Early weekend mornings were always my favorite when I lived in downtown Boston. There was a calm about the city that only took place then.
The tourists hadn’t quite come out yet – still sound asleep in their Airbnb’s, or half asleep scanning their hotel’s room service menu with one eye open deciding what to order for breakfast.
Not long after they would start to trickle out and the tempo would quicken. There would be lots of picture taking, children laughing and lots of confused stares at smart phones while determining location and directions.
If I didn’t have my earbuds in I could almost always count on being asked which way x, y, z was… or asked to take a picture, which I always happily assisted.
During the week, mornings were pure chaos as sidewalks and streets filled with professionals rushing to work. They would come off the ferry or train in giant packs – almost as one entity. When the crowd would break up some you would notice their individual actions. Most had headphones on. Some had a cell phone up to their ear already on a business call. Others were scarfing down the last of their breakfast. All were in a hurry.
But early weekend mornings offered a protected peace. A peace that provided a rare opportunity to take in all the beauty and historical energy of the city with no distractions.
The harbor was just steps from my building. I’d take my coffee and go sit on the concrete ledge along the water and watch the sunrise. I was usually the only one out there with the exception of the occasional runner that would jog by behind me. Boats lightly bobbed on the surface of the water as seagulls flew overhead. It was simply beautiful.
Once the sun was up, tourists would slowly begin to make their way outside ready for a day of sightseeing. Little by little some would join me on the concrete ledge along the water taking notice of the view I was taking in.
The moment was no longer only mine, yet I couldn’t help but smile as I watched their faces light up with excitement. Now it was their turn. Their turn to have that special moment.
I’d grab my coffee and slowly make my way back to my building. Earbuds in, of course.