Becky's photoblog

I took a nice long walk around Boston, starting and ending at Symphony Hall. I walked through the Christian Science Plaza, passed the reflecting pool, passed the Prudential Center, down Huntington Ave, and left on Ring Road at Copley Plaza to Boylston Street. Left on Boylston, right on Fairfield, straight down Fairfied Ave to the foot bridge over Storrow Drive and down to the Charles River Esplanade. At that point, I realized that there was some kind of walk for something going on because there were TONS of people walking along the river in blue t-shirts. I took a closer look, and realized there were tons of little kids walking. Their t-shirts said it all: Boston Children’s Hospital: Raise funds, Save lives, Repeat.

As I crossed the little bridge to my favorite part of the esplanade, the little island that gives you a great view of Back Bay, I was so moved to see so many families walking together on such a gorgeous day and raising money for sick kids. There were even a bunch of what looked like high school cheerleaders cheering everyone on. From where I was, I could see two long streams of families in blue-tshirts, some coming towards me along the island, and some crossing back over to the Storrow Drive side and walking in the same direction as me.

Later, I looked it up and learned that the event was NStar’s Walk for Boston Children’s Hospital, and that there was a 2-mile route and a 7-mile route, both starting and ending at the Hatch Shell. I was right at the turn-around point for the 2-mile route which I why I was seeing walkers in both directions.

I continued along, and crossed back over Storrow Drive near Clarendon Street, then walked down Clarendon towards Back Bay Station. As I passed through Copley Plaza, I was pleasantly surprised to see rainbow flags and an American flag flying from facade of Boston Public Library (it’s usually several American flags). Not sure if there’s some occasion I’m not aware of, but I don’t care – it looked absolutely amazing! I stopped to watch some street performers, then continued on down Clarendon.

Across from Back Bay Station, I took a right into the Southwest Corridor Park, and walked through the gorgeous tree-lined park that runs through the beautiful residential neighborhood of the South End. That brought me back to the Prudential Center, and then again through the Christian Science Plaza and back to Symphony Hall!

I had a cold last week, which kept us from seeing the MFA’s new Samurai exhibit during the Members’ Preview days. We finally got the chance to see it tonight, and it was spectacular! When it comes to art, ancient Japanese armor is far from my usual favorites, but this is an exquisite collection of truly magnificent craftsmanship. Brian loves this kind of stuff and we were both really excited to see this exhibit.

This is a picture of the facade of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Flags are at half-mast all over the city because of the bombing two days ago. Many of us have barely scratched the surface when it comes to processing what has happened. In one of many gestures that makes me love my city even more, Boston museums offered free admission in recognition that museums offer a place for peaceful reflection.

You got that right.

After we saw the exhibit, we decided to walk up Huntington Ave towards Copley Square, which is still blocked off as a crime scene. We got up to the Christian Science Plaza during that golden hour of dusk when the light is perfect. Museums are great, but the Christian Science Plaza is often where I go when I’m in need of peaceful reflection. It’s absolutely beautiful. I can stand in one place and see four of my favorite buildings all at once, without moving my neck, and their reflections in the pool are simply stunning.

We continued up Huntington Ave until we arrived at the edge of Copley Square. News trucks were absolutely everywhere. Bright lights, cameras, cables, equipment and a lot of people doing nothing. At that point, there was so little to report, and everything that could be said had already been said over and over. I snapped a few pictures and immediately felt bad for acting like a tourist, and yet it’s so important to capture this moment. I’ve taken hundreds of photos of Copley Square. This is my city.

The reflecting pool at the Christian Science Center Plaza — Not a bad spot to wander after dinner …

Met up with an old friend for dinner at the Prussia, and wandered around Christian Science Plaza before and after dinner. This is the Mother Church of Christian Science reflected in the pool. I love this area of Boston!

Best way to beat the heat

Best way to catch up with an old friend: take laps around a gorgeous reflecting pool as the sun sets, then head to Newbury St for ice cream. Thanks for a lovely evening, my dear!

I love my new camera. And this church. This is the First Church of Christian Science  (or the Mother Church), with the old church (the tower in front), lining up quite nicely with the new church (the dome and the bigger building in back). I highly recommend checking out the interior of both, and wandering around this Plaza at night. 

See what I mean? This is the Mother Church on the left, the Sheraton  (in red in the background), the Prudential Tower (with the yellow lights at the top) and the 101 Huntington tower 

These are other photos that I’ve taken of the Christian Science center complex in the last few years.