June 15, 2011

• Boston for El_nor's and Nigel's Wedding!

   Lot's of photos; beware!  This past weekend, Kyohei and I went up to Boston on Thursday for the celebration of our long time friends' wedding

  
  We got there too late for the cookout at her house    But we did make it out a little bit.  Here is a section of the album where we stand by things in Boston.  Above:  me in China town

  
  Kyohei by Macy's

  
   We got a fantastic Ramen shop recommendation from fukuoka_stars, thanks!

  
  It turned out to be a whole group of little Japanese shops!  How cool!  Even though Kyohei and I would be in Japan in a week, we couldn't resist these great eats.  Here is some green tea cake.... delightful.

  
  Friday's photos = 'things that are red in Boston'

  Here I am across from our hotel, The Langham.  This hotel was sooooo nice.  We had such a comfortable stay.  I am not accustomed to such good service.

  

  

  
  We stopped by the King's Chapel Burial Ground too.  I really liked the old tombstones.  I want something dark on mine like a skull or skeleton.  Nowadays we go for angels and hearts.  When did we get so soft?

  

  

  
  Lobster for lunch.  This was actually SUPER delicious.

  
  that afternoon, I completed my Beer-pilgrimage to Sam Adams.  It was everything I dreamed of.

  

  
  sampling the different barley and hops that go into the brewing

  
  Kyohei in front of the barrels where they age special beer

  
  Whoh!  Isn't that the guy from the commercials?!?  I was so starstruck.

  
  After the tour and info, we got free glasses and samples of beer.  Of course they were all delicious.  We even got to try a new kind they are testing before the put it on the market. 

  
  cheers! 

  

  Before the rehearsal, El_nor gave Red (the other bridesmaid) and I these great clutches!  What a great surprise

  
  Flowers in the lobby of the Boston Harbor Hotel where the wedding and reception were held.

  
  the happy couple at the rehearsal dinner

  
  the day of the wedding, I was itching to go and see Boston Commons and the gardens.

  

  You know, I'm ALWAYS up for seeing some gardens

  
  I was not disappointed.  It was beautiful.

  

  
  I want to re-create this planter.  I love pussy willow. 

  
  The bride!  El_nor looks soooo beautiful.  Her dress was spectacular. 

  
  So was her fastinator!

  
  
  I just loved her flower arrangements and bouquets too.

  
  roses, peonies and MINT, what a cool idea

  

  
  newlyweds + justgotspaid (aka, awesome bridesmaid!)

  
  I loved the cake toppers el_nor made-- inspired by her elementary school art project.  too cute

  
  1st dance

  
  me, enjoying the heck out of some champagne and cake

  
  our obligatory self-shot portrait of the night

  
  Kyohei looking studly

  
  The after party!  By that time my hair was sufficiently rained on and it went back.

  
  El_nor with her husband and brothers

  
  I took this shot for you, HT

  
  Nice entrance

  
  Paul Revere!  Someone had put jerseys on all the statues in Boston.  It was awesome.

  
  I took this shot for Sarah Stupid Palin.  No, Paul Revere did not fire warning shots at the British so we could keep our arms, you idiot.

  All in all, we had a great time at the wedding and in Boston.  There were no major disasters or drama.  It was so much fun to see friends and dance all night.  I was really glad that I was picked to be a bridesmaid, the day felt really special for me too.  Amazingly, El_nor was just down here Monday and Tuesday (yes RIGHT after her wedding) to defend her dissertation.  Now she is Dr. & Mrs. El_nor!  What a big week for my friend!  Congrats!

  

  this is a completely unrelated moth outside my apartment yesterday.  This is the first time for me to see one of these beauties in person.  I was thrilled.

  

  Tonight Kyohei and I pack up and leave for Japan!  I JUST got unpacked from Boston last night.  Feeling a little bit insane, but what can you do, eh?  This weekend is Maki, Kyohei's little sister's wedding!  No promises, but  will try to post while I am over there.

  sigh, I can't believe I will be in Japan again in 36 hrs.  Just two years ago RIGHT NOW I was somewhere in Kochi walking the 88 temple pilgrimage.  I wonder if I will see any kindred pilgrims on the trail?  I long to be walking again myself......
   
  But for now 1) finish up this office work  2) pack  3) hit the road

  • 12:45 pm
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