Meet you at the New England Aquarium!

With the weekend's focus on Boston, it reminded me of the trip that my son and I made to that historic city about twenty years ago in the good 'ol summertime. Jer and I were traveling from central NY, Janet was driving from NJ [+1 kid] and Patt was vacationing from Arizona [+3 kids]in the city of Boston. Three women[teachers and college sorority sisters] and 5 kids on a 4 day vacation set to begin by meeting in Boston. [And this was before the days when everyone had a cell phone in their possession!] Having a severe case of 'map avoidance' and compounded by my advanced degree in 'Phobically Directionally Challenged', I asked a local friend who had already been to Boston many times to suggest a place that the three traveling friends could meet relatively easily.

"Meet at the New England Aquarium. It's a great way to start the fun, there are billboards everywhere on the highways with directions, and there's no way that you won't be able to find it."

Alrighty then! That became the plan!

The car had a full tank of gas, mother and son had a cooler with our favorite snacks, and the radio was providing the music/entertainment. Yahoo!! Ahhh...all was well! The thruway part of the trip was a piece of cake, but once that ended..the ride became more of a ...'Better hang on...I think it's going to be a bumpy ride!' Needless to say, it was a totally different experience.

I hate maps.

Let me say that again...I hate maps. They are lines and numbers and words that require logic...which is not my strong suit. Give me directions verbally...one step at a time...possibly with visuals helps like...'Turn right at Krispy Kreme Donut Store' ...and I will write them down and follow them with no problem. And I will remember the familiarity for future trips once I've been there.

So when the sign said...'Here's Boston', you would think that the sigh of relief said it all.

However, it is when the aggravation really began.
I saw NO signs advertising 'The New England Aquarium..Take exit 7' or something like that.

I had to ask directions seven times...that was 7 times!

I asked at the toll booth. And remembered the first 2 steps.

I got off of the highway and went into a Ramada Inn to ask the local folks for assistance. They told me to go 'through the tunnel'...through the same tunnel that I just came through?? Yes.

Back through the tunnel...in the traffic...and I mean traffic.

"Do you know the way to.... to the New England Aquarium?"

The last person I asked was a taxicab driver, and I was very close to just getting out of the car and handing over the keys!! I was late arriving at the 'easy to find New England Aquarium'. I finally connected with my friends, neither of whom could begin to understand how it was difficult for me. That would be because maps are no problem-o [!!] for them.

'It's easy! What was the problem??'

I was thinking, "Step back...and no one will get hurt!!"

Well, the party of eight actually had a good time. We explored the Boston Common, Paul Revere's church, and took a boat ride out of the harbor. The best part, in my opinion, was a trolley ride that made about nine stops at historic places. The driver was a history teacher , on summer break, who gave spirited and mesmerizing accounts of all that we saw. It was obvious that he loved what he was doing! And the learning was fun!!

The next trip that we took together was to the Grand Canyon, and, thankfully, the pilot had his own navigator and so getting there was stress free for me!!

Hallelujah!!