Day One - 5/7/2006 Boston

Our day in Boston started at 9am, at the water front. As Robert found a park bench to tend to 99 cent issues, Nate and I explored the docks. As you can see, Nate loves the camera. You'll be seeing allot of him on this trip.



After napping (jetlag) through an IMAX shark movie, we descended into the subway headed for Fenway. Note to self, don't take flash photos down the tunnel of an on coming train. Result: a stern wag of the finger from the conductor.



On the streats of Boston, Coke seams to be big.
The best word for the Fenway park - "Party". Although at the time we did not realize it, the dogs at Fenway were the best. The people were great and everyone seemed to be genuine baseball fans, albeit Red Sox baseball fans.

On to the game, the Sox had a 9 to 2 lead over the Orioles by the fifth. Not much incentive to stay to the end. We did get a glimpse inside the Sox fan mentality. With their team comfortably ahead, the fan in front of us explained that he had an inexpensive solution to the Sox's bullpen issues (Foulke and Taveraz), two 22-caliber bullets. Luckily Robert did not reveal his Yankee allegiance. We left early.

In to the rental car, Nate snaked the front seat. A few hours later, the sun set on our first day as we entered New Jersey. More to come....

Day Two - 5/8/2006 New York

After a late dinner at Virgil’s BBQ (because nothing says BBQ like NYC), we tried to beat the jetlag by sleeping late on Monday. I did not make it past 9am, but Nate slept till 2:30. Rob spent the day with his family, so it’s just Nate and I in NYC - no baseball games today.
We lunched at the Stage deli; I had a bowl of matzah ball soup and Nate, the Ben Stiller – an open-faced roast beef sandwich smothered in gravy. We walked down Seventh Avenue to Central Park in search of the Zoo.


The Zoo looked nothing like it did in the movie Madagascar – no lions, zebras or giraffes – plus no one was animated. We did enjoy the seals and polar bears.

We had to hurry down to the Children’s Zoo before it closed. It turns out sleeping all day limits our entertainment options. I stumbled into Peter Parker’s stomping grounds and I heard that there was a hairless Hare sighting.

We walked back through Central Park on our way to Times Square. We looked but did not see The Donald.



We saw the late showing of MI-3 and ended up back on the streets of Manhattan after mid-night. Most of the sit down restaurants were closed so we ended up at Famous Ray’s Pizza, or was it Ray’s Original Famous, or Original Famous Ray’s. It was good New York style pizza.

Day Three - 5/9/2006 New York

After a quick stop at Shea to pick up our Yankee tickets (there’s logic there somewhere), we headed to Coney Island.
The highlight of the New York City Aquarium was the shark tank. I don’t know why, but men will stare at sharks for hours. It must be something primal


I’m not sure, but I’m guessing gas.
I feel bad for this freak guy.

There is nothing like hitting a baseball!!
Of course we had to have Nathan eat at Nathan’s. However, Nate chose a chicken tenders sandwich. Doesn’t seem right.

Everybody wants a monkey. There is an edge to the atmosphere in the Bronx. I noticed a definite lack of the finer sex, leading to an overall testosteroni feel. I can understand, I would hesitate before brining Sugerbuger to the Bronx.
I hate the Evil Empire, but I respect the men.
Barry who?




Play ball! Again we were faced with a one sided game, the Sox up 10 to 3 after five. But the Yankee fan is not deterred. A man two rows down started heckling the peanut vendor for having a Boston accent. Tonight we drive to Philadelphia

Day Four - 5/10/2006 Philadelphia

Onto the City of Brotherly Love, the first stop Betsy Ross’ house. The whole flag thing did not impress me much. However, she was a successful independent businesswoman in a time when most women depended on men. All three of her husbands died too young, yet she persevered.



The birthplace of a country; liberty, but at what cost. We had to pass through more security than most airports.
Would you take directions from these two??

Franklin’s house; seems a bit drafty.
Next trip, Rob has to lose the blackberry.

Phanatical about Steve Cartlon.
Nate is going to have to skip the cigar tonight.

Our bad luck continues. Another lopsided game; Mets up 12 to 2 after five. We stay to the end anyway because this is a beautiful stadium and we have great seats. Tonight we drive to Baltimore.

Day Five - 5/11/2006 Baltimore

Another day, another city. Nate started his day with an email to Sugarbuger. Then we headed down to the waterfront. We took the three boat tour, a former Coast Guard boat, a submarine and a tall ship.



Another bunny sighting.


In the Navy!!

Really, just five more minutes.

Late afternoon the rains came and by dinner we learned that the game had been cancelled. Well, at least it was not a blow out; it was a rain out. After watching Rowand’s close encounter with the centerfield fence 99 times at ESPN Zone, we called it an early night. We needed it, the road is getting a little weary.




No Camden Yards, we will have to see it on another trip.