Coriolanus (one of Shakespeare's most political plays and possibly apropos for an election year) was excellent. Shows run Tuesday through Saturday, and start at 8pm.  The Sunday show begins at 7pm.  There are no shows on Mondays.  The performances run through Sunday, August 12th - so make your way to the Common ASAP!

Last but not least, the play runs 2 hours and 45 minutes with the intermission occurring after Coriolanus is expelled from Rome (Act 3, Scene 3).  Hit the restrooms just before!

My Tips:

• Send a Scout.  Given the number of people who attend the performances, a spot on the lawn offering premium views of the stage is a valuable commodity.  Try to arrive early to stake your claim.
• Make a Donation.  Why not?  Give back a little and help others enjoy the show too.
• Read Along.  Depending on where you're sitting, you might want to have a copy of the play in print or on your smartphone.  I read along on my iPhone so as not to miss any of the dialogue.
• Don't Forget - Flashlight, Bug Spray, and a Trash Bag.  It's easy setting up at the beginning of the evening, but at the end, the Common is dark.  A flash light and your own trash bag will make cleaning up your picnic a snap.  The bug spray will keep you comfortable.
• [Update as of July 2016] - There are food trucks available onsite, so if you only have enough time to grab a blanket, you'll be ok ;)

 Have you attended a performance?  What tips would you share?  Add them to the comments below!

*Image kindly borrowed from DigBoston at http://digboston.com/experience/2012/07/date-night-coriolanus/

Safari #64: A Free Downward Facing Dog

Last summer, I blogged about ongoing outdoor activities at the Esplanade, including yoga. If you’re still trying to find ways to enjoy free yoga around town, I have a new resource for you - Lululemon.

In addition to offering clothing and equipment to yoginis, Lululemon also offers free, weekly yoga classes. Combine a class on the Esplanade with one of Lululemon’s classes, and you’ve got free yoga twice per week. How’s that for your downward facing dog?

Last Saturday, I made the journey out to Nantasket Beach (near Hull, MA) for an early morning yoga session (followed by a free surf lesson - way cool!). It was wonderful, and the sound of the lapping waves and rushing water made shivasana all the more relaxing.

If you’re interested in finding free and inexpensive yoga around town, try the following resources:

• Charles River Esplanade Association. Read my post here about Wednesday night yoga on the Esplanade.
• Community Classes at Back Bay Yoga Studio. One of the best studios in town (and my studio of choice for regular classes), Back Bay offers $5 and $10 Community classes multiple days per week.
• Lululemon Athletica. Both the Newbury Store and the Derby Street Store (organizers of the beach yoga session), offer free events every week.
• Liberty Hotel. Every Saturday at 10am, free yoga classes are held in The Yard.
• Spa at the Intercontinental Hotel. Every Saturday from 8 to 9am, free yoga classes are held on the waterfront lawn. Classes will be held through September 1, 2012.

Do you know of other places to practice free yoga? Please share in the comments!

*Image kindly borrowed from the Lululemon Derby Street Facebook page