It’s one of those questions that supposed to give insight into what you truly value: How would you describe your perfect day?
On a trip to Boston a couple of weeks ago, I realized the way I’d spent my day would qualify as an answer to this question, and I’d actually lived it!
Here’s what I did.
Early morning walk at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This cemetery was the vanguard of the rural garden cemetery movement in the US. Its beauty is legendary. I’d visited before, but this time I only gave myself about forty-five minutes to explore a small section. The weather was amenable, the light great for taking photos, and the setting peaceful and serene. It’s evident why this place inspires reverence among cemetery enthusiasts.
Late morning visit to the Harvard Museum of Natural History with my husband, David. I’ve wanted to see the glass flower exhibit at this museum for a few years, so I checked that off my list, and then I had time to peruse the fossils of extinct species on display.
Caught the afternoon matinee of the musical, Parade, at the Emerson Colonial Theatre. Seeing Parade was another activity that’s been on my bucket list for a few years, ever since I learned that the musical is based on story of Leo Frank, a Jewish man charged with murder in Atlanta in the early 20th century. The case gave rise to a strong wave of anti-semitism that eventually led to him being illegally lynched by a mob. I wouldn’t say I enjoyed seeing the musical given the content, but it was fascinating to see a story I’ve learned about in a variety of ways (e.g., cemetery tours, podcasts, news articles) told through song.
Fancy solo seafood outing. David had a conference banquet to attend in the evening. He is allergic and I love them, so I tend seek them out when I’m on my own. At Saltie Girl in Boston, I started with oysters and pink champagne and then enjoyed an uni and tuna tartare toast, a side of charred cabbage, and another glass of bubbly.
After dinner, I returned to the place we were staying, and spent a couple of hours reading in bed in my comfy pajamas before David made it back from his banquet dinner.
The many flavors of perfect
My perfect day in Boston didn’t include all the things I love, but there’s no way I could fit everything I enjoy within a twenty-four hour period, especially because my perfect day would also include good sleep. Through this experience, I’ve realized there’s not one perfect day for me, but many. And even days that feel perfect can probably be improved upon. Like I wish I would have ordered six oysters instead of four!
How would you spend your perfect day(s)?
Another perfect day
After writing this post, I took a day trip to New York City where I had another perfect day: listening to my favorite podcast on the drive to New Haven, reading a book on the train to the city, visiting the Morgan Library & Museum, eating at a trendy brunch spot, reading at the public library, seeing an excellent production of John Proctor is the Villain on Broadway, and returning home in time to eat dinner with David and sleep in my own perfect (Purple) bed.
I kind of had a week like that last week. I read, spent time with Shayla and family ,drank coffee and walked my dogs! That is my happy.
These sound so nice! I think I'd add oysters to my perfect day, too. :) My perfect day might also include a walk in the woods, a picnic, and probably some paddleboarding. However, if I were to do a perfect city day, I'd pretty much borrow your schedule!