Assembly Row

Took a quick visit to Assembly Row in Somerville, the new mixed-use development. Not much is open yet but the place was teeming with people. Lego Discovery is open as is the AMC Theater and a handful of shops with the promise of many more to come.

There is a lot of parking, both in lots and in a garage in the development, but traffic is tough so be patient. There are stop signs and traffic cops everywhere and pedestrians that jump out of the woodwork. If you come prepared for this then you'll save yourself the usual parking lot stress. 

For Lego enthusiasts, please note adults are not admitted into the discovery park when not accompanied by a child. You can, however, get in to the retail shop as it is in the lobby and not restricted. 

Lego giraffe outside

Happy Weekend!

Weekend

The weekend between Christmas and New Year's is strange. If you are not travelling and visiting family or if you don't have children, is it just a regular weekend? For me, I guess the answer is yes.

I went to the movies and saw The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. I really enjoyed reading this series and I thought they did a fine job with the first movie. Catching Fire was even better. The film does an excellent job at capturing both the grittiness of District life and the opulence and outrageousness of the Capitol. I did find Jennifer Lawrence's Katniss a bit stiff at times, but I think that worked. Katniss is stiff and awkward in her own skin. She doesn't like attention or being in the spotlight. I thinking I was just wishing for a little more chemistry between her and both of the male leads. The actors playing Gale and Peeta are both well chosen for those roles. But neither seemed to have any real romantic chemistry with Katniss. Maybe that will change in the next movie - I sure hope so...no spoilers here but read the books!

I came across this amazing site: Urban Landscapes Then and Now. Showing old photos of cities compared with the same spot in 2013. Amazing how much things have changed. But is it for the better? As I said to the friend that sent the link: will there be any undeveloped, unused space on this planet in another century? I sure hope so...

Boston Whovians Invade London!

2013 marks the 50^th anniversary of the airing of Doctor Who. To celebrate the occasion the BBC threw a convention at London ExCel November 22, 23, and 24. Unfortunately the website for the con is no longer available so I cannot link to it.

There were 8 of us in total from the Boston area that were able to get tickets to the show and made the journey to London – some for the first time.

A first trip to Paris

London has always been my favorite city. I rarely travel anywhere else. While this trip was no exception, I did manage to squeeze in a couple of days in Paris. It was a short trip, not even 3 full days, but it was amazing. Paris is truly a magnificent city, full of history and stunning architecture. I plan to return and wouldn't hesitate to recommend you add it to your places to visit asap!

London to Paris

November 19, 2013

Everything is accessible in Europe. In just over two hours I can go from London to Paris. Europe is big and spread out, but America just seems vast. The only place I can be in two hours from Boston is Connecticut - not too shabby, but not Paris. Not another country.

The Adventure Begins

Back to London for the 50th anniversary celebration of Doctor Who. Throw in a little side trip to Paris and a jaunt to Cardiff. An adventure indeed!

Starting off with a light dinner in the BA club world lounge. 

Dessert...

I'm hoping to get some sleep on the flight as I expect to hit the ground running when I arrive Thursday morning. First stop, Stratford Upon Avon for The Royal Shakespeare's Richard II starring Ten himself, David Tennant. We have obstructed seats and we're not sitting together but Who the heck cares! I'm just happy to be going. 

The lounge here is bustling. Time to read and settle down for the flight. 

More from London...