I was walking down the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway not too long ago and found myself thinking again/as usual about Boston, and all the other places in the world where I could possibly be (Belize, Belarus, Belgium, Bahrain, Burundi, Bonaire). Then I thought, The sun today is so pretty, shining just so, why can’t Boston be enough? So I decided, to keep me company as I warily made my way across the remaining patches of ice and snow, to make a list of things I love about this town (well, metro-area). I came to Boston for a reason, after all, and have stayed for others, and when you’ve lived in one place for as many years as this it’s bound to leave its mark. I know that no matter where I go and where I end up, I’ll always have some sort of wanderlust hovering at the edge of my vision, almost the aura that zips along the corner of my eye just before I slip into a migraine — but without the pain. Well, maybe not without the pain; it’s just different, when you long for something so much. I just keep telling myself, Soon soon soon. Hopefully it’s the truth. Until then, this town is my home.
- 90 Chestnut Street, my favorite building in all of Beacon Hill. Next time I’m in the neighborhood (and when I have a working camera again) I’ll take a photo for you.
- The back streets of Cambridge, and the literary history of the city.
- Bloc 11, since it’s much easier to park in Union Square than it is when visiting its sister coffeehouse, Diesel Café, in Davis.
- The Brattle Theatre, where I don’t watch movies often enough.
- Commonwealth Avenue Mall, especially the portion between Exeter and Dartmouth Streets, where I shot my first student film with a 16mm Bolex.
- The double-door brownstones in the South End, because they’re so stately.
- Good, the gorgeous and pristine boutique on Charles Street selling such wares as John Derian découpage items and Satya jewelry.
- Grub Street, where I’ve taken countless helpful and encouraging writing workshops.
- Forest Hills Cemetery, which is both free to visit and incredibly beautiful.
- Formaggio Kitchen, because — let’s face it — I just can’t live without cheese.
- Janet Warner at Salon Marc Harris on Newbury Street, who has been cutting my hair and making me laugh since 2003, and doing a damn good job at both.
- Porter Square Books, because sometimes it’s nice to actually buy a book in a store and not just at Amazon.
- The view of the Charles from the roof of 132 Beacon Street, a sight I’ll probably never see from the same vantage point again since the building is currently being renovated into luxury condominiums.
- Volle Nolle, the makers of the some of the best sandwiches in all of Boston.
