For the 4th of July this year, we had both sets of inlaws / outlaws / scofflaws / whatever (actually, everyone gets along with everyone really well) in town, along with our nieces. So, since it was our first 4th of July in Boston, we decided to do it up right and watch the fireworks along with half a million other people on the Charles River.
To do it "really right", we got seats on the Esplanade, out next to the river, to watch. This meant hauling an unbelievable amount of food, blankets, and tarps (in case of rain) along with us. We essentially moved out of our apartment for 7 hours, then moved back in afterward.
The whole experience was a lot of fun, but I'm not sure if it's something I'd do again. However, we had a great time being together and hanging out. This also included a very patriotic diaper change.
In the process, I learned a few important lessons.
- The "old lady" shopping carts that you see people pushing around supermarkets are designed with the express purpose of being impossible to manage when they are full. They go in a straight line only.
- Having 500,000 people between you and the toilets, which are only 300 yards away causes a unique type of claustrophobia. If something were to happen, you really won't be able to go anywhere. Period.
- The promise of the Boston Pops and Rascal Flatts is really just a way to get people to come listen to the announcers.
- It takes a lot of activities to keep a group of 9 entertained for 6 hours, but a shopping cart full of stuff is just enough to make it work.
- 500,000 people is just a lot of people, even if half of them are Boston cops. Who knew?
- If you don't know for sure where they are launching the fireworks, and there is no wind, trees and smoke can be problems.
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