Boston Solo Trip

Sep 14 - Sep 17 2024

#boston #solotrip #harvard #cambridge #clampasta

This was my very first solo trip. I’ve explored other cities alone while visiting friends or family, and I’ve flown by myself countless times. But this was my first time being completely on my own, by choice, for the entirety of a trip.

A mix of reasons led me here—a quarter-life crisis, credit card points, a recent breakup, a need for change, and a desire to see something new. As I approach 25, feeling a little lost and confused, I figured getting away for a bit might help.

It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time. I’m usually so careful with my choices, often to a fault. Even though I planned this trip for a whole month, I still consider it pushing myself out of my comfort zone, embracing new experiences, and adding a touch of spontaneity to my life.

I ended up doing things I wouldn’t normally do. Spending so much time alone, though daunting, gave me the space to process my thoughts, reflect deeply, and distance myself from my daily routine. It’s like spending time with yourself while simultaneously getting a break from yourself.

I arrived in Cambridge late in the afternoon, famished after a day of planes, trains, and automobiles (literally, ugh, I wish SB had better travel infrastructure). My first stop was food. I headed to Bosso Ramen in Harvard Square, recommended by my sister’s friend at MIT. The ramen and hand roll, paired with a yuzu sake, were amazing—I devoured everything in minutes. I rarely finish a bowl of ramen, but this one was perfectly balanced—umami, fatty, light, salty, and meaty. After exploring Harvard Square for a bit, I returned to my Airbnb and called it a night.

Bosso Ramen

On my second day, I started with a yoga class at Down Under Yoga in Harvard Square. It was great, though I was a bit uncomfortable with only a couple of inches between me and the person next to me. Still, it was a refreshing way to begin my Sunday after the previous day’s travel.

That afternoon, I explored Newbury Street in Back Bay, lined with both high-end and more casual stores, from Chanel to Uniqlo. Not in the mood to shop, I opted for an early dinner at Saltie Girl, a place I had researched. Sitting at the bar next to another solo traveler, I originally planned to order a lobster roll but couldn’t resist the clam pasta on the menu.

Saltie Girl - Linguini alle Vongole Con Pesto

When I tell you this pasta almost made me cry… it was one of the best dishes I’ve had in a long time. I savored every bite, not even looking at my food, just completely immersed in the flavors. With a full belly, I wandered the city for a while before heading back to the Airbnb.

The third morning, I checked out the Freedom Trail, Quincy Market, and some other touristy spots downtown, but they didn’t really captivate me. As I walked toward the harbor, I suddenly felt the urge to get on a ferry. I boarded a commuter ferry to Hingham, where I met a woman who shared some local insights. She even offered to take me to see the Old Ship Meeting House, a church built in the 1600s. The church was small but beautiful, rich in history. I was proud of myself for spontaneously veering off my itinerary, discovering something I would’ve missed otherwise.

The Old Ship Meeting House

After the church visit, I took an Uber back to the harbor and caught the next ferry to the city. I visited the aquarium, which was cool but not the most impressive one I’ve seen, had some Thai food, and returned to the Airbnb.

That evening, I had a lovely chat with my Airbnb host, Ruma, a truly joyful and pleasant person. She shared stories of her trip to Korea and how much she loved it. Later, I grabbed a drink at a local bar, Brick and Mortar, found a seat at the bar, and read for a couple of hours. The book, Dopamine Nation, explores addiction and the balance between pain and pleasure. I got really into it and couldn’t put it down. It felt liberating to focus on something other than the breakup for a little bit.

Mixed drink with Mezcal from Brick & Mortar

And that wraps up my first solo trip to Boston. Though I was timid at first, once I got used to the city layout and the train system, I found myself thinking I’d move there in a heartbeat. It’s a city of deep history, culture, and so much knowledge. The brightest minds come here to learn and grow. I’d love to meet people in this city, inspired by their drive and ambition.