So, where are we? Oh, yes! To the train to Boston, in the heart of Massachusetts and one of the oldest and most historical cities of the US.
We arrived at the prestigious South Station, named after the former Governor Michael S.Dukakis, only the second Greek American Governor in the US history (and a really charming guy when he was younger), so I immediately felt connected with the city! We checked in Hilton and the adventure begun. The fun thing is that we had to roommate with one of our colleagues, but we didn't know who that person would be until we arrived at the hotel.
This day I had an appointment at the Science Museum and as I was heading to it, I really didn't know what to expect. Well, of course I had checked the website, but when I got there I was totally amazed. If you ever go to Boston, please add it to your checklist. As I entered the lobby, I saw all the names of the great Greek ancient scientists (did I mention that the current president of the Museum is Greek? Something serious is going on between Boston and Greek people).
There, I had a lovely and inspiring tour led by Larry Ralph, Director, Education Enterprises and Temporary Exhibits that explained to me the whole philosophy of the museum, which is based on exploration, interaction and the relation between technology and nature. I was overwhelmed by the amount of exhibit items and the intelligence behind the curation. If there is a model for science communication and education, Science Museum is with no doubt the leader. The most exciting part of my tour was the opportunity I had to have a sneak peek of the upcoming exhibition (opens in June 28th), The Science Behind Pixar. So, Larry I truly appreciate it :)
This whole science thing made me feel like a Bing Bang Theory character, so what was next in the schedule was absolutely perfect: FOOD! We ended up in a very cosy restaurant by the harbour where I shared with my partner in crime Dina (thanks Dina!) this gigantic plate of mussels and pasta seafood (I know that somewhere there is a much more funnier pic of my trying to eat all the mussels).
The next morning and having our stomach still full, we decided to feed our minds. Off to Harvard, one of the most famous Universities in the world. On our way there, I discovered the certificate I would love to have from Harvard.
I am not sure, if you can see it clearly, but yes it is a Certificate on Bartending from Harvard, isn't that cool? After wandering around in Harvard Square, the tour begun. Our guide gave us an extended tour of the University facilities sharing with us anecdotes about the school.
Did you know that there are three misleading information in George Harvard's statue sign? Or that the Harvard Library is related to the Titanic? Or that some of the main study rooms resemble the halls of Harry Potter's Hogwarts School? Maybe that's why JK Rowling addressed a magical speech on 2008's graduation ceremony on failure and imagination.
Later on and getting back to Boston, we had a chance to experience the city. I really loved the statues (there are tons of them) capturing historical moments and persons.
The following day was absolutely magic, as we sailed to Salem (note to self: remember to make the connection between Salem and entrepreneurship in the next blog post). There, we visited the Witch Trials Memorial
but what captured my imagination was the guided visit to the House of the Seven Gables. If you haven't read the book, please do. The house and its history- and especially the story of Caroline Emmerton, founder of the present day museum, were really interesting, under the scope of their relation to the modern american history.
Off to our brooms back to Boston!
After an extremely long day and really sore feet
we had a lovely dinner at Mitelene (Greece again... not my fault guys) Fletcher's house. Mitelene is Director of Pre K-12 International Programs at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and alumna of NYU Education doctoral program. You can see how shinny that evening was!
I think I am going to stop here and leave the rest of the Boston trip for the next blog post... So, Cheers!
We arrived at the prestigious South Station, named after the former Governor Michael S.Dukakis, only the second Greek American Governor in the US history (and a really charming guy when he was younger), so I immediately felt connected with the city! We checked in Hilton and the adventure begun. The fun thing is that we had to roommate with one of our colleagues, but we didn't know who that person would be until we arrived at the hotel.
This day I had an appointment at the Science Museum and as I was heading to it, I really didn't know what to expect. Well, of course I had checked the website, but when I got there I was totally amazed. If you ever go to Boston, please add it to your checklist. As I entered the lobby, I saw all the names of the great Greek ancient scientists (did I mention that the current president of the Museum is Greek? Something serious is going on between Boston and Greek people).
There, I had a lovely and inspiring tour led by Larry Ralph, Director, Education Enterprises and Temporary Exhibits that explained to me the whole philosophy of the museum, which is based on exploration, interaction and the relation between technology and nature. I was overwhelmed by the amount of exhibit items and the intelligence behind the curation. If there is a model for science communication and education, Science Museum is with no doubt the leader. The most exciting part of my tour was the opportunity I had to have a sneak peek of the upcoming exhibition (opens in June 28th), The Science Behind Pixar. So, Larry I truly appreciate it :)
This whole science thing made me feel like a Bing Bang Theory character, so what was next in the schedule was absolutely perfect: FOOD! We ended up in a very cosy restaurant by the harbour where I shared with my partner in crime Dina (thanks Dina!) this gigantic plate of mussels and pasta seafood (I know that somewhere there is a much more funnier pic of my trying to eat all the mussels).
The next morning and having our stomach still full, we decided to feed our minds. Off to Harvard, one of the most famous Universities in the world. On our way there, I discovered the certificate I would love to have from Harvard.
I am not sure, if you can see it clearly, but yes it is a Certificate on Bartending from Harvard, isn't that cool? After wandering around in Harvard Square, the tour begun. Our guide gave us an extended tour of the University facilities sharing with us anecdotes about the school.
Did you know that there are three misleading information in George Harvard's statue sign? Or that the Harvard Library is related to the Titanic? Or that some of the main study rooms resemble the halls of Harry Potter's Hogwarts School? Maybe that's why JK Rowling addressed a magical speech on 2008's graduation ceremony on failure and imagination.
Later on and getting back to Boston, we had a chance to experience the city. I really loved the statues (there are tons of them) capturing historical moments and persons.
The following day was absolutely magic, as we sailed to Salem (note to self: remember to make the connection between Salem and entrepreneurship in the next blog post). There, we visited the Witch Trials Memorial
but what captured my imagination was the guided visit to the House of the Seven Gables. If you haven't read the book, please do. The house and its history- and especially the story of Caroline Emmerton, founder of the present day museum, were really interesting, under the scope of their relation to the modern american history.
Off to our brooms back to Boston!
After an extremely long day and really sore feet
we had a lovely dinner at Mitelene (Greece again... not my fault guys) Fletcher's house. Mitelene is Director of Pre K-12 International Programs at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and alumna of NYU Education doctoral program. You can see how shinny that evening was!
I think I am going to stop here and leave the rest of the Boston trip for the next blog post... So, Cheers!
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