dad's weekend 2011

There were a few ups and downs during this year's baseball trip, but overall it was a success. Both dad and I arrived in Boston without a hitch. After checking in to the hotel we walked down the street to grab lunch. We had big dinner plans so we just wanted something small. Unfortunatly I made the wrong decision. I ordered a small bucket of steamers (steamed clams) and thought they were great, until several hours later when we sat down to dinner.

I had heard so much about the Daily Catch and was most looking forward to it. The restaurant only seats 20 and smells like a hundred pounds of garlic deliciousness. We waited outside in line for about 45 minutes and just as we were about to be seated I got really hot and did not feel well. We sat down, ordered a glass of wine, and after one sip I excused myself from the table to go across the street to the bathroom (yes, you read correctly, the bathroom is across the street in other restaurant). To make this long semi gross story short, let's just say while my dad ate the appetizer I sat outside on the curb hurled over. Our waitress was awesome and brought me water and my dad thankfully got the main course to go. It was a long, long night for me. I am happy that my dad got to indulge on the fabulous food from the Daily Catch but I was super bummed I did not.

The Daily Catch

Sunday over. Monday, I woke up feeling much better. Bottom line, I won't be having steamers for a very, very long time.

I had to work for a couple hours Monday morning so we didn't leave the hotel till about noon. We walked through Back Bay, where we stayed, and towards the North End. The weather was windy, damp and foggy the entire trip, which we were sort of prepared. We were however, not prepared for the wind chill. Welcome to Boston! We walked down most of the Freedom Trail and saw the Boston Massacre, the Old South Meeting House, several cemetery's, statues, memorials, the Old North Church, and so much more. As we were walking towards the Old North Church we stumbled back to same place we were Sunday night. While standing in line at the Daily Catch a local was telling us about this pastry shop down the street, Modern Pastry Shop. Most people stop by Mike's to get their cannoli's, but to the locals, it's a touristy spot. Before the Old North Church and lunch, we took a pit stop at Modern and had a giant cream puff, cannoli's, and an eclair. Don't worry, we didn't hardly finish it all, except for dad's eclair, which disappeared immediately. After a much needed walk and picking up fresh pasta to take home to mom, we had lunch at The Bell in Hand, America's oldest bar. Afterwards we walked through the financial district of Boston and took a very long way back to the hotel. We caught a few zzz's before heading to Fenway.

The Old North Chruch

The Bell in Hand

You thought I was kidding about the desserts didn't you?

Best cannoli ever. And cream puff. A-mazing!

The highlight of the trip was of course the baseball game. The main point of "Dad's Weekend." Walking to the game we realized that is was our first ever away game. Neither of us had ever purposely gone to watch the visiting team. And by the amount of orange in the stadium it was obvious. The Orioles started strong as anticipated but after a very long 6th inning that consisted of three different pitchers... we pretty much choked. But one day, the O's will be back on top and I will honestly be able to tell you that neither my dad or I are fair-weathered fans. Will always love the O-birds!

Cold and damp, but we made it to the end. Go O's!

View from our seats, no zoom. Third baseline, behind the Orioles dugout.

More to come, so check back in a day or two.