Sisters in Boston

I turned thirty-one on Monday, and it was a lovely day full of good wishes from friends, family, colleagues, and some fun surprises from my husband. But just before that, I got an extra-special pre-birthday present: my sister came to visit.

She had planned to come with my brother-in-law, but he was felled by a wicked sinus infection at the last minute, so she came alone. And we had three glorious days together.

This was Betsy’s first time in Boston, so we began at the beginning: Boston Common, King’s Chapel, the Old Granary Burying Ground (where Paul Revere, Sam Adams and other notables are buried).

We strolled the Public Garden (visiting the duckling statues, of course) and wandered down Newbury Street, doing a bit of shopping. (Bets is a champion shopper, and she gives the best fashion advice.)

We ended up at the Prudential Center, where we grabbed some ice cream before heading out on a Duck Tour (my first).

It was so fun – lots of Boston history with a healthy dose of quirky trivia, imparted by Jason the Argonaut, our laurel-wearing driver/guide.

On Saturday, I gave her the tour of Harvard Square – the Yard and its beautiful buildings, Memorial Church and Widener Library, the campus of HGSE (where I work). Of course we had to stop at Finale for delicious desserts (so rich we couldn’t even finish them).

We ate at Fox & Hound that night – delicious American food and bruschetta that will change your life. As we were paying, the waiter said to Betsy, “You’re from Texas, right?” She said, “How did you know?” His reply was succinct: “Steak. Blonde.”

She headed home on Sunday afternoon (after church and brunch at the Regal Beagle), and I miss her already.

Betsy and I are 17 months apart, and were always close during our growing-up years (though we’re very different in temperament and interests). It is such a gift to rediscover some of that closeness as adults. And though I love visiting her in my hometown, it was so much fun to show her around my city.

But I also loved sitting in the living room each morning, sipping coffee and chatting about our lives. We told stories and laughed over high school memories and just enjoyed being together. And, as per tradition, we watched a little Friends (in this case, the Season 7 gag reel – which makes me laugh so hard I cry, every single time).

Come back soon, Bets. Boston (and I) will be waiting for you.

 

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