USA | Daydream Tourist

Jul 8

“Visiting” Hungary at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival

As if the 4th of July weren’t exciting enough in Washington D.C., the Smithsonian host the annual Folklife Festival that week on the National Mall. Bringing together international musicians, storytellers and craftspeople, the Festival celebrates culture and the preservation of traditional arts throughout the world. Every year, three themes are selected for the festival and usually include a country, region, or collective community experience. This year the themes were 1) Hungary, 2) Endangered Languages and 3) African-American fashion.

The Hungarian Village section of the festival sought to celebrate traditional music, dance and crafts as well as the people who are revitalizing that culture today. There were informative museum-like exhibits, artisan demonstrations and lots of concerts. Ever the international traveler, I was so excited to explore the Hungarian portion of the festival!

The Peacock Tower designed by Transylvanian architect Gyule Szilegyi stood at the center of the 2013 Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

May 14

Empire Garden Chinese restaurant and theater, Boston

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Brunch in Boston with a Side of History

The restaurant I’m recommending for “Best Brunch in Boston” actually has only average to above average food. The dim sum at Empire Garden is good and certainly satisfying, but I really want you to go there because of the unbelievably beautiful and historic dining room.

Empire Garden Chinese Restaurant, Boston (photo: Wikimedia)

May 8

Boston Marathon Memorial: Spontaneity and Sympathy

I ventured to down to Copley Square in Boston this Saturday. An avid fan and patron of the Library, I’m usually down every other weekend, but following the Marathon bombings, I haven’t been able to go. With a cautious reverence, I went to the now very familiar bombing locations. I expected to see two holes in the sidewalk, extensive damage to the buildings, or something to mark the horror of April 15th, but there was nearly nothing. Its true, Boston is in fact strong and cleans up well, but it felt eerily empty considering how many lives were changed along this street just a few weeks ago. Not far away in Copley Square, a large “U”of police barricades and park benches had been transformed into a make-shift bombing memorial.

May 2

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Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Bloom

When the first Spring blossoms have arrived and the trees start to turn green with immature shoots, then it’s time for me to visit the Mt. Auburn Cemetery. Founded in the 1830’s, many elite Bostonians are buried in the rolling 174 acres of this graveyard. Like many old cemeteries, Mt. Auburn is more of a park filled with historic and interesting memorials. Early May is one of the best times to visit when you can stroll and enjoy the mix of burgeoning color and partially bare trees.

Mar 12

wood fence, Nauset Light Beach, Cape Cod

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A Day on Cape Cod

Maybe its because I’m really ready for Spring, but I’ve been thinking a lot about summer in Cape Cod. After 3 years in New England, I only got to the Cape this past year, and even then for only a day. Like a lot of the coastal US, the communities along the Cape were filled with summer cottages, ice cream shops, fish fry stands and eclectic craft shops. Everything seemed to exude the relaxation and fun of a summer vacation destination. I enjoyed exploring the extensive windswept beaches, the sea-side trails and a chance to take in the crashing waves. Cape Cod has had a rough winter with damaging wind and high tides. Hopefully the erosion has been minimal and the beaches are still there waiting for Spring too.

Nauset Lighthouse Beach along the Eastern coast of Cape Cod: